The GI Bill is an earned benefit that provides financial assistance for higher education, housing, and related expenses to military personnel. Funding comes through the Department of Veterans Affairs and is based on certain eligibility criteria. Service members and Veterans who use their GI Bill benefits can attend college, get job training, and even earn certifications to help them thrive in their careers.
Understanding the Post-9/11 GI Bill: Purpose and History
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as the Chapter 33 benefit, provides money for post-secondary education or job training.
The GI Bill was initially created in 1944 as service members returned from World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, which included the GI Bill. This provided money for education to those who served and was designed to help them readjust to civilian life with new opportunities following their service.
After September 11, 2001, the Post-9/11 GI Bill adjusted the existing plan to expand its offerings. This legislation provided education benefits for tuition, housing, and living expenses for Veterans enrolled in higher education programs.
The Forever GI Bill, which falls under Sections 107 and 501 of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, was signed by President Donald Trump in 2017 to expand the program even further. The funding now covers a longer period, can be transferred to dependents under additional circumstances, and provides more benefits to service members and Veterans.
Forever GI Bill vs Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provided up to 36 months of funding for higher education. As long as a service member, Veteran, or eligible dependent was enrolled full-time in a program, they received those benefits. Programs include community college, four-year university, graduate school, or PHD programs.
You can also get reimbursed for some tests and certifications required for your industry. Prep courses for these exams may also be covered.
The Forever GI Bill extends the existing bill and now covers up to 48 months of tuition, housing, and living expenses at a pre-determined rate based on where they attend classes. They can use it for similar programs and to cover similar costs, such as tuition and books.
Who Qualifies for the Forever GI Bill?
To qualify for the GI Bill, you must complete a minimum amount of service. Those who served at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 receive a portion of the benefit. Full benefits are awarded for those completing at least 36 months of active service.
Some extended benefits under the Forever GI Bill, such as the increased time to use it, are awarded to those who served after January 1, 2013.
Active duty service members and Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible, as well as their dependents, as long as the service member opted to transfer the benefit in their service record. Those with a service-connected disability are also eligible.
With the extension under the Forever GI Bill, Purple Heart recipients are eligible regardless of length of service.
Those using the Post-9/11 GI Bill had 15 years after their military service to use the benefit before it expired. Under the Forever GI Bill, this time limit is eliminated, expanding the benefit to many more eligible Veterans. It also allows Veterans to use the benefit when it works best for their career.
What Else Did the Forever GI Bill Change?
One of the major changes with the Forever GI Bill is how housing allowances are calculated. Recipients receive a housing allowance equal to the rate of an E-5 with dependents as long as they are enrolled in a full-time program. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the institution’s main campus location was used to calculate the amount.
Under the Forever GI Bill, the location is based on where the recipient actually attends classes. If the institution has multiple campuses, this may be higher or lower than what they would receive based on the main campus location, but it is a more accurate benefit based on the actual costs of housing.
The Forever GI Bill also provides extra resources and time to use allowances to those pursuing STEM degrees. However, eligibility is limited, and the program must fall under one of the approved STEM fields.
How Can You Use the Forever GI Bill?
While service members often use the Forever GI Bill for four-year degrees, it can also provide reimbursement for career training programs, certification courses, and licensing exams. Surprisingly, the Forever GI Bill also covers many other, unique types of education as well.
The Forever GI Bill cannot be used to pay for actual licenses or certifications, just the education and testing to obtain them.
FAQ
Is the Forever GI Bill Retroactive?
Yes, some parts of the Forever GI Bill are retroactive. For example, if the service member left active duty after 2013, they are eligible for Forever GI Bill extended benefits even though the legislation was not signed until 2017.
Does the Forever GI Bill Expire?
No, benefits under the Forever GI Bill do not expire. This is one of the major differences between it and the previous authorization under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
What about Disabled Veterans?
Veterans who served at least 30 days and were discharged with a service-connected disability are eligible for 100% of the Forever GI Bill benefit. If they left active duty after January 1, 2013, they fall under the new Forever GI Bill extended deadlines and benefits.