Education and Housing Support for Service Members
The GI Bill provides financial assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families for higher education and training. This program covers tuition, housing, and other educational expenses, helping veterans transition into civilian careers. Whether you’re pursuing a college degree, vocational training, or certification, the GI Bill offers flexible benefits to support your educational goals.
Types of GI Bill Programs
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit for veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001. It covers:
- Full tuition and fees for in-state public colleges and universities.
- Up to $27,120 per year for private or foreign schools.
- Monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the cost of living in your school’s location.
- Book and supply stipend of up to $1,000 per year.
- Transfer of benefits to eligible spouses or children.
To qualify, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001, and receive benefits based on their length of service.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available to those who served in active duty (MGIB-AD) or the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, it does not provide housing allowances but offers monthly payments for tuition and training costs. Veterans must have contributed $1,200 during active service to be eligible.
Yellow Ribbon Program
For veterans attending private or out-of-state schools where tuition exceeds GI Bill limits, the Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional funding. Participating schools and the VA share the remaining tuition costs. This benefit is only available under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program
Also known as Chapter 31 benefits, VR&E provides education, job training, and career counseling for disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher. It covers tuition, books, and a subsistence allowance for eligible participants.
How to Apply for GI Bill Benefits
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans must have at least 90 days of active service after 9/11 or a service-related disability.
- For the Montgomery GI Bill, veterans must have served at least two years and contributed to the program during active duty.
- For VR&E benefits, veterans must have a VA disability rating of at least 10%.
Step 2: Choose a School or Training Program
Find an accredited school, college, university, or vocational program approved by the VA. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool on the VA website (www.va.gov) to check tuition coverage and benefits.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online through the VA’s website, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. You will need:
- Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.
- Military service records (DD-214).
- School enrollment information.
Step 4: School Certification
Once accepted, your school’s certifying official will confirm your enrollment with the VA, ensuring tuition and benefits are processed.
Housing and Living Allowances
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, eligible veterans receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on:
- The ZIP code of the school (equal to an E-5 rank with dependents).
- Online-only students receive a reduced stipend of 50% of the national average MHA.
- Veterans attending less than half-time enrollment do not receive housing benefits.
Transferring GI Bill Benefits
Veterans can transfer unused GI Bill benefits to spouses or children under certain conditions. To qualify:
- You must have at least six years of service and commit to four additional years.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) must approve the transfer.
- Dependents must be registered in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).
