VA Begins Accepting Applications for Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that Veterans can begin submitting applications on-line for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

“There is no better investment than education,” Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth of the Department of Veterans Affairs for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs said. “The Post 9/11 GI Bill will provide new opportunities that are essential to our Veterans,our workforce and our economy.”

Veterans, service members, reservists, and National Guard members with active duty service since September 10, 2001 may be eligible for this benefit. Veterans will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of last discharge or release from a period of active duty of at least 90 continuous days.

Eligible applicants must have served for an aggregate period of at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days on active duty since September 10, 2001 and received a discharge for disability. Benefit payment rates range from 40% of the maximum benefit for an individual with at least 90 days, but less than 6 months of aggregate service and up to 100% of the benefit for individuals with at least 36 months of aggregate service or 30 continuous days and a discharge due to a service connected disability.

Prospective beneficiaries may apply on-line at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.

Qualified Veterans will receive a “Certificate of Eligibility” as well as additional information regarding benefits they may qualify for under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which will become effective on August 1, 2009.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible applicants with tuition payments to assist them in obtaining a college education. For many participants, it also provides a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.

Information about the new program and VA’s other educational benefits can be obtained through www.GIBILL.VA.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the following benefit programs, please click on the program name for more information. If need additional assistance, please contact us via email by clicking on the “Questions & Answers” link on the left hand side of this page or call our toll-free number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• Educational Assistance Test Program (Section 901)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
• National Call to Service Program