How to Transfer GI Bill Benefits to a Qualifying Family Member
- Once logged in, click on the Transfer My Education Benefits from the I Want To … menu and follow the prompts.
- When the TEB portlet page displays, family members enrolled in DEERS will be shown in the List of Family Members.
- Those not enrolled in DEERS will have the word “ineligible” to the right of the Relation column.
Full Answer
How do I transfer my GI Bill?
If you're eligible, you may transfer benefits to the following individuals:
- Your spouse
- One or more of your children
- Any combination of spouse and child
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 can I extend my GI Bill benefits?
- You were actively enrolled between March 1, 2020 and December 21, 2020;
- You had an interruption in training due to COVID-19;
- You had not reached the delimiting date (expiration of benefit) prior to the interruption; AND
- You experienced a closing (either permanent or temporary) of the educational institution; OR
How to extend your GI Bill benefits?
You can receive up to 36 months of benefits, including:
- Tuition and fees. If you qualify for the maximum benefit, we’ll cover the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees. ...
- Money for housing (if you’re in school more than half time). ...
- Money for books and supplies. ...
- Money to help you move from a rural area to go to school. ...
How do I transfer my GI Bill to my child?
How do I transfer the benefit?Apply online now, or.Apply by mail. Fill out and mail an Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits (VA Form 22-1990E) to the nearest VA regional office. Get VA Form 22-1990E to download. Find your nearest VA regional office.
Can I transfer my GI Bill benefit to family members?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows Service members to transfer unused education benefits to immediate family members. This applies to officer or enlisted, active duty and Selected Reserve. Qualifying immediate family members are spouses and children.
How do I use my GI Bill as a dependent?
If you do decide to transfer your GI Bill for dependents to use, you'll need to fill out a Transfer of Education Benefits first. Then, your dependent can visit the VA's website and fill out the benefits form for themselves.
Can a parent give their child their GI Bill?
GI Bill benefits can only be transferred to eligible spouses or children, who must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS).
How much does the GI Bill pay for dependents?
The Power of the Post-9/11 GI Bill The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides 36 months of benefits that cover college tuition up to the maximum in-state college tuition rate, a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) equivalent to an E-5 with dependents rate, and a $1,000 annual stipend to help cover the cost of books and supplies.
Will the VA pay for my child's college?
Like Post-9/11 veterans, eligible surviving spouses and children attending school may receive full tuition coverage at state-operated colleges and universities, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance under this program.
Does VA pay for college dependents?
If your combined disability rating is 30 percent or higher, you are eligible to receive additional benefits for qualifying dependents in your household, including children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are still in school.
Do dependents of veterans get benefits?
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.
At what age does VA stop paying for dependents?
18When your child turns 18, we'll stop paying additional disability compensation for them unless you let us know they're enrolled in school full time.
Can I transfer my GI Bill to my grandchild?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill (which is the only GI Bill having a dependent transfer option) covers sons, but not grandsons. The only way a grandson could be covered would be if the grandfather would have legally adopted him (but then he would have been considered a son.)
Do dependents get Bah GI Bill?
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a Veteran enrolled at more than one-half time can qualify for a monthly housing allowance based on DoD's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents.
Can I transfer my GI Bill to my sister?
Can I Transfer the GI Bill to My Siblings, Parents, or Relatives? No. The option to transfer GI Bill benefits is currently only available to spouses and children dependents.
Can I transfer my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits?
You may be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if you’re on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and you meet all of these requireme...
Who’s covered?
Qualified dependents
What benefits can my qualified dependents get?
If the DoD approves the Transfer of Entitlement (TOE), your spouse or dependent children can apply for up to 36 months of benefits, and may be able...
When can they use the transferred benefits?
These conditions apply to family members using transferred benefits: Spouses May use the benefit right away May use the benefit while you’re on act...
How do I transfer the benefit?
While you’re still on active duty, you’ll request to transfer, change, or revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) through milConnect. You can’t appl...
Get more information
Go to the milConnect website To find out if you qualify, the status of your transfer request, and how to use the Transfer of Education Benefits (TE...
About Brandon Swenson
Brandon Swenson, Senior Communications Specialist, is on Grantham's editorial board. He understands the benefits of educationally-oriented programs such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill having earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City toward the end of his nearly two decades of service in the United States Marine Corp.
About the Author
Brandon Swenson, communications manager, is on Grantham University’s editorial board. A veteran and college graduate himself, he understands the benefits and intricacies of government education programs, such as veteran education benefits.
How long do you have to be a military spouse to receive a transfer?
The service member has to have completed at least 10 years of service first.
Does the VA send a COE letter?
The VA will send a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or award letter in the mail explaining all benefits. If you live OCONUS, this may take too long to receive. While the VA indicates the COE letter must be presented to the school before enrolling, most schools have the ability to determine your status without it.
Can dependents get financial assistance?
Eligible dependents can potentially seek financial assistance for the typical Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate Degree programs. However, benefits can also be used for non-college degree programs, like vocational or technical training for jobs in computer networking or dental hygiene.
Can a spouse receive housing benefits while on active duty?
If a spouse is utilizing transferred benefits, and the service member is still active duty, he/she is NOT eligible to receive housing allowance. However, children utilizing transferred benefits while their parent is still active duty CAN receive the allowance. Benefits don’t have to be used for only one type of program.
Can a service member return unused benefits to themselves?
The service member can return unused benefits back to themselves. For example, a spouse enrolls in an 11-month Master’s program. Afterwards, the service member may transfer the unused 25 months back to him/herself or transfer to another eligible dependent.
Can dependents check their VA benefits online?
Unfortunately, the website does not allow dependents access to check their status online.
How long can you transfer GI Bill to spouse?
If you’re eligible for transfer at all, you’ll be able to give up to 36 months (or whatever is left unused) of your Forever GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill benefits to your spouse or dependent children. Not everyone is eligible to transfer their benefits though, because the military is using this benefit as an incentive ...
What is the Forever GI Bill?
The Forever GI Bill introduced the first improvements to military education benefits in nearly a decade, and perhaps the best part of the new Forever GI Bill benefits package was the way that it updated guidelines and rules for transferring military benefits.
How long do dependents have to serve in the military?
Dependent Children. Children may only start using transferred benefits after you’ve completed at least 10 years of service in the armed forces. Children may use transferred benefits while you’re still in the armed forces, or after you’ve separated from active duty.
How long do you have to serve in the military to get a military retirement?
You must have at least six years of service on the date that you request transferring your benefits, and you must agree to serve an additional four years in the armed forces (active duty or Selected Reserves) from the date of your benefits transfer.
How to get help with federal student loans?
For help with FEDERAL Student Loans: Call the Student Loan Relief Helpline at 1-888-906-3065. They will review your case, evaluate your options for switching repayment plans, consolidating your loans, or pursuing forgiveness benefits, then set you up to get rid of the debt as quickly as possible.
Can I transfer my GI bill to my child?
GI Bill transfer rules state that children designated to receive benefits will remain eligible regardless of whether or not they get married themselves, but keep in mind that you do retain the right to revoke or modify the transfer of your benefits to your child at any time (by writing the VA). Divorce.
Can I give my GI Bill to anyone?
Though it sure would be nice, you can’t give your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to just anyone. In fact, only the following people will count as eligible transferees: Spouses (husbands or wives) One of more of your dependent children.
How to transfer GI Bill benefits?
Unfortunately, not all military members are eligible for benefits transfer. The following are specific requirements that Post-9/11 GI Bill ® eligible service members must meet in order to transfer their benefits: 1 Be currently on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. 2 Have served at least 6 years on the date that GI Bill transfer request is filed, along with agreeing to serve a minimum of 4 more years. 3 Have served a minimum of 10 years, but are unable to commit to 4 more years of service because of law. In order to qualify, the military member must agree to serve as long as they are legally able. 4 The recipient of the benefit transfer must be enrolled in DEERS.
What is the GI bill?
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
What is the post 9/11 GI bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Transfer Program was designed to keep mid-career military members in uniform at a time when manpower was required, while still ensuring they could utilize their full GI benefits. For this reason, the bill featured mandatory service time and required that the member still be in the military in order to transfer benefits to their spouse or dependents. Between 2013 and 2015 alone, there was an uptick in transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill ® eligibility to dependents. In 2015, there were 137,509 beneficiaries, up from 135,159 in 2013.
How long can you use the military housing allowance?
Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after separation from active duty.
How long can you use the military benefits?
Can only begin to use the benefit after the military member has completed a minimum of 10 years of service. Can use the benefit while the member is on active duty or after separation. Must have secured secondary school diploma, equivalent certificate, or be at least 18 years of age.
How long do you have to serve in the military to qualify for DEERS?
Have served a minimum of 10 years, but are unable to commit to 4 more years of service because of law. In order to qualify, the military member must agree to serve as long as they are legally able. The recipient of the benefit transfer must be enrolled in DEERS.
What is the goal of the GI Bill transfer program?
The goal of the GI Bill transfer program is to keep mid-career military members in uniform. This is why there are minimum service requirements and why the GI Bill transfer program requires military members to incur more service time. This will not apply to military members who are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, ...
How long can you split GI Bill benefits?
The maximum limit is 36 months of benefit split any way. However, all those that you assign benefits to must be identified and approved prior to you leaving the military. PRO-TIP: When you sign up for the transfer you should give each family member at least one month of GI Bill benefits.
How long can you use the BAH after you leave the military?
Is eligible for the monthly housing allowance (similar to BAH – see below) after you’ve separated from the military. Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after your separation from active duty.
How long do you have to be on active duty to get GI Bill?
In order to be eligible for the post 9/11 GI Bill, you must have: at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001. have less than 16 years of active duty or selected reserve service (effective 7/20/2019) and one of the following: still on active duty. are an honorably discharged veteran.
What is GI Bill training?
This is a type of training where the person is employed and training at the same time. The trainee gets a GI Bill payment as well as a salary. Examples include union plumber, police officer, gunsmith, journeyman welder, etc. Licensing & Certification Reimbursement.
Can you add dependents after you separate?
You cannot add any new dependents after you separate. However once they are “in the system” you can change how much transferred GI Bill funds they receive. So, if you give each family member one month while you are in, you can always increase or decrease the amount of GI Bill each one gets at a later date.
Can you transfer GI Bill benefits to family members?
Using Transferred Benefits. When you transfer your GI Bill benefits to family members you still have control of those benefits, you can reallocate the benefits between family members, or totally remove members. After you get out of the military you CANNOT add any new family members. However, if your dependent using transferred benefits drops out ...
Who can transfer GI Bill benefits?
Who Can Transfer Their GI Bill Benefits? Any active military member who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill who has less than 16 years service, and: Has at least six years of service and agrees to serve an additional four years.
How to transfer GI Bill after 9/11?
How to Transfer Your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits. You can only apply to transfer benefits while you are on active duty, once you leave active duty it is too late. You should either apply online at the DMDC Website or follow your service's instructions. After leaving the military you can make changes to the amount of GI Bill transferred ...
How long do you have to be on active duty to use your child's unemployment?
A child: May start to use their benefits only after you have completed at least 10 years of service. May use their benefits while you are on active duty or after you get out. Can't use their benefits until they have a high-school diploma or certificate, or they have turned 18.
How long do you have to serve in the military?
Any active military member who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill who has less than 16 years service, and: 1 Has at least six years of service and agrees to serve an additional four years 2 Has at least 10 years of service and can't commit to four more years because of regulation (i.e. High Year Tenure, etc)
Can you add entitlement after you get out of the military?
You can always add or subtract entitlement after you get out. But, if you don't add them into the system while you are on active duty (with at least one month of entitlement), you are out of luck later, you won't be able to add them. A spouse: May start to use their benefits immediately.
Can you get housing allowance while on active duty?
Can't get the monthly housing allowance while you are on active duty. If you got out of of the military before Jan. 1, 2013, they have 15 years from your discharge to use their benefits. If you get out after that, there is no time limit. A child:
Can I transfer my GI Bill to my spouse?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows you to transfer all or some of your unused benefits to your spouse or dependent children. The military determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family. Once your service approves your eligibility to transfer your benefits, your dependents can apply for them through the VA.
How to contact the DVA for education benefits?
Or they can call the DVA for education benefits information at 1-888-GIBILL1. Once the DVA matches your family member's VA Form 22-1990E to your approved transfer request, the VA will send certificates of eligibility. Have your family members provide their certificates of eligibility to the school.
Do you have to get a certificate of eligibility from the DVA before you enroll in school?
Your family members may not receive their certificates of eligibility from the DVA before they enroll in school. If so, they must ask the veterans' certifying official at the school to submit to the DVA an enrollment certification for the academic term. The DVA sends tuition funds directly to the school.
