As Mike mentions in his public service announcement (PSA), we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to our veterans and active duty military personnel. The sacrifices they have made to defend our country and protect our freedoms are immeasurable. Nowhere is there a greater symbol of these sacrifices then with the men and women who bravely volunteered to join the armed services in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy.
We’re happy at mikeroweWORKS to support these modern day heroes. Beyond our bountiful appreciation, there are practical benefits that can and should be shared with these heroes. One of the most expansive and beneficial programs has been the various G.I. Bills and education assistance programs. This tuition, training and loan program has been helping vets for over sixty years. Now a new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill has been enacted to offer the next generation of service men and women tuition payments and training opportunities.
One of the great features with this benefit program is that you may qualify to transfer your unused Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to your spouse or children. This type of feature has long been requested by military personnel and now is available for the first time with the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. Check out this special page of VA site to see if you are eligible for the TEB (transfer educational benefits).
If you served in active military duty after September 10, 2001 for at least ninety days then you will be able to apply for the benefits from the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. The amount of your tuition will not exceed the highest tuition for an in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of high learner. This might mean that the doors to state universities such as NYU, UCLA and FSU could be open to you. In certain cases, there is even a small amount paid for relocating to one of these schools for those living in rural areas. You can find out the maximum in-state tuition fees here.
The amount of your benefits is related to the amount of time you’ve served in active duty since 2001. Here’s how it breaks down: With 36 months of active duty, you could receive 100% of tuition costs. The percentage of benefits range from 100% to 40%. The minimum you could receive under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill is 40% for just 90 days of active duty service. Most importantly, if you’ve had just 30 days of continuous duty and were discharged due to service related disability you also could be eligible to receive 100% of the maximum benefits.
Let’s do the math. Assuming the all eligibility requirements are met and you’ve served 36 months of active duty, if your costs for tuition $6,700 and the highest cost of tuition in the state is $7000 then you’ll get the full ride of $6700. But wait, there’s more! Possible additional benefits could include:
Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance given to a military E-5 with dependents – payable to you!
$1000 in yearly book and supplies stipend – payable to you!
Up to 36 months of entitlement benefits. Plenty of time to score a degree or complete an apprenticeship program like Warriors in Welding.
You also have the option of applying for the Yellow Ribbon program that is available at certain state schools. This provisions allows for approved schools and the VA to combine forces and fully fund tuition costs that might exceed the maximum amount allowed just by the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. You can find out more information about the special Yellow Ribbon program here.
The last revamping of the benefits package occurred in 1984 and was sponsored by Congressman Montgomery. This current version is known as the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) and was geared towards providing assistance to our all volunteer military force. Since 9/11 there has been a new wave of active duty and discharged service men and women who have earned these benefits. You can find comparisons of the MGIB and Post 9/11 bills here. You essentially need to pick one or the other benefit programs.
If you’re a vet call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to speak with a benefits counselor at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). They’re standing by to help you navigate through the application process and assist you in picking the best benefit package for your needs.
Taking advantage of these benefit programs will allow you to explore fresh career paths and develop new trade skills. No matter which program you opt into, you’ve certainly earned them and much more!
Disclaimer:
This video refers to a wide variety of educational programs that are available using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but not every program mentioned in this video is available to everyone. Certain restrictions apply depending on whether you elect the Post-9/11 GI Bill by giving up another GI Bill benefit. Programs offered at degree granting institutions are available to everyone. If you gave up another GI Bill benefit, you may also be eligible for courses at non-college degree institutions, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and flight training. For more information on which programs you qualify for, go to the frequently asked “Questions & Answers” section of our website at GI BILL or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
2 Comments
As the wife of a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army (who has done a few tours overseas), I thank you, personally, Mike, for taking it upon yourself to share this very important information with the rest of us. And, you are right, we are talking about a life-altering opportunity with this post 9/11 G.I. Bill. It is my hope that each and every vet take advatage of it, extending these benefits to their family members, as well. For all they have done for us, it’s the very least our government can do to show their gratitude…to give them a chance to better their circumstances in life.
Thank you, Mike, for caring.
Thank you Mike for expressing the importance of the Post 9/11 GI bill! I’m a Navy veteran, currently attending CSU East Bay, who is very thankful to have the GI Bill to live on. It has been a struggle for me to find a sturdy job in the last five years, returning to school was my only option. My husband and I are thankful for his Dirty Job as a cable installer in Concord CA, any financial help is needed, which the Post 9/11 bill eases some of life’s cost.
Thank you for being so caring and supportive of our veterans futures.