How to Maximize Your GI Bill Benefits
- Talk to A College Advisor. If you have recently retired from veteran duty and now wish to continue your education,...
- Do Research. Get help from a college advisor and do your research to maximize the GI Bill’s benefits. Being informed...
- Find an Accredited School. Find out which schools accept the GI bill. Many reputed...
- Save your benefits for your most expensive tuition bill.
- Take at least one class per semester in person.
- Earn as many credits as you can per semester.
- Beware of misleading schools.
- Submit the FAFSA.
What are the benefits of a GI Bill?
The bill further expanded veterans’ educational benefits by:
- eliminating the 15-year limitation on Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents
- authorizing certain work-study programs
- offering the VetSuccess on Campus program, a vocational rehabilitation program, to students across the country
- offering veterans priority enrollment educational counseling
What benefits do you get for using GI Bill?
Your GI Bill benefits: Everything you need to know
- The GI Bill housing allowance. Your monthly housing stipend depends on the percentage level of benefits you’re eligible for and how many courses you’re taking.
- GI bill status and how to check it. ...
- Transferring GI Bill to your dependents. ...
- Cool/alternative/creative ways to use the GI Bill. ...
How to use your GI Bill benefits?
If you qualify, you may be able to use part of your benefit entitlement to cover test ... If you’ve already applied, received a decision, or previously been awarded a portion of your GI Bill benefits, you can find how much you have left on your GI ...
What benefits did the GI Bill provide?
- A service-connected disability
- A medical condition existing before active duty
- Hardship
How do I get more GI Bill benefits?
You may qualify for a GI Bill extension if one of these is true: You served a later period of active duty of 90 consecutive days or more (meaning that after you applied for GI Bill benefits, you served 90 days or more without a break in service), or.
How do you get 100 GI Bill?
You're eligible for 100% of the full benefit if you meet at least one of these requirements:You served on active duty and were awarded a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, or.You served on active duty for at least 30 continuous days and were discharged because of a service-connected disability, or.More items...•
How long do you have to serve to get 100% GI Bill?
36 monthsThe amount of time you spent on active duty determines the percentage of total benefits you can receive. Right now, the VA uses this scale to determine eligibility: 100 percent: 36 months or more, or at least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability.
Can you live off of the GI Bill?
If you're like me, you'll find out real quick that the GI Bill alone doesn't cover as much as it sounds like it will and that monthly BAH stipend disappears fast. So, I'm passing along my tricks on how you can squeeze every dollar out of the benefits you earned, making it possible to actually survive off the GI Bill.
Can I get full BAH for online classes?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH rate (aka the Monthly Housing Allowance) is $917 per month for full-time students enrolled in an online college, school, or distance-learning program until July 31, 2022.
What is 60% of the GI Bill?
You may be eligible for the 60%benefit level if: You have aggregate service of at least six months but less than eighteen months of qualifying active-duty service (excluding initial entry and skill training). Those previously eligible at the 50% benefit level now qualify for the 60% benefit level.
Who qualifies for the Forever GI Bill?
Servicemembers and honorably discharged Veterans who were awarded a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001 will be entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100-percent benefit level for up to 36 months. This was effective on August 1, 2018.
What BAH rate do you get with the GI Bill?
For the 2021- 2022 academic year, the amount is $1,801.00. This is prorated based on the length of your active-duty service and how many classes you are taking. If you attend all your classes online, your maximum housing allowance will be $950.75. This is also prorated.
Which GI Bill is best?
So, which is better? In most scenarios, the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers veteran students more financial assistance than the MGIB, especially when pursuing a standard, four-year degree at an accredited higher learning institution or passing your benefits to a dependent. There are a few exceptions, however.
What to do after GI Bill runs out?
Here are some tips:Load up on classes each term. ... Use both the MGIB and Post-9/11. ... Test out of classes. ... Use tuition assistance. ... Understand how long your benefits are good for. ... Seek out other scholarships, financial aid, and veterans educational benefits. ... Get a MGIB Refund.More items...•
Is the GI Bill worth it?
The Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit worth over $77K. This amount is based on the 2021-2022 monthly full-time student payment rate of $2,150.00 multiplied by the 36-month limit. This "payment rate" automatically increases on the first of October each year.
Is there a GPA requirement for GI Bill?
Students receiving any of the Federal VA Education Benefits listed below are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress by earning a minimum 2.0 semester grade-point average (GPA) and complete at least 67% of the courses attempted within the semester: Post 9/11 GI Bill ®* (Chapter 33)
How much money does the GI Bill give you?
Several factors determine the amount of educational funding you receive under the GI Bill. For starters, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mu...
How long does a GI Bill last?
Under the current rules, the GI Bill covers up to 36 months of educational costs. It is up to the student veteran to decide how they use the fundin...
Can you lose your GI Bill benefits?
While your GI Bill benefits cannot technically be taken away or lost, there are things student veterans can do that would disqualify them from rece...
How to maximize GI Bill benefits?
There are many other ways to maximize GI Bill benefits not previously mentioned in this guide. Use these additional resources to help get the most bang for your GI Bill buck: 1 DANTES 2 Military Transcripts 3 Grants and Scholarships 4 Federal work-study program 5 FAFSA
What is GI Bill?
The GI Bill® is an education benefit managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and made available to military members and veterans. While most of the GI Bills are aimed toward currently serving members and veterans, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can also be used by spouses and dependent children under certain situations, which will be discussed later in this guide.GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). More information about educational benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
How long can you serve on the GI Bill?
Generally, the transfer request must be made while the military member is still serving, has served for at least six years and agrees to serve an additional four years.
When will the tier percentage increase for the US Army?
For time between six months, but less than 18 months, the tier percentage increases from 50 percent to 60 percent.This change for new Selected Reservist enlistees is effective on August 1, 2020 and on average will result in an increase of $2,300 more per year paid in tuition for each eligible individual.
Can a VA school accept GI Bill students?
Several years ago, the VA changed the rules schools must follow if they want to accept GI Bill students. If a veteran has been out of the military for less than three years, the school must accept him as a resident student and charge resident tuition rates regardless of the student’s resident status in that state.
Is the GI Bill retroactive?
For current members, it is retroactive back to September 11, 2001. From the beginning of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, only the veteran could revoke and reallocate unused transferred benefits.
Who manages the GI Bill?
Your Guide to Getting the Most from Your Earned Educational Benefits. The GI Bill® is an education benefit managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and made available to military members and veterans. While most of the GI Bills are aimed toward currently serving members and veterans, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can also be used by spouses ...
Take at Least One In-Person Class Each Term
The amount of money you receive for a housing allowance as part of your GI Bill is based on whether you take classes on campus. Students who study solely online receive less than those who take at least one in-person class each semester.
Make Sure to Take Advantage of All Financial Aid
Outside of the money you receive as part of your GI Bill, you can also qualify for institutional, state, and federal financial aid.
Maximize the Number of Credits Taken
Under the current rules of the GI Bill, student veterans can receive 36 months of benefits. The bill does not set limitations on the number of credits you can take per semester. However, many schools set their own maximum credit limits.
Strategically Use Your Benefits
For military members who left active service before 2013, their GI Bill benefits remain usable for 15 years. Those who were discharged on or after Jan. 1, 2013, have benefits that never expire.
Test Out of Classes
Rather than spending 8-16 weeks taking a class on a subject you already know, consider taking College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. These tests, offered through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program, allow you to test out of courses. The exam can be taken at many colleges and universities.
Frequently Asked Questions About GI Bill Benefits
Several factors determine the amount of educational funding you receive under the GI Bill. For starters, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must decide what percentage of eligibility you receive.
How can vets maximize their GI Bill benefits?
Vets can maximize their GI Bill benefits by picking the right class schedule and school and filling out the FAFSA. Teddy Nykiel, Cecilia Clark Sep 4, 2020. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us.
How long does a GI bill last?
There’s no need to use your benefits immediately. If you were discharged from active duty before January 1, 2013, your GI Bill is redeemable for up to 15 years. If you were discharged after January 1, 2013, your GI Bill has no expiration. The GI Bill covers 36 months ...
Does GI Bill cover tuition?
After your benefits run out, you have to cover tuition out-of-pocket or through other types of financial aid. So it pays to take as many credits as you’re allowed and can handle per semester while your GI Bill is covering your tuition, says Timothy Greer, associate professor at the College for Financial Planning.
Does the GI bill expire?
If you were discharged after January 1, 2013, your GI Bill has no expiration. The GI Bill covers 36 months of schooling, which is how much you'll need for a bachelors degree program if you take a full-time course load. If you need more time to complete your education – like if you want a graduate degree, too – it may be advantageous to start ...
Is the GI bill a debt free college?
If you’re a veteran, the GI Bill can be your ticket to a debt-free college education. That’s huge, given about 65% of 2018 graduates who left school with a bachelor’s degree also carried student loan debt, with an average of $29,200 per borrower, according to the Institute for College Access & Success. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may be ...
Can I recoup my GI bill?
Generally, you can’t recoup your GI Bill benefits once you use them, though there are exceptions for some school closures. 5. Submit the FAFSA. On top of your GI Bill benefits, you’ll likely be eligible for additional federal, state and privately funded financial aid.
Does GI Bill count as income on FAFSA?
GI Bill benefits don’t count as income on the FAFSA. If your GI Bill completely covers your education costs, you can use any additional aid dollars for other expenses. This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
What is VA GI bill comparison tool?
The VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool provides key information for calculating your benefits. It provides a breakdown of tuition and fees, housing allowance, and book stipend. This will be critical in your planning process for your family, finances, and work-life balance.
Do you do your own research before using GI Bill?
It’s important that you do your own research before using your GI Bill benefits as some schools have defrauded veterans by falsely promoting educational benefits and using deceptive marketing tactics to target servicemembers, veterans, and military families. In addition, though many schools offer similar majors, ...
What is covered (if you are at least a half-time student)
Tuition and fees: up to 100% for in-state, public institution. Private and foreign school reimbursement is capped at $25,162.14 per year. Exceptions apply at Yellow Ribbon schools. [see below]
Determining full-time or half-time student status
Undergraduate classes training time is determined this way. If 12 credits are considered full-time, a course load of 6 credits yields a training time of 50% (6 ÷ 12 = .50), whereas a course load of 7 credits yields a training time of 58% (7 ÷ 12 = .58).
GI Bill Comparison Tool
The VA offers a helpful GI Bill Comparison Tool to help show which education program and school are best based on different criteria.
Work toward a degree
Help paying for tuition, books, and housing at an institution of higher learning (like a 4-year university, community college, or graduate school)
Train for a specific career, trade, or industry
Reimbursement for the cost of tests to become a licensed or certified professional, or to apply for college or a training course
Work while you study
Help with paying for tuition, books, and housing if you’re part of a college or university co-op training program
Take classes from home
Funding for correspondence training (coursework completed by mail, online, or by some other device) if you want to take classes from home or live far from any schools
Using Dantes, The Yellow Ribbon Program, Scholarships & More
Things to Know About Maximizing GI Bill Benefits
- Tuition is expensive today at most four-year colleges and graduate schools. One smart way to maximize Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, especially if you plan to attend graduate school, is to go to a com...
- If attending a private school, choose one that has a generous Yellow Ribbon program that includes your area of study both at the undergraduate and graduate level. If selected, it woul…
- Tuition is expensive today at most four-year colleges and graduate schools. One smart way to maximize Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, especially if you plan to attend graduate school, is to go to a com...
- If attending a private school, choose one that has a generous Yellow Ribbon program that includes your area of study both at the undergraduate and graduate level. If selected, it would help offset...
- Accepting certain types of financial aid can have some implications when it comes to maximizing your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and here is why. There are two types of financial aid: the type that...
Scholarships & Grants Specifically For Family Members of Servicemembers
- Many dependents (children and spouses) are fortunate enough to have received Post 9/11 GI Bill entitlement from a parent through a Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB). Depending on the number of months transferred, it often is not enough to pay all the expenses required to complete a degree. In these cases, the student should apply for these types of financial aid to make up fo…