Post 9/11 GI Bill Q & A
By Adam Bird
U.S. Army Veteran
Director of Military Affairs at ArmedForcesEDU.com
As a college student and Army veteran I understand the benefits of an education and the frustrations that can occur when trying to figure out your Post 9 11 GI Bill education benefits. That’s why I wanted to offer my knowledge and first-hand experience with anyone who may be seeking information about the changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Most of these changes occur on Aug. 1, but a couple of them take place on Oct. 1.
Some of the questions listed below are ones that have popped up as I was looking for information for my own education, and some are questions people have presented to me. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for I invite you to explore UniversityDecisions.com's military programs and ArmedForcesEDU.com, which is a portal dedicated to military higher education.
Q: I go to an in-state public school. What amount of education funding can I receive, if I’m eligible?
A: As of Aug. 1, 2011, with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the GI Bill amount you receive, if you’re eligible, will cover all in-state tuition and fees at public schools.
Q: I go to an out-of-state public school. What amount of education funding can I receive, if I’m eligible?
A: If you attend a public school out of state, and are eligible, you receive the cost of in- state tuition at that school and can use the Yellow Ribbon Program to pay for the rest, as long as the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Q: What if I attend a private or foreign school, what amount of education funding can I receive, if I’m eligible?
A: If you attend a private or for- profit school, online and/ or on campus, or a foreign school, and are eligible, you could receive a total of $17,500 per year. You can use the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover any excess tuition and fees, if the school participates in the Program.
Q: What can I use the Yellow Ribbon Program for?
A: If you’re at an out- of- state, private or foreign school and your tuition and fees exceed the amount provided under the Post 9/11 GI Bill you can use the Yellow Ribbon Program to pay for any excess tuition and fees, if the school participates in the Program.
Q: I heard there was a change to break pay, what is that change?
A: As of Aug. 1, 2011 break or interval housing pay is no longer payable. So, your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of the month when your semester ends and only begins again when your next semester begins.
Q: What is prorated housing pay?
A: You now receive a prorated housing allowance based on your rate of pursuit, so the amount you receive depends on what portion of a full- time course load you take.
Q: Can I get reimbursed for more than one license?
A: You can now receive reimbursement for more than one license or certification test; however, entitlement is charged.
Q: Can I get reimbursed for college entrance exams such as SAT and LSAT?
A: Fees paid to take national exams for college admission such as SAT, GMAT and LSAT are reimbursable.
Q: I heard the payment schedule option for kickers is changing, is that true?
A: As of Aug. 1, 2011, MGIB-Active Duty, Chapter 30, and MGIB-Selected Reserve, Chapter 1606, kickers or college fund payments can be paid by the VA on a monthly basis instead of a lump sum at the beginning of the term.
Q: Can I transfer my Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or dependent?
A: Yes. As a service member serving on or after August 1, 2009, you can transfer unused education benefits to immediate family members such as a spouse or children. You must have served at least six years and commit to an additional four years of service in order to transfer benefits. For other transferability requirements check with your local VA office.
Q: Are there military scholarships for dependents and spouses?
A: Yes. Start by checking with the U.S. Department of Education.
What changes are coming on Oct. 1?
A: On Oct. 1, the housing allowance will also be payable to students who are not Active Duty but who are enrolled in an online school. Before, students had to be enrolled at a local campus. And students who are Active Duty will be able to receive a book and supplies stipend.