GI Bill & Education Benefits FAQ

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is the most comprehensive education benefit for veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It provides:

• Tuition & Fees: Paid directly to your school (up to the maximum in-state rate for public schools, or capped at $28,937.94 for private schools in 2024-2025)
• Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): Based on E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school’s ZIP code
• Books & Supplies Stipend: Up to $1,000 per academic year
• 36 Months of Benefits: Equivalent to 4 academic years

You have 36 months (equivalent to 4 academic years) of full-time GI Bill benefits. Key points:

• Benefits are prorated based on enrollment status (full-time uses 1 month per month, half-time uses 0.5 months)
• Summer terms count against your entitlement
• You have 15 years from your last discharge date to use your benefits (for those discharged after January 1, 2013)
• For those discharged before January 1, 2013, the time limit may vary

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a voluntary agreement between the VA and participating schools to cover tuition costs that exceed the GI Bill cap. Here’s how it works:

• The school agrees to contribute a certain amount toward excess tuition
• The VA matches the school’s contribution dollar-for-dollar
• This can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket tuition costs at expensive private schools

Example: If a private school costs $60,000/year and the GI Bill cap is $28,937.94, that leaves a $31,062 gap. If the school offers $15,000 in Yellow Ribbon, the VA matches it, covering $30,000 of that gap.

To be eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits, you must:

• Be eligible for the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit rate (100%)
• Not be on active duty or a spouse using transferred benefits from an active-duty service member
• Attend a school that participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program
• Be enrolled in a program where the school offers Yellow Ribbon funding

The VA maintains an official database of all participating Yellow Ribbon schools. You can search by:

• State or territory
• School name
• Degree type (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral)
• Contribution amount
• Number of students funded

Some schools offer unlimited Yellow Ribbon spots (listed as “99999” students), while others have limited availability. Apply early for schools with limited spots!

Your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit percentage is based on how long you served on active duty after September 10, 2001:

Exception: If you were discharged for a service-connected disability after serving at least 30 continuous days, you’re entitled to 100% benefits.

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33):

• For those who served after September 10, 2001
• Tuition paid directly to school
• Monthly housing allowance + book stipend
• Generally more generous for most veterans

Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30):

• For those who enrolled between 1985-2030
• Requires $1,200 contribution during service
• Flat monthly payment ($2,210/month in 2024 for full-time)
• You pay tuition from your monthly payment

You can use the VA’s comparison tool to see which benefit is better for your situation.

Yes, but with limitations:

• You cannot receive payments from more than one VA education program at the same time
• The total combined months of VA education benefits is generally capped at 48 months
• You can sometimes combine benefits (e.g., use remaining Montgomery GI Bill after Post-9/11 GI Bill)
• If you’re eligible for both, you can make an irrevocable election to use Post-9/11 GI Bill

Yes, through the Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) program. Requirements:

• Must have served at least 6 years in the armed forces
• Must agree to serve 4 additional years from the date of transfer approval
• Must be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Transfer must be approved while still serving (active duty or Selected Reserve)

Key Limitations:

• Children must use the benefit before age 26 (with some exceptions for military service)
• Spouses can use the benefit immediately or 15 years from service member’s ETS
• You can divide months among multiple dependents (total 36 months)

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.

Benefits include:

• 100% of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (tuition, housing, books)
• Yellow Ribbon eligibility
• 36 months of benefits

Eligibility:

• Children: Can use benefits between ages 18-33
• Surviving spouses: Must use within 15 years of service member’s death (or remarriage)

Chapter 35 DEA provides education benefits to dependents of veterans who are:

• Permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disability
• Died while on active duty or from a service-connected disability
• Missing in action or captured in line of duty
• Forcibly detained by a foreign government

Benefits (2024 rates):

• Monthly payment: $1,432 for full-time students
• Up to 36 months of benefits
• Can be used for degree programs, certificates, apprenticeships

Many states offer additional education benefits for veterans and their dependents. These vary significantly by state and can include:

• Tuition waivers: Free or reduced tuition at state schools (e.g., Texas Hazlewood Act, Illinois Veterans Grant)
• Fee exemptions: Waived application and student fees
• Dependent benefits: Education assistance for children and spouses
• State grants: Additional funding beyond federal benefits

Top State Programs:

Yes, in many cases you can “stack” state benefits with federal GI Bill benefits, but the rules vary by state:

• Texas Hazlewood: Can be used after exhausting GI Bill, or transferred to dependents while you use GI Bill
• Illinois IVG: Can be used alongside GI Bill (GI Bill covers tuition, IVG provides additional support)
• California CalVet: Can supplement GI Bill at state schools

Strategic Tip: Some veterans save their GI Bill by using state benefits first (if allowed), preserving federal benefits for graduate school or transfer to dependents.

Your MHA is based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents at your school’s ZIP code. Key factors:

• Location: Based on your school’s physical location, not your residence
• Enrollment status: Full-time gets 100%, 3/4 time gets 75%, half-time gets 50%
• GI Bill percentage: Multiplied by your eligibility (e.g., 80% GI Bill = 80% of MHA)
• Online students: Receive half of the national average BAH rate

2024 MHA Examples:

Payment timing:

• MHA is paid on the 1st of each month for the previous month
• First payment may be delayed while VA processes your enrollment certification
• Payment is prorated for partial months (beginning/end of term)
• No MHA during breaks between terms unless enrolled in next term

Example: If your fall semester starts August 25, you’d receive prorated August payment (6 days) on October 1, and full September payment on October 1 as well.

Step 1: Apply for Benefits (VA Form 22-1990)

• Apply online at VA.gov (fastest method)
• Mail paper form
• Apply through your school’s certifying official

Step 2: Receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• Usually received within 30 days
• Shows your entitlement months and benefit level

Step 3: Submit COE to School

• Give your COE to your school’s Veterans Affairs office
• They will certify your enrollment each term

Step 4: Verify Enrollment Monthly

• Verify attendance through VA’s WAVE system or text verification
• Failure to verify = delayed/stopped payments

Required Documents:

• DD-214 (Member 4 copy) – for veterans
• Social Security Number
• Bank account information (for direct deposit)
• School and program information

Additional for Dependents/Transfers:

• Marriage certificate (for spouses)
• Birth certificate (for children)
• Transfer approval documentation

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606):

• For members of the Selected Reserve (not active duty)
• $430/month for full-time students (2024 rate)
• Must have 6-year obligation

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP – Chapter 1607):

• For reservists activated for 90+ days after 9/11
• Benefits based on length of activation
• Note: REAP is being phased out; participants may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill

Post-9/11 GI Bill for Guard/Reserve:

• Available for those activated for 90+ days (not for training)
• Benefit percentage based on cumulative active duty time

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship provides additional GI Bill benefits for students in high-demand STEM fields:

• Up to 9 additional months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
• Maximum benefit: ~$30,000 in additional payments
• Can be used for undergraduate STEM degrees or certain graduate teaching programs

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled in a STEM degree program (or teaching certification in STEM)
• Have exhausted or will exhaust GI Bill benefits
• At least 6 months remaining in program at time of application

Qualifying Fields include: Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Healthcare (nursing, medicine), and more.

Veterans can earn college credits for free through several military testing programs, potentially saving months of GI Bill entitlement:

CLEP (College-Level Examination Program):

• Free for military members and veterans (normally $90/exam)
• 34 exams available covering subjects like English, Math, History, Business
• Each passing exam can earn 3-12 college credits
• Most colleges accept CLEP credits (check your school’s policy)
• Take exams at military education centers or Prometric testing sites

DSST (formerly DANTES):

• Free for eligible military and veterans
• 33 exams in business, humanities, math, physical science, social science, technology
• Can earn 3 credits per exam
• Good option for subjects not covered by CLEP

Strategy: Take CLEP/DSST exams for general education requirements before starting college. A veteran could potentially knock out 30+ credits (one full year) without using any GI Bill.

Starting at community college can be a smart strategy, but it depends on your situation:

Advantages of Community College First:

• Lower cost = more GI Bill left: Community college tuition is often fully covered, leaving more months for expensive university
• Transfer agreements: Many states have guaranteed transfer programs to state universities
• Smaller classes: Better for transitioning to academic life
• Flexibility: Often more evening/online options for working veterans

Disadvantages:

• Lower BAH: Community colleges often have lower housing allowances than universities
• Credit transfer issues: Not all credits may transfer, especially to private schools
• No Yellow Ribbon: Most community colleges don’t participate
• Social experience: Different campus culture than 4-year schools

Best Strategy: Use community college for general education requirements (or CLEP them out), then transfer to your target university for major-specific courses. This can save 12-18 months of GI Bill benefits.

Active Duty: Yes, but with restrictions. You can use both TA and GI Bill for the same courses, but:

• TA pays first (up to $250/credit hour, $4,500/year cap)
• GI Bill can cover the remaining tuition if TA doesn’t cover it all
• Using GI Bill on active duty means reduced housing allowance (half rate or actual dorm cost)
• Each day of GI Bill used on active duty counts against your 36-month entitlement

Recommended Strategy for Active Duty:

1. Use TA only while on active duty (it’s free money that doesn’t affect GI Bill)
2. Take CLEP/DSST exams for additional credits
3. Save full GI Bill for after separation when you get full BAH

Top-Up Benefit: If your school costs more than TA covers, you can use GI Bill “Top-Up” to pay the difference. However, this uses your GI Bill entitlement and may not be worth it given the reduced active-duty BAH.

Yes! The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers graduate and professional programs with no distinction from undergraduate:

What’s Covered:

• Master’s degrees (MBA, MA, MS, MEd, etc.)
• Doctoral programs (PhD, EdD, etc.)
• Law school (JD)
• Medical school (MD, DO)
• Dental school (DDS, DMD)
• Other professional programs (PharmD, veterinary, etc.)

Graduate School Considerations:

• Private school cap still applies: $28,937.94/year (2024-2025) for private schools
• Yellow Ribbon is crucial: Top MBA and law programs cost $60,000-$80,000/year
• 36 months covers approximately: 2-year MBA or most of law school, but not all of med school (4 years)

Medical School Strategy: Med school is 4 years, but you only have 36 months of GI Bill. Options:

• Use GI Bill for years 1-3, then loans/scholarships for year 4
• Apply for Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) – military pays for med school in exchange for service
• Many med schools have strong Yellow Ribbon programs

Top business schools with strong veteran support and Yellow Ribbon:

Tip: Most top MBA programs cover the full gap between GI Bill cap and tuition through Yellow Ribbon. Always verify current year amounts directly with the school.

Top law schools with strong Yellow Ribbon programs:

Additional Resources:

• Service to School: Free nonprofit helping vets get into top schools
• Law School Veterans Clinics: Many schools have legal clinics serving vets
• JAG Corps: Consider military legal career path

Yes, but with an important difference in housing allowance:

Tuition: Covered the same as in-person programs (subject to caps)

Housing Allowance for Online Students:

• 100% online: Receive half the national average BAH (~$988/month in 2024)
• Hybrid (at least one in-person class): Receive full BAH based on school’s ZIP code
• Strategy: If possible, take at least one in-person class to get full BAH

Accreditation Warning: Only attend regionally accredited schools. Avoid:

• Nationally accredited (often for-profit) schools – credits rarely transfer
• Schools with VA sanctions or warnings
• Schools with very high veteran dropout rates

Reputable Online Programs for Veterans:

• Arizona State University Online
• Penn State World Campus
• University of Florida Online
• Oregon State Ecampus
• University of Illinois Online

VA Work-Study is an additional benefit that lets you earn money while going to school:

How It Works:

• Work up to 25 hours per week during school
• Paid at federal minimum wage or state minimum wage (whichever is higher)
• Get paid in advance for hours you’ll work
• Does not affect your GI Bill payments

Eligible Work Sites:

• VA facilities (hospitals, regional offices)
• School veterans affairs offices
• VA-approved organizations (VFW, American Legion, etc.)
• State veterans agencies
• Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled at least 3/4 time
• Must be using VA education benefits (GI Bill, VR&E, etc.)
• Positions are limited – apply early each semester

Benefits: Great resume builder, networking opportunity, and extra income that doesn’t reduce your GI Bill.

The “Kicker” (officially called the College Fund) is an additional monthly payment on top of your regular GI Bill benefits:

How to Get It:

• Must be offered at time of enlistment as a recruitment incentive
• Cannot be added later – it’s part of your enlistment contract
• Usually offered for hard-to-fill MOSs/ratings or longer enlistment terms

Payment Amounts:

• Army College Fund: Up to $40,000 additional
• Navy College Fund: Up to $50,000 additional
• Marine Corps: Up to $40,000 additional
• Paid monthly on top of regular GI Bill payments

How to Check If You Have It:

• Review your DD-214 (look for “College Fund” or “Kicker”)
• Check your enlistment contract
• Call VA Education at 1-888-442-4551
• Check eBenefits or VA.gov

Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E), now called “Veteran Readiness and Employment,” can be significantly better than GI Bill for eligible veterans:

Key Advantages Over GI Bill:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
• Discharge other than dishonorable
• VA determines you have an “employment handicap”
• Generally within 12 years of receiving disability rating (can be extended)

The Process:

1. Apply through VA.gov or eBenefits
2. Meet with VR&E counselor for evaluation
3. If eligible, develop rehabilitation plan together
4. Plan can include: college, trade school, on-job training, self-employment

Important: You can use VR&E and preserve your GI Bill. Many veterans use VR&E for undergrad, then transfer GI Bill to dependents.

Yes, with some important considerations:

VR&E to GI Bill:

• You can switch to GI Bill at any time
• Months used in VR&E do not count against your GI Bill
• You keep whatever GI Bill entitlement you had

GI Bill to VR&E:

• You can apply for VR&E while using GI Bill
• If approved, your remaining GI Bill is preserved
• VR&E may be better if your disability makes employment difficult

Using Both:

• Cannot receive payments from both simultaneously
• Can switch between them for different training goals
• Months are tracked separately (36 months GI Bill + up to 48 months VR&E potential)

Best Strategy: If you have a service-connected disability, apply for VR&E first. If approved, use it for your education and save GI Bill for dependents or graduate school.