Top Tips for Maximizing Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

In August of 2009 the Post 9/11 GI Bill was in effect for eligible military veterans. For some veterans, this new GI Bill was a massive improvement over the Montgomery GI Bill. For others like California veterans (such as me), the registration process and vast differences in payments by state made it a headache. Over time some of those problems were straightened out.

Now that the dust has settled, there seems to be a common thread of tips that can help any Post 9/11 GI Bill beneficiary, regardless of where you live. Use these tips to maximize the benefits that are due to you, especially when you consider the un-taxable Base Allowance for Housing benefit.

Get to know your school's VA representative. Some representatives aren't as schooled in the Post 9/11 GI Bill as you can be. Work with them closely so that everyone benefits. In recessed or depressed economies, schools want your attendance. In exchange, you want the benefits you are due with the fewest amount of hiccups. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is still a growing and changing program, so it's best to grow together. My rep lets me know when he's certified my attendance. I relay to my rep whenever I have VA issues so he can use my experience to ask the right questions and help future students.

Buy used textbooks. With the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you can be reimbursed for books at a rate of $44 per credit hour. Consider getting slightly used books from reputable stores online like Amazon. Inquire with your fellow students as well. They probably aren't getting reimbursed for books so they'd be happy to sell for cheap. If you can, check with your professor ahead of time as to the importance of text edition. Sometimes they prefer the earlier text editions, which are usually less expensive.

Check BAH rates for local area schools within a reasonable commute. This may seem like a given, but you get a BAH reimbursement based on your school's location. Consider residents in Fairfield, California. An E-5 with dependents BAH reimbursement in 2010 for schools in Sacramento (45 minutes away) is $1636 per month. The same BAH for San Francisco (also 45 minutes away, opposite direction) is $2725. San Francisco has a lot more traffic, but an $1100 difference might we worth the wait if you can get the same degree.

Inquire about the Yellow Ribbon Program. If you want to attend a private school or grad school, the VA's direct payment to the school may not cover all tuition costs. But don't let that deter you. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, schools make up the difference. It's a winning situation for schools that need to maximize enrollment.

Go more than half time every time. Anything less than half time means no BAH reimbursement. However, the VA relies on your school's certifying official to relay what is considered half time. Stay in touch with your representative and make sure that you at least meet the minimum requirements. For example, if you are one credit short of half-time, there may be additional work or special classes that can make up that single credit.

Bank on your future. The VA also requires an education plan sent from your representative to ensure they aren't just shelling out money with no goal in mind for the student. Look at your future class schedule carefully because there may be times where you won't be going full time. This is good to know so you can anticipate what BAH benefits you'll be receiving. Remember that BAH is paid AFTER the fact. If you attend classes in January, you are paid in February for attendance.