Post-9/11 GI Bill will give Airmen more options

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra M. Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Mission Support Group recently released a document summarizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill which will supersede the Montgomery GI Bill and provide benefits to service members and veterans wishing to pursue an education.

"Benefits for the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 2009, and the VA will be accepting applications beginning May 1, 2009," said Mr. Sam Mata, 49th Force Support Squadron and Base Education Office guidance counselor. "The Post-9/11 GI Bill will benefit today's Airmen because it will provide more options for pursuing higher education once they separate or retire."

According to documents, several major differences are outlined between the two bills. In the past, the MGIB cost a fee of $1,200 for all those enrolling, and benefits were only available for 10 years after the member separated or retired from the military. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, however, does not require an enrollment fee and benefits are available for 15 years after separation or retirement.

The MGIB also pays one specific amount for full-time schooling per month, whereas the Post-9/11 pays according to several criteria such as tuition, zip code, and type of class. The Post-9/11 is also transferrable, unlike the MGIB.

Not only can individuals use the bill to further their own education, they can also choose to transfer their Post-9/11 benefits to their spouse or children after they serve at least six years (for spouse) or 10 years (for children) active-duty and agree to serve four more years.

Individuals are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill if they served at least 90 days on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, are still on active duty or have either recently separated or retired with an honorable discharge. Percentages of benefits can range from 40 percent for 90 days of active duty, to full benefits for 36 months of active duty.

The eligibility requirements, however, are not all-inclusive. Time spent satisfying active duty obligations such as ROTC and the Service Academy do not count towards the eligibility requirements.

The Post-9/11 benefits include up to 36 months of entitlements for costs of tuition and institutional fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate schools. A stipend of up to $1,000 per year is available for books and supplies. Also available is a monthly housing allowance equal to the E-5 with-dependant rate BAH which uses the school's zip code for those who have already separated from active-duty as well as those who are attending school in-class.

"Distance-learning has become huge," said Mr. Mata. "Also, eligible veterans will receive benefits more closely associated with actual costs, no matter where they go to school after they separate from the military."

For more information and for updates, please check out the GI Bill website at www.gibill.va.gov.