The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits (including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, among others) to assist Service members, Veterans, and their qualified dependents with their education – from tuition payment to finding the right school to career guidance.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government website at: www.va.gov/education
How does the Post-9/11 GI Bill work?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (also referred to as Chapter 33) provides up to 36 months of benefits and is a program for the following individuals:
Those serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
Activated members of the National Guard and Reserves under Title 10 U.S. Code.
National Guard members activated under Title 32 U.S. Code or Section 502(f).
If you have served at least 90 cumulative days on active duty on or after September 10, 2001, and are still on active duty (or honorably discharged), you may be eligible for this benefit.
What does it cover?
Aside from tuition, housing, and books, education benefits can be used for
tradition and non-college degrees, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, licensing and certifications, flight training, independent and distance learning, correspondence training, national test reimbursement, and tuition assistance. Use the GI Comparison Tool at www.va.gov to find an estimate of how much the GI Bill would cover at a particular school.
How much does it pay?
For those who attend public school, all in-state fees and tuition will be paid. For those at a private or foreign institution, payment will be the actual fees and tuition charged up to the national maximum. To find benefit rates, go to: www.va.gov
How do I know if my eligibility period for this benefit has expired?
Eligibility does not expire for those released from active duty on or after January 1, 2013. Those released before that date have 15 years to use this benefit.
Looking for more benefit information?
The QuickSeries® guide,Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Other Education Benefits offers more in-depth guidance, links, and resources for your Service community. For more relevant titles, browse our library of military products or reach out to an Account Manager.