How to Get College Paid for with the Post 9/11 GI Bill

Have you heard about the Post 9/11 GI Bill? If not and you or your spouse is in the service then you should look into it. These days it can be a challenge finding the money to go back to school The Post 9/11 GI Bill is a great program that you can use for schooling and housing. And the best part is, the active duty service member can give it to their spouse or children.

Who is eligible?

In order to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you needed to be an active duty service member at least 90 days prior to 9/11/2001. If you were discharged after 9/11 because of a disability related to your military tour, it needed to occur 30 days or more after 9/11.

When can you receive the benefits?

If you meet the service requirements you can fill out an application. (Visit the site in the resources for the link.) Benefits begin on August 1, 2009. Once approved, the amount you are eligible for will depend on where you live and the particular course of study that will be pursued.

What kind of degree can you get?

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is eligible for any undergraduate or post graduate degrees as well as education designed to give you a technical vocation. The program needs to be given by an approved higher learning institute.

Do you need to decide your program of study right away?

If you are eligible to apply for the benefits, you don't need to decide what you (or your dependents) plan on studying right away. However, to determine exactly how much money you will be receiving, knowing the program of study will be crucial.

Exactly how much money can you receive?

The benefits of the Post 9/11 GI Bill are considerable. As discussed, tuition and fees payment will be determined by various factors including where you live and what you will be studying.

In addition, you will receive a Basic Allowance for Housing which is based on the zip code. (I've provided a link for calculating the BAH in the resources). There is also a book stipend, and a rural benefit allotment of $500 to be paid if you meet the requirements.

Where can you get more information?

Are you intrigued by what the Post 9/11 GI Bill has to offer? You can get more information by looking online (I've provided a website in the resources section) or by visiting your base or local branch of the Department of Veteran Affairs.

As you can see, the Post 9/11 GI Bill offers a great way to get college paid for. If you meet the requirements, it is worth applying for.

Author: US Department of Veteran Affairs
Page Title: US Department of Veteran Affairs Post 9/11 GI Bill Website
Site Title: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Post-911.htm