G.I. Bill

The GI Bill refers to any education benefits sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits have been earned by members of the U.S. Military, whether Active Duty, Selected Reserve or National Guard and their families or dependents. These benefits are designed to aid current service members and eligible veterans to cover the many costs associated with receiving an education or work related training. The GI Bill has several programs which are administrated independently.

Overview

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill

• Available to those active duty members who enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, and paid $100 per month for 12 months. This entitles them to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation
• Not transferable to dependents
• Pays the student a monthly stipend in arrears based on training time (full-time vs. part-time)
• Must verify school attendance monthly

Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service

• Assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs
• Provides comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills and interests
• Offers assistance with post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
• For veterans with a disability rating greater than 20%
• Pays tuition and fees, books and supplies voucher, and monthly housing stipend
• Must see Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to determine eligibility
• Local office at 245 W Houston St., New York, NY 10014, Phone (800) 827-1000

Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill

• The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an Honorable Discharge in order to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill
• May transfer some or all of entitlement to dependents if sponsor is on active duty
• Percentage of benefits paid is based on amount of active duty time after Sep 11, 2001 (40 – 100%)
• Pays tuition and fees, book stipend, and housing stipend to the percent of benefits payable of sponsor and training time (full-time vs. part-time)

Chapter 35 – Survivor’s and Dependents Educational Assistance Program

• You must be the son, daughter or spouse of: A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service connected disability. The disability must a rise out of active service in the Armed Forces
• A veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence
• A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force
• A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power
• A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.
• Pays a monthly stipend in arrears based on training time (full-time vs. part-time)

Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill – Select Reserve

• Available to those reservists and National Guard members who are actively drilling and have a 6-year obligation in the Selected Reserve
• Pays a monthly stipend in arrears based on training time (full-time vs. part-time)
• Must verify school attendance monthly

Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

• A Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.
• Pays a monthly stipend in arrears based on training time (full-time vs. part-time)
• Must verify school attendance monthly