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Post-9-11 GI Bill Offers Outstanding Benefits For Service Members and Families
By Natasha Bright

The new Post-9/11 GI Bill became effective August 1, 2009, and is considered the greatest expansion of benefits for veterans since the first GI Bill was passed after World War II. It brings greater financial assistance for veteran education, the potential for a monthly housing stipend, additional cash for pricier schools, and even the potential to transfer benefits to family members. Eligibility begins with just 90 days of service, and quickly reaches 100% of benefit after 36 months of active duty. At Education Connection, we stand ready to assist you in learning more about the GI Bill education benefits to help you maximize their use for you and your family.

Eligibility: Military members who served on active duty on or after September 10, 2009 for at least 90 aggregate days are eligible for 40% of the benefit (the minimum amount), and those who served 36 cumulative months will receive 100% of the benefit (the maximum amount). All others are somewhere in between, with one notable exception. Veterans who served at least 30 continuous days on active duty, and who were discharged due to a service-connected disability, receive 100% of the benefit.

Coverage: The new Post-9/11 GI Bill provides money for tuition and fees capped at the highest in-state tuition rate for the state in which the school is located. It also provides an annual book and supply stipend for most veterans up to $1,000.

Special Provisions: If you intend to study at a school where the tuition rate is higher than the highest in-state rate, you may be eligible for additional funding under the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP). To qualify, colleges must participate in the YRP and the veteran must apply for the special benefit. You may also be eligible for a one-time relocation allowance of $500 if you are relocating from a rural area to attend school.

Monthly Housing Stipend: Eligible veterans will receive a monthly stipend equal to the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the zip code in which the school is located. To be eligible, the veteran must study on a more-than-half-time basis, and the program must include some level of in-residence study (100% online school programs are not eligible).

Transferability: Probably one of the most exciting and innovative elements is the potential to transfer benefits to GI Bill dependents, both spouses and children. The Department of Defense is authorized to allow individuals who, on or after August 1, 2009, have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to a spouse. Once members have reached their 10 year anniversary they may choose to transfer the benefit to any dependents (spouse, children).

Are you ready to begin taking advantage of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill? At Education Connection, we realize the rules for eligibility for a GI Bill education with the various components in the new bill can be confusing. But we're ready to help. Visit our Finance Center to learn more about the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as other benefits to which you may be entitled. With some solid planning, you may be able to finance not just your own education, but transfer Military scholarship benefits to your spouse and children, as well. Visit us or give us a call today to realize your veteran education possibilities!

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