THE POST-9/11 GI BILL
The Post 9/11 GI Bill has become effective on Aug. 1, 2009. This bill has a lot more comprehensive education benefits as compared to the original GI Bill, which was signed into law in 1944. This is for the military personnel, who have served after Sept. 10, 2001, for a minimum 90 days of continuous service, are eligible to avail this training program. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is also there to assist the Reserve and Guard members, who have been activated for more than 90 days since 9/11. They can also avail all the benefits just like their active-duty counterparts. As of Aug. 1, 2011, the Post 9/11 GI Bill will assist the Military personnel to pay for all the public school in-state tuition fees. The benefit amount which an individual can receive via this bill is calculated from the following: Tuition and fees payment (This should not exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition fees in any of the states).
The military service personnel will get a living stipend for an E-5 with dependents. This stipend is equal to the basic housing allowance in that ZIP code. Allowance for books and supplies ($1,000 per year) is also available to them so that they can make the most of this. However, the actual benefit amount varies depending on the individual’s length of service in Military.
Military service personnel who have served for a minimum tenure of 36 months or for at least 30 consecutive days prior to their discharge for a service-related disability, will get the maximum amount of tuition fees along with a monthly housing stipend and an annual stipend for books and other supplies. Those who have served for anything between 3 – 6 months, would receive 40 percent of the maximum benefit. These benefits are payable for up to 15 years after a member’s honorable discharge or retirement from the military service.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill, also offers the ability to share educational benefits with family members of the service members. A service member may transfer all or part of their earned benefits to spouses and children (this includes stepchildren too) in return for an additional service commitment. This is a new addition to the GI Bill. This opens up new opportunities for those in the service and their families. For examples and maximum allowances state-by-state, visit the Veterans Affairs GI, Bill.
Entering the active military after June 30, 1985
Serving continuously for three years
Contributing $100 per month for the first 12 months of active duty.
Eligibility is for those with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001 or those discharged with a service that is connected to disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The Post 9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009.
Any veteran with a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs of 20% or more is entitled to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation provides payment of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies along with a monthly stipend.
Effective July 1, 1985, members of the selected reserve of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for 36 months of training under Chapter 1606 educational assistance, to be used within ten years of the date of eligibility on the NOBE.
Children and spouses of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability are eligible for benefits under Chapter 35 of the Montgomery GI Bill. Children must be between 18 and 26 years of age. Spouses must use the benefit within ten years of becoming eligible.
For Additional Information on any of these benefits or to apply for benefits :http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/
