For Service To Your Country

Improved Education Benefits for Veterans

On June 30, President Bush signed into law the Post 9/​​11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. This landmark legislation provides posts-9/​​11 veterans with comprehensive educational benefits. Here’s what you need to know.

Effective Date: These new benefits become effective on August 1, 2009. Until then, the Act provides a temporary increase in rates payable under the current MGIB-AD. The 3-year MGIB-AD rate is increased to $1,321, and the 2-year rate is increased to $1,073.

Any new recruits entering active duty before August 1, 2009 will still be afforded the opportunity to enroll in the existing MGIB education benefit with a $1,200 payment their first year of service (pay is reduced by $100 for 12 months).

Who is Eligible: Veterans who have active-duty service on or after September 11, 2001.

Expiration of Entitlement: The 36 months of entitlement must be used during the 15 years following your release from active service.

What’s Covered:

Tuition: At its highest benefit level, the new program provides tuition and fees not to exceed the maximum amount of tuitions and fees charged for in-state students at the state’s highest-cost public institution in the state in which the student is enrolled. This benefit is paid directly to the school.

If the benefit level does not cover the cost of tuition, you may be eligible under the “Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program,” to apply to the VA for additional funds. The VA and the education institution can agree to cover the unmet expense. The VA’s matching obligation is limited to 50 percent of unmet costs. This benefit is limited to individuals with 36 months of post-September 10, 2001 service or those discharged from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

Books: The program will pay an annual stipend of up to $1,000 for the cost of books and supplies.

Housing: The program will pay a housing allowance equal to the amount paid by the Department of Defense to an E-5 with dependents in the region of the institution where you are studying.

For Your Dependents: While you are on active duty, you may be eligible to transfer these educational benefits to your spouse and dependent children. You must have completed at least six years of service and agree to serve at least six more years. You can divide the entitled among your spouse and children.

If you have any questions regarding the new education benefits, contact a VA field office or a Veterans Service Organization.


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