It’s no secret that many individuals who join the U.S. Armed Forces do so partly because of the GI Bill education that awaits them after their military service is completed. For some, the benefits of the GI Bill might be their main objective, knowing it’s one route to take to secure a higher education, and maybe their ONLY way. Military pay may not be great but the benefits are good in several areas including: food, housing, medical and dental and, of course, GI Bill benefits.
What some may not realize, however, is that GI Bill educational benefits can be utilized even while a member is still on active duty, although some of the benefits will be slightly different. With online education so readily available in these days of Internet training, there’s no need for service members to wait until their enlistment period is finished before pursuing higher learning on the government’s dime.
THE POST-9/11 GI BILL
Post 911 GI Bill benefits, which came into effect August 1, 2009, affects those who apply for GI Bill benefits after September 11, 2001. To qualify, one must have a total of at least 90 days of military service on or after 9/11/2001, or have been discharged with some type of service-related disability after serving a minimum of at least 30 days. Having been honorably discharged is also a requirement for eligibility. These are the current benefits offered:
- Fees and tuition charges, paid directly to the school, but not to exceed the maximum allowable in-state rate for public higher learning institutions
- A monthly housing allowance which is based on the monthly housing allowance afforded an E-5 (Sergeant) while on active duty
- $1,000 annual stipend for books and supplies, doled out proportionately, determined by current enrollment requirements
- A one-time ‘rural benefit’ of $500, if you reside in an area with a population density of 6 or less persons per square mile. There are additional qualifications needed to receive this benefit
Those utilizing GI Bill education benefits to pursue an online education only will not be eligible to receive the housing allowance. Those who are still on active duty and opt to use their GI Bill benefits will receive neither the housing allowance nor the additional $1000 per year for books and supplies.
There are other GI Bill education programs available besides the Post 9/11 Bill discussed above. These include the Montgomery Bill and the Reserve GI Bill. All the information you need can be found fairly easily. If you’ve earned the benefits, taking advantage of them is probably a good idea.