Understanding the GI Bill – What It Is and How It Can Help You

If you’re a military service member, veteran, or even a family member of someone in the military, you’ve likely heard about the GI Bill. But what exactly is it, and how can it help you or your loved ones? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the GI Bill—from its origins to the benefits it offers and how you can use it to further your education or career.

What is the GI Bill?

The GI Bill is a collection of education benefits available to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. It’s designed to help those who have served in the military pursue their educational goals by covering the costs of college, vocational training, and other educational programs.

The name “GI Bill” comes from the original Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, passed after World War II. This act provided returning veterans with financial assistance for higher education, housing, and business loans. Over the years, the GI Bill has evolved, and today it offers a wide range of benefits to those who have served or are currently serving.

Types of GI Bill Benefits

There are several types of GI Bill benefits, but the two most commonly used are the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Let’s break down each one.

1. Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most popular and generous version of the GI Bill. It’s available to those who have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001. This bill covers:

• Full tuition and fees for public colleges or universities.
• Housing allowance to help cover living expenses while you attend school.
• Book stipends to help pay for textbooks and other materials.
• Transferability: You can transfer your benefits to a spouse or children if you meet certain service requirements.

The amount of benefits you receive under the Post-9/11 GI Bill depends on how long you’ve served. For example, if you’ve served for at least three years, you’re eligible for 100% of the benefits. If you’ve served between 90 days and six months, you may be eligible for a lower percentage.

2. Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill is another option, but it works a bit differently than the Post-9/11 GI Bill. There are two versions:

• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD): This is for those who have served at least two years on active duty. It provides a monthly education benefit to help cover tuition, fees, and other costs.
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): This is for members of the Reserves and National Guard. Like the active-duty version, it offers a monthly education benefit.

To qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, service members must have opted in and paid $1,200 during their first year of service. This benefit lasts for up to 36 months and can be used for a variety of programs, including college, technical school, and flight training.

How to Use the GI Bill

Using your GI Bill benefits is straightforward, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure you’re making the most of what’s available to you.

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Before using the GI Bill, you need to make sure you’re eligible. For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must have served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001. For the Montgomery GI Bill, you must have served for at least two years and paid into the program.

Family members of service members may also be eligible for GI Bill benefits if they are transferred. This is a great opportunity for spouses and children to take advantage of the education benefits.

2. Choose Your School or Program

The GI Bill can be used at a variety of institutions, including public and private universities, community colleges, and vocational schools. It can also be used for specific training programs, such as apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

Make sure the school or program you choose is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Most major institutions are GI Bill-friendly, but it’s always good to double-check with the VA or the school’s veteran services office.

3. Apply for Benefits

Once you’ve determined your eligibility and chosen a school or program, the next step is to apply for your benefits through the VA. This process involves completing the VA Form 22-1990, also known as the Application for Education Benefits.

You can apply online through the VA’s website or by submitting a paper application. After your application is processed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, which you’ll need to provide to your school to start receiving your benefits.

4. Enroll and Start Your Education

Once everything is approved, you can enroll in your chosen school or program and start taking classes. Your GI Bill benefits will cover tuition and fees directly, while other benefits, like housing allowances or book stipends, may be sent to you directly.

Benefits Beyond College

While many people use the GI Bill to cover traditional college tuition, there are other ways you can use your benefits:

• Vocational/Technical Training: The GI Bill can be used to attend technical schools or complete vocational training programs, which can be a great option for careers in fields like healthcare, IT, and mechanics.
• Apprenticeships: The GI Bill covers apprenticeships in a variety of industries. This can be a great way to learn while you earn, as apprenticeships combine hands-on training with classroom instruction.
• On-the-Job Training: If you prefer a more hands-on learning approach, you can use your GI Bill benefits to complete on-the-job training programs, which help you gain practical experience in your chosen field.
• Flight Training: If you’re interested in becoming a commercial pilot, the GI Bill can help cover the costs of flight school.
• Certification and Licensing: If you need a certification or license for your chosen career—such as a real estate license or a teaching certificate—the GI Bill can help cover the costs.

Key Things to Know About the GI Bill

• Time Limits: For most veterans, the GI Bill benefits must be used within 15 years of their last discharge from active duty (under the Post-9/11 GI Bill) or within 10 years (under the Montgomery GI Bill). Some recent changes have removed the time limit for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, giving veterans the flexibility to use it at any point in their lives.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: For veterans attending private schools or out-of-state public institutions, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help cover additional tuition costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t fully cover.
• Housing Allowance: Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans who attend school more than half-time are eligible for a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the location of the school. This allowance helps cover rent and other living expenses while you attend school.

Conclusion

The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to military service members, veterans, and their families. Whether you’re looking to pursue a college degree, technical training, or another type of educational program, the GI Bill can help make your goals a reality without the burden of student loans.

If you’re eligible, it’s important to understand your benefits and how to use them. Take advantage of the opportunities the GI Bill provides, and you’ll be on your way to a brighter future.