Eligibility

Generally speaking, veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001, for a total of 90 days – or were honorably discharged for a service-connected disability after serving at least 30 consecutive days – are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Specifically, they are eligible for the following benefits:

• Veterans who served at least 90 days active duty after September 10, 2001
  • Those who served at least 36 months active duty are entitled to the maximum benefit.
  • Those who served less time are eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit, based on length of service. The minimum benefit is 40 percent of the maximum benefit.
• National Guard and Reserves members who served pursuant to a federal call to active duty
• Veterans who served at least 30 continuous days and sustained a service-connected disability
• Veterans discharged in some circumstances
• Active duty service members
• In some circumstances, spouses and children of active duty service members

Service periods already pledged to satisfy a service academy active duty obligation, and service periods pledged for education loan repayment purposes, do not count as active duty service to establish eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits. In general, veterans will receive 36 months of benefits They have 15 years, from the date of their last separation from active duty, to use the benefit.