Unlocking the GI Bill: Your Guide to Education Benefits for Veterans

Imagine this: You’ve just finished your service in the military, and now you’re thinking about what comes next. Maybe you want to go to college, learn a new trade, or even start a business. But how do you pay for it? That’s where the GI Bill comes in.

This program has helped millions of veterans like you get the education and training they need to succeed in civilian life. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the GI Bill, from what it is to how you can use it.

To learn more about all the benefits available to you and your family, sign up now for BenefitKarma (click the link in the blue box)!

What is the GI Bill?

The GI Bill is a comprehensive education benefit program for U.S. military veterans and their dependents. It has gone through several iterations since it began in 1944, with each version expanding or modifying the benefits offered. The main programs within the GI Bill include:

The original GI Bill (Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944; no longer active)
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill

These programs provide financial support for education and training, including college tuition, vocational training, and in some cases, housing and living expenses.

Who is eligible for the GI Bill?

Eligibility for the GI Bill varies depending on the specific program, but generally includes:

Active duty service members who have served for a specified period
Veterans who were honorably discharged
Selected Reservists and National Guard members
In some cases, dependents of eligible veterans or service members

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for instance, requires at least 90 days of active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, or 30 days of continuous active duty service if discharged due to a service-connected disability.

Who isn’t eligible?

While the GI Bill aims to be inclusive, certain individuals are not eligible for benefits:

Those who received a dishonorable discharge
Service members who have not met the minimum service requirements
Individuals who have already used their full GI Bill benefits
Those who are currently serving but have not fulfilled their initial service obligation
In some cases, reservists or National Guard members who have not been activated for federal service

How much do you receive?

The amount received through the GI Bill varies based on several factors:

The specific GI Bill program being used
Length of service
Type of education or training program
Full-time or part-time student status
Location of the school

The best way to figure out what you’d receive is to use the GI Bill calculator at the VA’s website.

Generally speaking, here’s what people are receiving based on two programs:

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

Monthly Benefits: As of 2023, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) provides a monthly benefit of $2,358 for eligible veterans attending school full-time. This benefit is available for up to 36 months and is designed to help cover education and training costs. The amount is tiered for students enrolled in less-than-full-time programs, meaning that those attending three-quarter time, half-time, or less-than-half-time receive reduced benefits proportional to their enrollment status.
Eligibility: Active duty members had to forfeit $100 per month for 12 months to qualify, and the benefits could be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

Tuition and Fees: Covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public schools. For private or foreign schools, there is a cap (e.g., $27,120.05 for the 2023-2024 academic year).
Monthly Housing Allowance: Based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents, adjusted for the school’s location.
Books and Supplies Stipend: Up to $1,000 per year.
Additional Benefits: Includes the Yellow Ribbon Program for higher tuition costs, a one-time rural relocation payment of $500, and the ability to transfer benefits to family members.

Note: The exact amounts can change yearly, so it’s essential to check the current rates with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

How do you receive the benefit?

GI Bill benefits are typically disbursed as follows:

Tuition and fees are paid directly to the educational institution
Housing allowance is paid monthly to the student
Books and supplies stipend is paid at the beginning of each term
Some programs may offer a lump sum payment option

The VA processes payments after receiving certification from the school that the student is enrolled and attending classes.

How do you sign up?

To sign up for GI Bill benefits:

Determine your eligibility and which GI Bill program best suits your needs
Gather necessary documents (DD-214, education records, etc.)
Apply online through the VA’s website (va.gov) or eBenefits portal
Alternatively, submit a paper application (VA Form 22-1990) by mail
If you’re a dependent, you may need to use a different form (VA Form 22-1990E)
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility
Submit this certificate to your school’s veterans affairs office

After enrolling in courses, ensure your school certifies your enrollment to the VA to initiate benefit payments.

Can you transfer your GI Bill benefits?

With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, service members can transfer their education benefits to family members, offering valuable financial support for schooling. To do this, they must have served at least six years and agree to serve four more. Benefits can be transferred to a spouse, children, or both.

The process, managed by the Department of Defense (DOD), must be started while the service member is still active. Spouses can use the benefits right away, whether the service member is still active or not, but children must wait until the service member has completed ten years of service and must be under 26 to use them. The benefits cover tuition, housing, books, and fees for tests and certifications. If the benefits aren’t used, they can be transferred back to the service member or another eligible dependent through the milConnect portal.

Do GI Bill benefits expire?

Yes, GI Bill benefits expire. The expiration date for using GI Bill benefits depends on when the service member left active duty. If they separated before Jan. 1, 2013, benefits expire 15 years after their last active duty period. Veterans who separated on or after Jan. 1, 2013, have no expiration date, thanks to the Forever GI Bill. This change gives veterans more flexibility to use their benefits whenever they choose, supporting their long-term educational and career goals.