The Post 9/11 GI Bill is a versatile education benefit given to Veterans by the U.S. Government through the VA. While the Post 9/11 GI Bill is the most common form of a GI Bill, many Veterans have many questions about how they can use it and what benefits it provides. In order to clear up any confusion, we compiled some common questions and answered them!
Am I Eligible To Receive The Post 9/11 GI Bill?
The requirements for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are pretty straightforward:
- You can receive benefits if you served at least 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001.
- You can also receive benefits if you were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability or injury. You must have served for at least 30 continuous days following September 10, 2001.
What Exactly Does The Post 9/11 GI Bill Provide?
Tuition and fees:
The Post 9/11 GI Bill pays for Tuition and Fees for whichever school you attend. Payments are made to the school directly, saving you time and effort!
Monthly Housing Allowance
It also gives you a Monthly Housing Allowance equal to one of three possibilities:
- The government gives you a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) equal to the zip code of the school you plan on going to. The payment is equal to a military E-5 with dependents for students pursuing resident training.
- OR: One-half the BAH national average for students training solely by distance learning (online classes).
- OR: The national average BAH for students pursuing training at foreign schools. This only applies if you attend a school outside of the U.S.
- A Book and Supplies budget of up to $1,000.
How Do I Apply For My Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits?
You can apply online here, or you can apply in person at your regional VA office. Find the regional VA office near you. You can also call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET), to request an application for you to fill out. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that’s in the same location as your school. See a list of regional claims processing offices.
How Much Of My Tuition Will Be Covered By The Post 9/11 GI Bill?
The amount of tuition that will be covered depends on the amount of time you served in the military.
How Long Will My GI Bill Last?
You may receive up to 36 months (8 semesters) of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- If you were released from active duty before January 1, 2013, your GI Bill will expire after 15 years.
- If you were discharged after January 1, 2013, your GI Bill benefits never expire.
Can I Use My GI Bill For Training Costs?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill allows Veterans to use its benefits to explore training opportunities. Some of these opportunities include correspondence training, cooperative training, entrepreneurship training, flight training, licensing and certification reimbursement, vocational/technical training, non-college degree programs, national testing reimbursement, on-the-job training, tutorial assistance, vocational/technical training, and more.
Can I Transfer My Post 9/11 GI Bill To My Spouse Or Children?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill allows you to transfer all or part of your benefits to your spouse and children. Look for VetCV’s new blog on how to learn how to transfer your Post 9/11 GI Bill to your spouse or children!
How Is The Post 9/11 GI Bill Different From The Montgomery GI Bill?
The Montgomery GI Bill was passed in 1944. This Bill provided education benefits like the Post 9/11 GI Bill. However, the Montgomery GI Bill’s benefits are not as extensive as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, and its eligibility requirements are more complicated. The Post 9/11 GI Bill replaced the Montgomery GI Bill in 2008.