For the first time in history (as of August 1, 2009), Service members who are enrolled in the Post 9/11 GI Bill program can transfer unused educational benefits to military dependents and spouses, or a combination of the two entities. These benefits become effective immediately upon transfer, and can be valid for use for up to 15 years after the qualified Servicemembers’ end of active duty.
Eligible Service members may transfer the total months of unused benefits or the entire 36 months, per individual status through the DoD/DHS guidelines. These benefits must be requested and approved while the Service member is still a member of the Armed Forces. In order to be eligible, individuals must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:
- A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability in the Armed Forces.
- A veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
- A Service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
- A Service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
- A Service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability, effective as of December 23, 2006.
Please visit
the official VA website for specific information on military dependents benefits and military spouse benefits.
Military spouses and dependents can benefit from an increased educational benefit of an Educational Assistance Allowance to help with educational costs of up to $957.00 for full time students.
What will you do?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for higher education; housing and can cover fees for books and other educational costs for Service members and their families. It can be used toward graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational and technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, and tutorial assistance, through approval.
For many eligible participants, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can provide a better solution than other education benefit programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve and the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP). However, the decision depends on several factors:
- The type of education or training individuals require.
- The amount of benefits received under each program.
Please visit the
Post 9/11 GI Bill Website’s Benefits comparison page for specific details that will inform your decision.
Maximum In State Tuition and fees covered for the 2010-2011 academic year under the Post 9/11 GI Bill can be
at this link.
Military spouses and dependents can also benefit from an increased educational benefit of an Educational Assistance Allowance to help with educational costs, up to $957.00 for full time students. Details can be found at the following
Post 9/11 GI Bill Website link.
Benefits and scholarships are also available for Service members, dependents and spouses through a variety of private foundations under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. One of the leading national organizations is The Pat Tillman Foundation, which provides resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active service members and their dependents. Please visit the education resources page at the
VA's Tillman Scholarship information page for more information.
The
Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans, specifically the ever-growing population of veterans and dependents of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The foundation has established partnerships with twelve universities around the country that have been recognized for innovative program support services and a proven culture of community for military families. Guidelines for eligibility to become a Tillman Military Scholar are listed below:
- Veterans and active Service members of both pre- and post-9/11 service
- Service members who wish to start, finish or further their education, and those who are enrolled as a full-time student at an American institution of higher learning.
- Service members of all branches of the U.S. military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve.
- Service members pursuing undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, 2-year, 4-year, public, private, vocational and trade degrees or certifications.
- Military spouses or dependents of a service member.
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