FAQ
- Why should I pursue higher education?
- How will my experience in the Armed Forces help me in my pursuit of higher education?
- What are institutions of higher education doing to help service members and veterans ease the transition into civilian life?
- What benefits does the Post-9/11 GI Bill offer?
- Who is eligible for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
- How are benefits tied to active-duty time?
- Tuition and fees at the institution of my choice exceed standard Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Am I entitled to additional benefits?
- Can benefits be transferred to dependents under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
- Which educational institutions are covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
- Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill render the Montgomery GI Bill obsolete?
- How do I apply for benefits?
- Can Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits be credited toward student loans?
- Is there a time limit for enrollment in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program?
- Can I switch back and forth between Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit programs?
- I have a service-related disability. Should I use the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation?
Why should I pursue higher education?
Higher education is an investment that results in a lifetime of dividends. It can open doors of opportunity, both financially and personally, for you and your family.
Specifically, higher education offers the following benefits:
Learn more in the Why Higher Education section.
How will my experience in the Armed Forces help me in my pursuit of higher education?
Service members and veterans have a range of skills and experiences that make them appealing candidates for admission. Among these attributes are leadership, teamwork, respect and integrity. In addition, their experiences and the job functions they performed on active-duty are often transferable to majors and careers. You can explore these transferable skills within Military.com’s interactive database. For information on turning your military training and experience into college credit, review this Transfer Guide.
What are institutions of higher education doing to help service members and veterans ease the transition into civilian life?
Postsecondary institutions are working hard to welcome service members and veterans. In fact, 57 percent of institutions surveyed by the American Council on Education and Lumina Foundation for Education currently provide special programs and services. Among them:
- The most frequently cited services were financial aid counseling (57%), employment assistance (49%) and academic advising (48%).
- More than 70 percent of public four-year institutions and 40 percent of public two-year institutions offer counseling to students with posttraumatic stress disorder or depression.
- Thirty-two percent of have clubs or other organizations for these students.
What benefits does the Post-9/11 GI Bill offer?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 100 percent of tuition and fees at any accredited, degree-granting institution of higher learning, a monthly housing stipend, up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies, and the option to transfer benefits to one or more dependents. Service members residing in counties with six people or fewer per square mile may also qualify for a one-time relocation payment of $500.
Who is eligible for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
Service members on active duty for 90 or more days since September 10, 2001, including current and previously activated National Guard and Reserve members, are eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Veterans must have received an honorable discharge.
How are benefits tied to active-duty time?
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are based on creditable active duty service since September 10, 2001:
- 100% benefit eligibility – 36 or more total months, or 30 or more consecutive days with disability-related discharge
- 90% – 30 total months
- 80% – 24 total months
- 70% – 18 total months
- 60% – 12 total months
- 50% – six total months
- 40% – 90 or more days
Visit the Calculate Benefits section to learn more.
Tuition and fees at the institution of my choice exceed standard Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Am I entitled to additional benefits?
Yes, if tuition and fees exceed Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, then one may take advantage of the Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program. Schools that enter into the Yellow Ribbon Program agree to fund up to 50 percent of additional costs. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs then matches every dollar the school pays, up to the total amount of tuition and fees.
Can benefits be transferred to dependents under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
Service members who have served at least six years in the Armed Forces and who agree to an additional four-year commitment (except veterans who are retirement-eligible) can transfer unused benefits to a spouse or other dependent. The Department of Defense must approve all benefit transfers.
Which educational institutions are covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers all degree and certificate programs offered by institutions of higher education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also covers tutorial assistance, work-study programs and distance learning.
Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill render the Montgomery GI Bill obsolete?
No, service members and veterans may continue to receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, and some will find that it better serves their needs than the new bill. In fact, the Post-9/11 GI Bill increases benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill by 20 percent. Benefits under each bill can be compared using the GI Bill calculator.
How do I apply for benefits?
Service members and veterans can enroll for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Web site: http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
Can Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits be credited toward student loans?
No, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits cannot be credited toward student loans.
Is there a time limit for enrollment in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program?
Yes, eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expires 15 years from the latest date of discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.
Can I switch back and forth between Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit programs?
No, once one has switched to the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, he or she is no longer eligible for benefits under other GI Bill programs.
I have a service-related disability. Should I use the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation?
If you are eligible for benefits under both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation, then you should consult a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, who can determine which program is most beneficial, given your circumstances.