Four Unknown Facts about the Post 9/11 GI-Bill

Four Unknown Facts about the Post 9/11 GI-Bill

1. Exhaust the old GI-bill benefits and you get 12 additional months of the new GI-Bill! That is 48 months of educational benefit vice 36!

You must fully exhaust your Chapter 30 benefits to be eligible for the 12 additional months of Chapter 33 benefits and this does not work in reverse. As in, you cannot exhaust 36 months of Chapter 33 benefits and then have 12 months of Chapter 30 eligibility.

Also, keep in mind these additional 12 months would not have to be at your undergraduate institution they could be at any graduate institution and would pay up to the most expensive in state undergraduate rate-unless they are participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program which will split the difference between the highest in state rate and the full cost of the program. Depending on your situation you could use Chapter 30 and pay for a good portion of your graduate degree—or at least have a healthy stipend for 12 months and less debt.

http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Yellow_ribbon.htm

2. The Big Loophole for Part-time Students

The above only applies if you are pursuing a full-time program. If you are interested in going to school part time then it is in your advantage to take 1 credit hour more than half-time, typically seven credit hours, and you will receive the full BAH rate but only be charged half a month of entitlement. At this rate you could receive up to 72 months of GI-Bill benefits and receive the full BAH rate for the entirety of these 72 months. This could also be utilized for the 12 additional months of Chapter 33 eligibility if you exhaust your Chapter 30 benefits.

3. Once You Leave Chapter 30 (the old GI-Bill) There is No Coming Back!

If you switch to Chapter 33 there is no returning to Chapter 30. So make sure that you are aware of this implication and have an idea of how it is you want to pursue your degree. If you have already registered to utilize Chapter 33 fall benefits this can be reversed up until the point you receive your first stipend deposit. If you would like to reverse this decision then you need to act now.

4. How are the student fees going to be paid to veterans?

You will receive $42.00 per credit hour of attendance with your first BAH direct deposit payment up to a max of $1,000 per a year.


If you need any additional information or have any other questions please feel free to contact me by email. jbrown@vfw.org


Justin Brown
A Virginia Vet