Frequently Asked Questions

I was discharged from the Army in 2004. Unfortunately, due to a lot going on in my life, I have not been able to use my Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 benefits. I have heard about the “Forever GI Bill,” though. What is that?

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, named for the American Legion national commander who was a key figure behind passage of the original GI Bill, is known as the “Forever GI Bill.” The legislation eliminates the time limit of 15 years for post-9/11 beneficiaries. To receive this extension, you must have been discharged on or after Jan. 1, 2013. Since you were discharged in 2004, you do not qualify; you have until 2019 to use your benefits.

I am enrolled in a community college and using my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Unfortunately, I had a rough time last semester due to an illness, so I received a C in my chemistry class. If I am using my GI Bill benefits, is it possible to repeat the course?

According to VA, if you receive a passing grade and the course is successfully completed according to your school, VA will not pay for you to repeat the course. For example, if you are required to get a B in chemistry, you may repeat the course. But if you choose to repeat the course just to bring up your grade, VA will not pay for it.

I am attending a private school and receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 benefits. Unfortunately, my work schedule has changed and I am not able to attend college in resident. Is it possible to attend online only? And if so, will I receive the same monthly housing allowance since I will be attending the same school?

If you attend online exclusively (no classroom instruction), your housing allowance will change to the national average. The 2017-2018 allowance is $840.50 per month. If you take one credit as a resident and the remaining classes online, your housing allowance remains the same. Remember, if your semester starts in August your first check will be in September, since VA pays at the beginning of each month for the previous month.

I will be using my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at a community college during the fall semester. I received a letter from VA telling me I will receive three-quarters housing allowance until Oct. 20, after which I will receive full-time housing allowance. I am confused, as my adviser stated I was enrolled full time. Can you help?

VA calculates full time within a semester a bit differently. According to VA, if you are enrolled full time in all classes – depending on your semester, 10 to 13 or 15 to 19 weeks – and the classes start at the same time, you are full time. However, if you have an eight-week class, you will not be full-time for the entire semester.

For example:

Aug. 24 to Dec. 17, 2017 – nine credits

Oct. 20 to Dec. 17, 2017 – three credits

By the above example, you will not be considered full time until Oct. 20. Your school may consider you full time for the semester, but VA requires you to be in attendance for the time enrolled.

I am in the Army Reserve and have a 2-year-old daughter. How long do I have to serve in the Selected Reserve to be able to transfer my educational benefits to her?

To transfer your benefits to your daughter, you must have at least six years of service in the armed forces – active duty or Selected Reserve – and agree to serve four additional years from the date of election, or you must have 10 years of service on the date of approval, be precluded by standard policy or statute from committing to four additional years, and agree to serve for the maximum amount of time. Remember, all transfer requests are submitted and approved while you are in the armed forces.

You can transfer up to 36 months of unused educational benefits to your daughter as long as you do so before you separate or retire from the military.

I am a full-time student attending college and receiving Chapter 35 benefits. My father is 100 percent disabled. I recently received a letter notifying me that I was awarded the Koss Scholarship. I did not apply for it and am wondering if I will receive a check.

Vietnam War veteran Ronald W. Koss bequeathed a generous amount of money to VA to provide educational funds for veterans’ children. The Ronald William Koss Endowment Fund, or the Koss Scholarship, is named in recognition of his contribution. VA has gifted this to recipients of Chapter 35 education benefits. To receive the scholarship, you had to be enrolled in college during March and April 2017.

The funds replace VA benefits outlays for that period of time. You will not receive any extra money or payments from VA, or earn any additional entitlement, and your entitlement charge will remain the same. This scholarship will be awarded only once.

I qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and am enrolled at a private university, for which there is a yearly tuition cap. Will I still receive my monthly housing allowance?

VA will pay a private or foreign school lesser of the actual net cost for tuition and fees after any waiver, scholarship, aid or assistance provided directly to the institution and specifically designated for defraying tuition and fees, up to $21,970.46 for the academic year Aug. 1, 2016, through July 31, 2017. Ask your school if it participates in the Yellow Ribbon program to help with any extra tuition and fees once you have met that yearly cap. If you meet the tuition cap, the school will still certify you for your benefits to receive your monthly housing allowance.

I am currently serving in the Army Reserve and qualify for Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve. I have heard of a program that may help pay my student loans, the National Call to Service. How do I qualify for this program?

The National Call to Service offers many benefits, such as repayment of student loans up to $18,000, a cash bonus of $5,000, or entitlement to an allowance equal to the three-year monthly Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty rate for 12 months. To qualify, there is a three-tiered service requirement: after completion of initial entry training you must serve in a military occupational specialty, you must serve an additional period of active duty, and the remaining period of obligated service must be served in on active duty, in the Selected Reserve or in AmeriCorps. This is a Department of Defense program administered by VA.

I am serving in the Army Reserve and have decided to go back to school. Can I receive federal tuition assistance and Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) benefits for the same class?

If you are receiving federal tuition assistance, you will not be able to use that and Chapter 1606 for the same class. It is a good idea to compare your benefits before you decide which you should use.

To be eligible for Chapter 1606, you must currently be active in the reserves and have signed up for a six-year enlistment. The rates will vary depending on full time, three-quarters time or half time. VA will issue a monthly check; in turn, you must pay your tuition.

To be eligible for federal tuition assistance, you must be on active drill status and have signed up for six years. DoD will pay up to $250 for each semester hour.

Visit your service’s local education office to learn more about either option.

I am currently receiving my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits as a full-time student at a barber college. I have been looking for a part-time job while attending school. I recently heard about the VA Work-Study program. Do I qualify to participate in this program?

The VA Work-Study Allowance program is available to persons training on a full-time or three-quarters-time basis. You will earn an hourly wage equal to the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is greater. However, the services you may perform under a VA work-study program must be related to VA work, including:

Preparation and processing of necessary papers or other documents at educational institutions.

Any activity at a VA facility.

DoD or state veterans agency related to providing assistance to veterans in obtaining any benefit under Title 38, U.S. Code.

Any veterans-related position in an institution of higher learning.

To obtain information concerning the work-study program, contact your school or VA.

I retired from the Army in December 2008. While I was out-processing, I was advised by the education counselor to choose Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, since I might be able to transfer them to my dependents. My daughter graduated from high school and is attending a community college. I tried to transfer my education benefits to her, but was told by VA that she did not qualify since I retired before August 2009. Had I known, I would have stayed active for another eight months. Is there any exception to this rule?

Any member of the armed forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after Aug. 1, 2009, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and has at least six years of service and agrees to serve four additional years, or has at least 10 years of service, may transfer benefits to their dependents. However, transfer requests must be submitted and approved while on active duty. If you do not meet the criteria, you are unable to transfer your benefits. As of now, there have been no exceptions.

However, there are several organizations that offer scholarships, such as the Military Child Education Coalition and Our Military Kids.

I have been attending a school that is accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). I have heard if I attend a school accredited by ACICS, I may not be able to use my Chapter 33 GI Bill benefits. Please let me know if that is true.

GI Bill benefits may only be used at higher education institutions that are accredited by federally recognized accreditors. ACICS recognition as a nationally accredited agency has been terminated by the Department of Education because of scrutiny for allegedly failing to provide consumer protection measures. The recent legislation will allow a veteran to continue GI Bill benefits up to 18 months while your school seeks alternate accreditation or program approval. You may want to re-evaluate your educational goals and decide either that your current school and program will meet your need for the next 18 months or that you may want to consider other options, courses and/or schools.

I am currently enrolled in a calculus class. I am not doing well in the class and may receive an F. What happens to my Post-9/11 GI Bill? I have heard if I stay in the class and receive an F, VA will not ask for any money back. Is that true? What happens if I decide to drop the class?

Yes, VA will pay for an “F” grade, which is a punitive grade. It is a grade assigned for pursuit of a course which is used in determining the student’s overall progress toward completion of the school’s requirements for graduation. If you drop the class, you will probably receive a “W”, withdraw, a non-punitive grade which is a grade that doesn’t count as earned credit and isn’t considered in progress standards for graduation. When you receive a non-punitive grade, VA may request money back for tuition and housing allowance. Make sure you ask your school about their punitive and non-punitive grade policies.

I was recently discharged from the Coast Guard and have been hired by my local police department. I have heard I may be able to receive my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits while being employed at the police department. Can you explain how this works?

Apprenticeship/on-the-job training (OJT) is where you will learn a trade or skill. You will generally enter into a training contract for a specific time with the employer or union; at the end of the training period you will receive a job certification or journeyman. In most instances you will receive a salary from your employer while you are training. As you progress through the training, your skill level increases and so does your salary. Listed below is how Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits will be paid while learning this trade or skill.

1. You will receive 100 percent of your applicable Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) during the first 6 months of training

2. You will receive 80 percent of your applicable MHA during the second 6 months of training

3. You will receive 60 percent of your applicable MHA during the third 6 months of training

4. You will receive 40 percent of your applicable MHA during the fourth 6 months of training

5. You will receive 20 percent of your applicable MHA during the remainder of the training

You will also receive up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

I am currently enrolled in college and will be using my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit, Chapter 33. I have been waiting for four weeks and still have not received a payment. Who do I contact to find out about my Chapter 33 payments?

There are many things that may affect when you receive your Chapter 33 payments. The first step is to contact your school certifying official to see if your enrollment was submitted to VA for processing to begin. If it's the first time you are using benefits, it will take longer to process your payment than if you are re-enrolling. In general, it may take about a month to process a first-time claim, and about a week for a re-enrollment. If VA needs to verify your service, remarks from your certifying official on your enrollment are a couple of examples of things that can make processing longer. Processing times are longer in the fall than during other terms due to the volume of claims VA receives. Remember: monthly stipend is always paid “in arrears,” meaning your payment will be sent after the month has been completed.

I was recently discharged from the Army. I have heard a lot about Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill, but I am not sure what my next steps are regarding my GI Bill. Is there a program that can help me decide what career path to follow? Should I attend school, OJT (On the Job Training) or a flight school?

VA has a program that will provide personalized counseling and support to help guide you with your career path. This program is called “VA’s Education and Career Counseling.” To be eligible, you must be within a year from discharge or currently eligible for VA educational benefits. It is easy to apply for this personalized support, whether it is academic or adjustment counseling.

Just follow these steps:

Log in to your eBenefits account at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov
Select "Apply"
Select "Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits"
Apply for "Educational and Career Counseling"

If it is determined that you are eligible, you will be invited to attend an orientation session at the nearest VA

I am an Army veteran and was just discharged in June 2015. I am currently attending a community college and have been using the Montgomery GI Bill benefit. Just recently the tuition went up, putting me in a financial hardship. So I have decided to switch to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. VA just informed me that I am not eligible to switch my benefits. They claim that if you choose the Montgomery GI Bill you are not allowed to switch your benefits to Post-9/11. Is this true?

If you have a single qualifying active-duty service period any time between Aug. 1, 2009 and July 31, 2011, you may be eligible to use that one period of active duty to qualify you for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and another GI Bill benefit.

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-377) changed this effective Aug. 1, 2011, adding the requirement that you would need at least two periods of qualifying active duty to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and another GI Bill benefit.

If you first entered active duty after Aug. 1, 2011, you need at least 2 periods of qualifying active-duty service to qualify for this additional benefit.

For example:

1. You had one period of active duty from Nov. 10, 2005 - Nov. 9, 2009 and received an honorable discharge

2. You also used 36 months of Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB)

In this case, you would be eligible for up to an additional 12 months of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

However, if you initially entered active duty on or after Aug. 1, 2011, you would need to complete at least 2 periods of active duty with honorable discharges to be eligible for this additional benefit.

I was discharged two years ago from the U.S. Navy. I have to admit that when I was discharged, I did not understand all my benefits. I just wanted to go home. Is there a website that will help me apply for certain benefits?

The best website to help you understand and apply for your benefits, whether it is education, vocational rehabilitation, certificate for a home loan or VA payment history, is eBenefits (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal). Since you are the veteran, apply for the premium account. Family members should apply for the basic account.

I am an unemployed Army veteran and heard there may be a program to assist me in education. Do you have any information?

Included in the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed veterans, to be rolled out by VA and the Department of Labor on July 1. VRAP will provide retraining for the veterans hardest hit by the struggling economy.

VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to unemployed veterans. To qualify, a veteran must be at least 35 but no older than 60; be unemployed, with special consideration given to those unemployed for more than 26 weeks; have an other than dishonorable discharge; be ineligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g., the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance); not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability; and not be enrolled in a federal or state job-training program.

The program is limited to 45,000 participants during fiscal 2012, and to 54,000 participants from Oct. 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance at the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). Applications will be submitted through DoL, and benefits paid by VA. DoL will provide employment assistance to every veteran who completes the program.

Participants must be enrolled in a VA-approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an associate degree, non-college degree or certification, and train the veteran for a high-demand occupation.

I am a retired Army reservist who transferred my GI Bill benefits to my daughter. I did two years of active-duty time after 9/11, plus a tour in Iraq. I also served on active duty during Vietnam, and after getting out in 1972, I used the GI Bill available at the time. VA told me that I can use only one GI Bill in a lifetime and that I’m entitled to only three months under the new one, completing a maximum entitlement of 48 months. Is VA correct, or is this a decision I can appeal?

Unfortunately, the law states that a veteran may receive a maximum of 48 months of full-time entitlement. So if you transferred your GI Bill benefits to your daughter and have used 45 months of entitlement, then she would receive only three months of education benefits.

I am in college and am wondering why my check was short between summer and fall term.

Recent changes to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act eliminates break pay between terms. This means that your GI Bill will only pay when school is in session. Monthly benefits will be prorated accordingly, and the remainder of the entitlement previously offered for break pay will be distributed only during a time of future enrollment.

I transferred my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to my son and daughter. She has been attending college and has two more months of entitlement. My son, however, does not want to attend college. Can I transfer the benefits I gave him to my daughter?

After Post-9/11 entitlement has been transferred to your children or spouse, you may increase, decrease or revoke the transfer at any time.

I am currently on active duty and will be retiring in December. I have a son who is 16 and a daughter who is 14. How do I transfer my benefits to them? And since I am not sure what institution(s) they will attend, is it possible to transfer my benefits?

Since you are still in the military, use the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) Web site to designate, modify and revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) request. After leaving the military, you may provide a future effective date for use of the TOE, modify the number of months transferred, or revoke entitlement transferred by submitting a written request to the Department of Veterans Affairs. After separating from the military, you cannot designate new dependents to receive transferred entitlement, or amend the effective date of the initial transfer of entitlement to an earlier date.

Will I be able to receive federal financial aid when I enroll in college?

Veterans education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid (the question has been removed from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, form). Every state/school sets its own policies for determining how veterans education benefits affect state and local aid. I strongly encourage all veterans to apply for federal financial aid, because many qualify for additional educational funds such as Pell Grants.

I am in school, and have been for a year now. I’m wondering if I could get my GI Bill extended if I am actively enrolled. I currently receive the Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30. I have asked, and get conflicting responses.

Unfortunately, VA usually will only extend a GI Bill delimiting date in three specific situations:

If you were recalled to active duty, in which case your delimiting date would be reset to your latest separation date.
If you were detained by a foreign power.
If you were somehow prevented from attending school because of a temporary disability - you were in a car accident, had an unexpected job relocation, or were the care provider for a critically ill family member.

In the last two cases, supporting documentation is required, and the last case is extremely difficult to prove.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) has a 10-year delimitation date (10 years from your date of discharge), and by law VA can't continue paying you past that date, which is different from just running out of entitlement. In the case of running out, VA can pay you until the end of the semester or for up to 12 weeks, whichever is shorter.

Another option would be to switch to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, if you are eligible for it, as it has a 15-year delimitation date. If you are not eligible for the new GI Bill or don't fall into one of the above categories, then you are most likely out of options.

When I enlisted in the military, I was promised the Army College Fund. With the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, will I still receive that extra benefit?

Yes, individuals eligible for a kicker will remain eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If eligible, you will be paid the kicker each month as an increase to your housing stipend. However, you will not receive your monthly kicker payment if you are on active duty, a veteran training at half time or less, or if you are pursuing distance learning.

Under the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, what are the changes concerning tuition and fees paid to private schools?

Under current regulations, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay up to the most expensive in-state tuition and fees at a public institution of higher learning in the veteran's state, but he or she can still attend any approved school. When the benefit level does not cover the established charges, VA and the educational institution may enter into an agreement to cover unmet expenses under the Yellow Ribbon Program. Effective Oct. 1, 2011, students attending private schools are limited to $17,500 in annual tuition and fee reimbursement.

Those paying out-of-state tuition at public schools will be limited to the resident charges for the program in which they're enrolled. In both cases, any charges above and beyond may be covered by the Yellow Ribbon Program. For example, a veteran wants to attend a school with tuition and fees of $15,000, which exceeds the cost of in-state tuition and fees at the most expensive public institution of higher learning in that veteran's state ($10,000). Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the school and VA may enter into an agreement to cover the additional $5,000. In this instance, if a written agreement is made between VA and the school, the school would cover $2,500 of the charges, and VA will match that figure.

I want to attend a non-degree-granting college. Can I use my GI Bill benefits to cover it?

Effective Oct. 1, 2011, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33, allows students to attend non-college degree (NCD) programs, on-the-job and apprenticeship training, flight programs and correspondence training.

I have heard about the Pat Tillman Foundation’s Tillman Military Scholarship. Who is eligible to apply?

The Tillman Military Scholars program supports active-duty servicemembers, veterans and their families by removing financial barriers to completing a degree or certification program of their choice. The scholarships cover not only direct study-related expenses such as tuition and fees, but also other needs, including housing and child care. The application period opens each spring, and a new class of Tillman Military Scholars is announced in June. More information on the application process for the 2012-2013 academic year will be available at the Pat Tillman Foundation website, www.pattillmanfoundation.org, in January.

I attended Boston University during the fall term and never received my Chapter 33 Veterans educational payment, so I decided to take the advance payment of $3,000 offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist with my college expenses.

Although VA has not given direction on how it will recoup the funds, traditionally the procedure has been to not release additional money to you until the advance has been accounted for. If you received advance pay, be aware that your monthly allowance may not come to you until the entire $3,000 has been repaid.

I am a Navy veteran and was discharged in November 1989. I reside in the state of Montana, and am wondering what educational benefits I may be entitled to receive when I enroll in college?

Unfortunately, with the GI Bill, you have 10 years from the date you were discharged to receive your veterans educational benefit, unless you have a disability. However, Montana-resident veterans are eligible for full tuition waivers at state-funded colleges and universities. Montana is not the only state that offers free or discounted education to veterans. To inquire about what benefits your state offers, go to www.gijobs.com/state-education-benefits-for-veterans.aspx.

I heard about the Fry Scholarship for children whose parents died on active duty after 9/11. What are the criteria?

Children of U.S. military personnel who have died in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, can apply for a scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009. Administered by VA, the scholarship is named for Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry, 28, a Texan who died while disarming an explosive in Iraq in 2006. He is survived by three young children. "The Fry Scholarship represents this nation's solemn commitment to care for children whose mothers and fathers paid the ultimate price for our country," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. VA began accepting applications for the Fry Scholarship on May 1.

I have a disability and was wondering if my 18-year-old daughter is eligible to receive education benefits.

The Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 35, provides education benefits for the spouse and dependent children of a veteran or servicemember who is determined to be permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes, is on active duty and likely to be discharged with a permanent and total disability, died in service, died of service-connected causes, or is currently missing in action or captured in the line of duty. This benefit may be used for the pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree, courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational schools, apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs. Benefits for correspondence courses are available to spouses only. The program provides up to 45 months of education or training.

I am a U.S. Army veteran residing in the state of Texas. I have heard about the Hazlewood Act and was wondering if you have any details about the program.

The Hazlewood Act exempts qualified veterans, spouses and children of certain disabled or deceased veterans from specific tuition and fee charges at public institutions of higher education in the state of Texas. The exemption is for a maximum of 150 credit hours and may be awarded regardless of financial need. An eligible veteran must have been a resident of Texas at enlistment and must provide official military documentation to prove eligibility for the exemption. Veterans must serve more than 180 days of active-duty service, excluding training, and discharge must be characterized as "honorable" or "general, under honorable conditions." Veterans or dependents must provide proof of eligibility or ineligibility for VA education benefits. Verification may be obtained by calling the VA Education Call Center toll-free at (888) 442-4551. For more information about the Hazlewood Act and education benefits for Texas veterans, call toll-free (800) 252-VETS (8387).

I currently attend a state university. I have been receiving the Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and was wondering if they are taxable.

No, any veterans benefit paid under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs should not be reported as income to the Internal Revenue Service. Per IRS Publication 970, "Payments you receive for education, training, or subsistence under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are tax free. Do not include these payments as income on your federal tax return."

Will online students using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits be receiving BAH benefits anytime soon?

The new rules for the Post-9/11 GI Bill that went into effect Oct. 1, under which a housing allowance is payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning. The housing allowance is equal to half the national-average basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents. The full-time rate for an individual eligible at the 100-percent eligibility tier would be $673.50 for 2011.

I am a 100-percent unemployable veteran who has retired from the Navy. I served on active duty from July 1981 until August 2005, which makes me fully eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. VA turned me down for vocational rehabilitation prior to my rating.

There are a few issues we need to look at before giving up on the vocational rehabilitation program. If you have an injury that was sustained while you were in the military, it is vital that you get a qualified representative, like an American Legion service officer, to help you with your case. Application for vocational rehabilitation can often take a great deal of time. Many documents need to be completed, and if you have any medical records to accompany the documents, that would really help your case.

To find an American Legion service officer to help you fill out an application and gather the right documents, visit the service officer directory on the Web.

In order to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you must have an honorable discharge from active duty and at least 30 continuous days of service after Sept. 10, 2001. Being turned down at one point in your application for vocational rehabilitation benefits does not disqualify you from the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

What determines how much I will receive in Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits?

Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits are based on how long an honorably discharged veteran served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. To qualify for full benefits, a veteran must have served at least three years of active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001.

The following chart shows the percentages of tuition, books and living allowances paid under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which took effect Aug. 1, 2009.

TIME ON ACTIVE DUTY / PERCENTAGE OF POSSIBLE TUITION, BOOKS AND LIVING ALLOWANCE BENEFITS:

90 consecutive days 40%

6 cumulative months 50%

12 cumulative months 60%

18 cumulative months 70%

24 cumulative months 80%

30 cumulative months 90%

36 cumulative months 100%

If I have already used part or all of my education benefits, am I still eligible to switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Yes. If you have used your education benefits, you may elect to switch from Chapter 30, (Montgomery GI Bill Р Active Duty) to Chapter 33, (Post 9/11 GI Bill). You are entitled to 36 months of benefits if you attend full time. If you attend at the half-time rate, you can receive 72 months. When you decide to switch, whatever you used under Chapter 30 will be subtracted from the Chapter 33 benefits. For instance, if you attended classes at the full-time rate and used 10 months of your Chapter 30 benefits, you will receive 26 months of Chapter 33 attending full time if you switch.

If you fall under the Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve) or Chapter 1607 (Reserve Education Assistance Program), you will also receive 36 months if you are attending full time. However, if you elect to transfer to Chapter 33, you will receive 48 months if you attend full time. Remember, if you have attended classes at the full-time rate and used 10 months of entitlement, your remaining entitlement would be 38 months if you are attending full time.

As discharge nears, what are the proper steps to enroll in college?

One of the biggest decisions you need to make is what college, university or trade school you will be attending. Begin by looking at that institute's Web site. The first thing you will need to do is complete the application form. There also may be a fee, depending on the institution. Then they will request that you send in all of your transcripts from each institution that you have attended. This includes military transcripts. All the training you completed while you were in the military may count toward your educational goals. Most universities, colleges and trades schools will accept your military credit.

After 20 years of service in the Army, I'm retiring. How do I transfer my GI Bill education benefits to my spouse or children?

When Congress passed the new GI Bill, it included an option to transfer education benefits to spouses and children. DoD wanted to entice troops to reenlist, so the transferability part of the benefits only applies to servicemembers with 10 years of active duty or a commitment to serve 10 years.

Since you were on active duty on Aug. 1, 2009 (when new GI Bill benefits commenced), and you served more than 10 years, you can transfer benefits to your spouse and children. Those who retired or were discharged before Aug. 1 are not able to transfer their GI Bill benefits to others.

Spouses will have 15 years to use any transferred education benefits; children must use their benefits before they turn 26. Servicemembers may elect to give percentages of their benefits to both spouses and children. But there is a limit on how many months of entitlement that can be given.

After 20 years with the US Marine Corps, I am going to be discharged in a few months. How do I transfer my benefits to my spouse or children?

In general, servicemembers can share Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits with their immediate families. In order to transfer the benefits, military personnel must have been actively serving Aug. 1 and have six years of service completed, with a commitment to serve four more years.

For most students, the benefits cover full tuition and fees at any two- or four-year public college or university at in-state tuition rates for undergraduate studies. Private schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program offer tuition breaks, financial aid or even free education to students attending college with the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Special rules have been approved for servicemembers eligible to retire before Aug. 1, 2012, or who have at least 10 years of service and are prevented by high-year tenure, mandatory retirement, or other personnel rules or laws from completing the four years of additional service needed to earn transfer rights.

The special rules keep retirement-eligible military personnel from delaying retirement and clogging up the ranks because they suddenly find themselves with a new benefit. Those servicemembers will not lose transfer rights because of policies outside their control.

Benefits can be shared with a spouse, one child, or several children as long as the recipient is enrolled in the military’s Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System at the time of transfer. Military personnel can transfer any or all of their unused benefits, up to the maximum of 36 months of benefits.

Basic eligibility rules require members looking to transfer benefits to have at least six years of service and a commitment for serving another four. A spouse can begin using transferred benefits before the additional four years are served, but children many not use benefits until a servicemember has completed the entire 10 years.

Anyone who retired on Aug. 1, 2009, can transfer benefits without any additional service. Additionally, no further service will be required for anyone with an approved retirement date after Aug. 1, 2009, but before July 1, 2010.

Those who become eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2009, and before Aug. 1, 2010, must serve one year after transferring benefits to their family.
Those who become eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2010, and before Aug. 1, 2011, must serve two years after transferring benefits.
Those who become eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2011, and before Aug. 1, 2012, must serve three years after transferring benefits.
Those who become eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2012, have to serve four years after transferring benefits.

I just left service. How should I prepare to use my GI Bill benefits?

Veterans can take a few important steps to prepare to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

1. Identify a major or degree plan you plan to pursue. Time-consuming indecision can be costly because the Post 9/11 GI Bill can only be used for 36 months.

2. Carefully choose the right college or university that offers the major or degree plan you wish to pursue.

3. Make sure the institution is approved to receive your GI Bill benefits. Not all are. This information can usually be found in the school catalog or by contacting the registrar’s office.

4. Once your major or degree choice is made, and a college is selected, you should complete an application for education benefits, which can be found at www.gibill.va.gov on the Web. VA will then send you a certificate of eligibility.

How am I affected by the GI Bill if I plan to attend an institution that is not a state university or state college?

The maximum amount of tuition assistance you can receive under the Post 9/11 GI Bill is equal to the tuition of the most expensive public institution in your state. If you would like to attend a private institution that is more expensive, then the institution must participate in the "Yellow Ribbon Program." The Yellow Ribbon Program will allow veterans to attend any institution, even if the tuition is higher than the maximum state tuition for that state.

For example: Matt decides he wants to attend Yale, a private university whose tuition is significantly higher than the public schools in Connecticut. If the highest in-state tuition in Connecticut is $4,000, and the tuition for Yale is $10,000, then the post 9/11 GI Bill can only pay $4,000 toward the Yale tuition. The Yellow Ribbon Program will require Yale to offer the student a scholarship for at least half of the difference, with the VA agreeing to pay the other half. In this instance, the post 9/11 GI Bill will provide $4,000, Yale will supply a $3,000 scholarship, and the VA will match the school with an additional $3,000, in order to completely pay for Matt's tuition.

The Department of Veteran Affairs will handle the process of coordinating the Yellow Ribbon Program with your private institution of choice.

How do I use VA education benefits while I am training to become a police officer or another profession with on-the-job training?

If you are a veteran, National Guard member, selected reservist or dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible to receive a monthly education benefits check from VA. On-the-Job/Apprenticeship training (OJT) is training you receive while actually performing a job and earning wages. If you decide not to attend college, you may still receive your VA benefits through your employer. OJT is wonderful for employers, as well, who may receive VA compensation for training a superior employee.

Contact VA at (888) 442-4551 to determine if you are eligible to receive OJT benefits and to receive the necessary paperwork to get started.

Next, have your employer contact your nearest State Approving Agency so that the necessary steps can be taken to approve the training program. Keep in mind that not all occupations can be approved.

Will latent PTSD qualify me for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program?

A veteran recently came into my office and was extremely agitated. He needed someone to talk to. As the tears flowed, he described how his life had recently become very difficult. He could not sleep. He had become so paranoid he set up cameras around his house in case of a break-in. Ordinary shopping trips took him several hours because he felt he had to frequently check to see if his car was stolen. His wife and three children had recently left him. He knew that he needed help, but he was afraid to ask. His college studies, understandably, were suffering. He could not concentrate in class.

I asked if he had applied for Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) benefits. He did not understand why he should apply because he was not injured in Iraq and thought he was fine since his discharge three years earlier.

VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides benefits not only to veterans who were physically injured but also for those suffering with PTSD. And sometimes, as in the case of this student veteran, PTSD takes a few years to fully develop. That's why it is important to know that a service-connected PTSD diagnosis, even years following a trauma, can make a veteran eligible for VR&E education benefits, which helps veterans with disabilities make the transition from military service to successful rehabilitation and on to suitable employment or education.

American Legion service officers can help a veteran who thinks he or she has service-connected PTSD. Service officers will assign representatives to assist with application materials and processing. The percentage of disability rating will determine the monthly rate of your allowance.

How do I transfer my educational benefits to my spouse or children?

During the debate to pass the new GI Bill, Congress realized there needed to be an incentive for servicemembers to stay on active duty and to extend their commitments rather than leave the military and head straight to college. So part of the new GI bill is offers education benefits to a spouse if the servicemember serves, or commits to serve, for at least 10 years.

That transferability is available once a service member has served six years and has re-enlisted for at least four more. Spouses will have 15 years to use the benefits.

A servicemember who wants to transfer the benefit to a child must serve at least 10 years. The child will have until the age of 26 to use the benefit. The benefit can be divided between a spouse and children, with limits on the number of months that can be transferred.

I was discharged from the Marines on Jan. 24, 1999. What can I do to extend the 10-year limit on my Montgomery GI Bill benefit?

The 10-year limit was set when Congress passed the Montgomery GI Bill in 1984. The Department of Veterans Affairs has indicated that if you have some mitigating circumstances, such as a medical illness that did not allow you to attend college for a long period, or some other serious reason you could not use your GI Bill, you may request an extension.

If you would like to file for an extension, type a very detailed letter explaining your situation and include all supporting documentation. Send the package to your nearest VA Regional Processing Center. To find one near you, visit www.gibill.va.gov on the Web.

I enlisted in 2005 for the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army College Fund. If I elect to switch my benefits to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, do I lose Army College Fund benefits?

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is based on your length of service, paying for undergraduate tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state public institution of higher education; it also pays a monthly housing allowance to a military E-5 with dependents in the same ZIP Code as your school. The GI Bill covers books and supplies with a stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

The Department of Veteran Affairs says that you may elect to switch Р on a one-time basis only Р from the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. So what you need to do is some research. Determine what institution you will be attending, find out what the cost of tuition is, and how much monthly allowance you would receive under each bill. You cannot receive the Army College Fund when using the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit. It may be in your best interest to stay with the Montgomery GI Bill benefit, along with your college fund.

Is it possible to receive financial aid while I am using my GI Bill benefits?

Attending college is like a full-time job when you are enrolled full time. You have to give yourself time for study and homework. So it is very hard to work at a job and attend classes full time. Even though you have GI Bill benefits coming, definitely apply for financial aid, too. It is based on need, according to your previous year's taxes. Complete the free application for financial aid at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Web site. Once that is complete, it will be sent to the location of your choice.

Financial aid consists of many different programs, including:

Federal Pell Grant: This grant does not have to be repaid. The maximum award for 2008-2009 is $4,731 per year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant does not have to be paid back. You can receive up to $4,000 per year.
State Grants: Each state may offer other grants to assist with your funding for college.
Teach Grant: This grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in public or private elementary/secondary schools that serve students from low-income households.
Stafford Loans or Direct Loans: A loan is something you will have to start paying back six months after you have either graduated or are no longer attending classes.
Scholarships: Online search engines can help veterans seek out and make scholarship applications. Visit the searchable "Need a Lift?" reference book at this site for options.

If, for some reason, your income was higher last year because you were on active duty, ask a counselor at your institution for an exception or special circumstances form. They may look at your income today, which may qualify you for financial aid.

I am a 53-year old construction worker, who has been laid off from work. I want to go back to school. Where do I start?

Considering today's economy, this is definitely a good time to come back to school. I know the biggest fear most students over 40 have is their age. They feel that college is for the 20-year-olds. That's just not true anymore. The average age at most colleges is creeping upward. Many have student populations that average in the mid-30s, and with the economy like it is, we are even seeing that average increase.

There are many things you can do to get back into school. First of all, if you are entitled to veterans benefits, usually the only thing you need to take to the campus veterans office are your DD-214 discharge papers. You can apply online for your VA education benefits at www.va.gov. If you have in mind the degree or certificate you are pursuing, make sure you find a college, university or trade school that offers that program.

If you are not eligible for veterans benefits, and not sure what degree you want to pursue, there is a great program that is completely free, called Veterans Upward Bound Program (www.navub.org). The program assists veterans in developing, improving and extending educational access and opportunities to eligible veterans through academic needs assessment, instruction, enrichment, and other education support activities. VUB will give you a test to find out just what skills you need to enhance your academic experience. Once you have completed the test, you will be enrolling in college prep classes.

VUB enrollment criteria include:

1. Must be a U.S. military veteran with 181 or more days of active-duty service and discharged on/after Jan. 31, 1955, under conditions other than dishonorable.

2. Qualify as low-income according to guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Education, and/or a first-generation college graduate.

3. Must demonstrate academic need.

4. Meets other local eligibility criteria as noted in the local VUB project's approved grant proposal, such as county of residence, etc.

What is contained in the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act?

Sen. James Webb, D-Va., and Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., worked as a team last spring and summer to introduce legislation that would provide educational assistance to those who'd served on active military duty on or since Sept. 11, 2001. Their main interest was to offer a GI Bill of similar value to the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, which dramatically improved the U.S. economy and educated millions after World War II. The Post 9/11 GI Bill will:

Provide "up-front" tuition vouchers directly to educational institutions veterans are attending.
Allow public -private institutions to match specific scholarships for tuition, improving veteran access to those institutions.
Deliver a monthly living stipend, based on the local cost of living, to most veterans.
Provide a book allowance of $1,000 per year.
Allow the accumulation of active-duty service periods to earn higher education benefits. Approximately 25 percent of reservists have served multiple tours. Qualifying them for the higher benefit rate.
Extend the window of time to use the benefit from 10 years to 15 after discharge or separation.
Allow active-duty personnel and veterans to transfer their GI Bill benefits to a spouse after six years of active duty, and to a child after 10 years of active duty.