Check your eligibility online at www.gibill.va.gov

Submit your application VA Form 22-1990 or 22-1990E.

After you have enrolled in school, check with your School Certifying Official (SCO) to confirm that your VA enrollment certification has been sent to the VA on your behalf. This form certifies your actual enrollment period and triggers your payment. *Here’s a little hint: the school’s designated SCO will be found in the Financial Aid Department, Admissions and Records Department, or Registrar’s Office.)

And last but not least, enjoy the education benefits you earned!

If you’re planning to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend school anytime this year, take action today. Please let me know if you would be interested in working together to ensure your readers are securing the benefits they are eligible for. For more information please visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov or text GIBill to 99702. And thank you for your service to our country.

Click here to learn more about Post 9/11 GI Bill

Eligibility is Based on Length of Service

The total amount of benefits granted is based on the length of time a veteran has served in the Armed Forces.  Assistance is also available to service members who have either received an honorable discharge, or was discharged because of a medical condition (provided it wasn’t a result of misconduct).

To find out exactly how the duration of your service affects your personal benefits, log on to the Military.com web site and go to the page entitled “New GI Bill Overview: Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefit Tiers.”  Or, if you’d like to inquire about your eligibility status, contact the Veterans Administration directly at 1-888-838-7697.  They are the only ones that have the authority to determine your personal eligibility for benefits.

A Summary of Educational Benefits

Individuals who qualify and are enrolled in approved education programs are entitled to receive benefits for a period of up to 36 months, which is equivalent to four years of college, to cover the costs of tuition, fees, living expenses and other expenses associated with the pursuit of education.

However, a student may not receive funds that exceed the maximum in-state amount of established charges at the highest priced public school in that particular state.  For those attending part-time or less, the amount is further reduced if the actual costs are less than the educational benefit would otherwise be.

Funds for books, supplies, equipment, and other expenses for educational purposes are limited to $1,000 per academic year and are paid proportionately by term.  Payments are dispersed as follows:

- Book allowance is paid directly to the student at the start of each term

- Stipends for housing are paid directly to the student on a monthly basis

- Tuition payments are sent directly to the institution

Active-Duty Members of the Armed Forces

If you are on active duty, you can still receive education benefits up to the maximum in-state charge at the most expensive public school in the state, however, benefits are not provided for housing or books.

For more explicit details regarding what the GI Bill provides if you are on active duty, log on to the Military.com web site and check out the Active Duty GI User’s Guide.

Transferring Your Benefits to Dependents

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, eligible members may transfer a portion of the education benefits to their dependents, including their spouse and children under the age of 26.  Note that only active members of the military who have completed at a minimum of six years of service and agree to serve at least four more qualify for this benefit.

For questions, contact the Office of Veteran and Military Education at 1-800-867-5941 or 518-587-2100.