The New GI Bill for Army Active Duty is also known as the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It provides an education benefit for soldiers who were on active duty status on or after September 11, 2001. These benefits are paid for training undertaken on or after August 1, 2009. Funding is not offered under this program for training pursued before that date.
Overview of the New GI Bill
The New GI Bill offers an education benefit which is meant to pay for the full cost of a college degree. Recipients can choose where they go to school, as long as the educational institution is an accredited one. The full cost of obtaining a degree at a private college or university may not be covered.
The maximum tuition benefit available under the New GI Bill is equal to the cost to attend the priciest public college or university in the soldier’s state of residence. Servicemen and women who decide to go to a private school will receive the maximum benefit they are qualified to receive and they are responsible for making up the difference personally.
The New GI Bill also pays for the cost of completing a program of study at a community college or vocational school. Certificate and diploma programs may be funded under this program, as well.
If the amount required to pay for a post-secondary education program is lower than the maximum benefit that a serviceman or woman is entitled to, he or she is not entitled to a cash payout to make up the difference.
Eligible Army personnel can receive up to 36 months of benefits under the program. Veterans can receive funding for up to 15 years after being honorably discharged.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Some schools with higher attendance costs than the maximum amount payable under the New GI Bill have chosen to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The schools agree to waive the additional cost of tuition in support of servicemen and women seeking higher education.
What New GI Bill Covers
The New GI Bill covers the cost of tuition for eligible servicemen and women, as well as the following:
A monthly housing stipend is available to students who are attending classes on at least a part-time basis. The stipend is not paid to active duty personnel who are living in military housing or people who are studying online. The exact amount paid for this purpose will depend on the recipient’s zip code and the local cost of living.
Up to $1,000 will be paid out for books and supplies. The actual amount provided is determined by the specific program costs.
Students who require help from a tutor can receive up to $100 per month to pay for this expense. The full entitlement for tutoring is capped at $1,200.
The New GI Bill also covers the cost to take tests and exams in many cases. If the serviceman or woman is required to obtain a license or a certificate to complete his or her qualifications to start working in career, funding may be available to pay for it.
Eligibility for Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits
Army personnel who served for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001 and who are still on active duty or were honorably discharged may qualify for education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. A soldier who was honorably discharged due to a service-related disability who served for at least 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001 may also be eligible for benefits.
Servicemen and women who are eligible for education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill who qualify for benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill may choose to claim benefits under the Post 9/11 legislation. This decision is irrevocable once it has been made, and should therefore be considered very carefully.
To receive the maximum benefit payment under the Post 9/11 Bill, soldiers must have served at least 36 months on active duty. Army personnel who have served a minimum of 90 days on active duty can receive a partial benefit. As the length of service increases, the amount payable also goes up.
Before applying for benefits under the New GI Bill, a soldier needs to consider whether this program will cover the type of education program he or she is interested in. Once a decision has been made to apply for financial assistance under the Post 9/11 Bill or the Montgomery Bill, it is final and the available options should be weighed carefully.