Degrees In Business Blog

It is important for military personnel to understand the options and opportunities they have had made available to them in the recent months due to the new GI bill. There are numerous advantages that veterans and their spouses will benefit from when they decide to better themselves and go to college.

History of the GI Bill

In 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt passed the first GI Bill. Students were given five hundred dollars per school year to cover tuition, provided they had prior military service.

The theory behind the original Montgomery GI Bill was that military veterans would be able to re-establish and connect themselves with society after coming back to the US and experiencing troubled times. Throughout the years, however, the GI Bill became an incentive for military recruitment and individuals looking to attend college but may not have the financial means to do so. Now, many individuals join the military to receive the GI Bill benefits; however, many people that still join the military are unaware of the actual benefits provided by the GI Bill.

The “Post 9/11 GI Bill,” effective August 1, 2009, provides the greatest amount benefits for military personnel that they have received since the original GI Bill of 1944. It is far more substantial than the original benefits of the GI Bill of 1944.

How Do I Apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

The Department of Veteran Affairs is not accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill as of now applications should be available soon. The progress of the GI Bill can be found and tracked through www.gibill.va.gov. College attendance taken after July 31, 2009 will gain the benefits of the bill. Application for the fall FAFSA has already started, so the Post 9/11 GI Bill should be following soon.

Am I Eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

You will be eligible for parts of the benefits of the GI Bill after you have completed consecutive service for 90 days since September 11, 2001. Furthermore, the more service accrued in that time span, the more benefits that become available to each individual. Full benefits become available after three years of service, or if you were discharged due to a service-related disability.

The Montgomery GI Bill is separate from the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Hence, it is not required for a veteran to qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill in order to receive the benefits of the new GI Bill.

What Benefits Does the 9/11 GI Bill Offer?

The GI Bill will provide up to 100% of your tuition costs, dependent on the college attended. It also grants $1,000/year for books and supplies. Students must attend school full time, or the benefits will be lowered based upon units taken.

These benefits vary state-to-state but this is a rough estimate of the benefits depending on the service completed since 2001:

100% for 3 years;

100% for 30 days with discharge;

90% for two-and-a-half years;

80% for 2 years;

70% for one-and-a-half years;

60% for a year;

50% for half a year;

and 40% for 90 days.

In terms of housing, a stipend is available for full-time students that attend a college, both online or a traditional campus environment, in which online education and campus education are intermingled. Students that participate strictly in distance learning education do not qualify for the housing stipend. Housing varies by zipcodes (to address the needs of higher cost areas) but averages at $1,200/month.

Can My Dependents Benefit from the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

Absolutely! Military veterans that have served a minimum of six years and agree to serve for another four years may give up half of their benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill to dependents like their children or their spouse.

What are the Differences Between the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill?

As part of the goal to further educate America, the Post 9/11 GI Bill offers greater benefits, easier qualifications, and free applications. It extends its benefits reach beyond the cost of tuition and into the expenses of books, supplies, and housing. This bill is meant to serve the future for generations and to correctly award our military personnel for their difficult years of service.