Veterans, we are conducting a nationwide poll to see which of our veteran readers have ever used their GI Bill benefits. Please submit your answer below, thanks for your time!
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I was not eligible. The cold war doesn’t seem important enough. No GI bill, no national defense ribbon. Not even a cold war ribbon. I don’t even think of myself as a veteran most of the time.
Yes indeed I used the GI Bill. It paid for my masters degree and also during the time I was involved in a doctoral program. It was always handled responsibly and professionally and helped me a lot in both my civilian and military careers. It also enabled me to get an affordable mortgage on my current home that I purchased in 2013. I certainly recommend that anyone and everyone eligible for it to apply ASAP!
I would love to get some help please. I have a very odd case of getting screwed by the military that I will try and tell concisely. During my time in active duty Army, I paid into the GI bill and served over half of my term before receiving a discharge of General Under Honorable Conditions. I was never convicted of any crime, but my Platoon Sergeant gave me an egregious discharge code, that does not even exist anymore, without notifying me. I was promised that I would still get my benefits and thus, is why I chose to get out of the Army. However, the discharge code he gave me blocked my discharge from automatically upgrading after 6 months to honorable, which would’ve given me all of the benefits I earned by serving my country. This would’ve included my GI bill and any medical! I was injured in basic training and I cannot have children because of that injury! Can somebody please help? I have tried since 2004!
I am a black veteran, I had hell getting a bank approve my home loan,, I had served 10 years and had two jobs with a credit score of 789 ., but was turn down, i went to the bank and ask what the problem, the clerk was helpful, she look over my application, and change my race from black to white,, the next day the bank call and said my loan was approved, i have since paid off that home and bought two more home but i did not use with v.a any more, too much B.S
As far as medical care, I use the VA like sick call, but I do not trust the VA for any type of specialty treatment or surgeries. As far as benifits goes, I do not believe the system is set up right. I’ve known several vets that just recently put in a claim for sinusitis due to the pact act. They provided 0 pieces of medical evidence and at their exam they said “the burn pits messed up my sinuses, and I take all these over the counter meds”. Again, not one shred of proof. They were awarded 30%. My claim for sinusitis was put in way before the pact act. I had to service connect it the hard way. I had military documentation along with a ton of medical evidence from my ongoing ENT. I was able to show that I was given antibiotics 6-8 times in a year. I was able to show that I had multiple surgeries and yet still have issues with my sinusitis. That claim was a part of a 5 year appeal. In the end it was service connected and given 0%. Now with the pact act and hearing about the other veterans and what they’re getting and providing no evidence for it, I tried my hand at it again. I provided documents for all 5 sinus sergeries I’ve had to have as treatment, and I still have issues. I have to take prescribed meds. I just got my claim back and was given 10%. I have other conditions I could talk about that are similar to this. But what Ive seen so far is that if a veteran provides no evidence and downplays it that they get a high rating, but if a veteran shows up all the proof, to prove how bad it is, that veteran will get shafted. Make this make sense but I bet you can’t. Hell there is probably no one reading this anyways.
I have never pursued the GI bill but I’m thinking I need to
look into it before long.
There’s probably some benefits that would actually help me right now.
I’m just recovering from emergency brain surgery and I’m just wanting to return to work.
Thanks for posting this !
I used the GI bill to learn enough about electricity to get an apprenticeship and become a licensed journeyman electrician.. My brother use the GI bill to support his family while he was apprenticing a trade.
I’m so sorry to hear. That. But do reapply and get. You a vet lawyer to help you
There was no GI bill when I was in. 1981-1985. They did away with it just before I went in and brought it back just after I got out. They said it was not “war” time. If it was not war time how did I get an Expeditionary Medal for my time in the Indian Ocean during the Iran hostage crisis? Maybe I shouldn’t be, but I feel cheated. Then they denied me compensation for a knee injury I sustained while stationed in the Phillipines. I love my country but it became quite obvious that the Navy did not love me.
I had a simulator situation thecBrynam area bill expired while I was still on active duty
1964-1986
I got my GI bill education after I served between 1972 to 1975. Between 1975 and 1979, I got the monthly stipend for going to college. Then in 1977 to 1979, I got an ROTC on top of that. Then I got a commission during 1979 as a 2nd Lieutenant. After serving as a Lieutenant, I began my accounting career. I would have a successful CPA career for the next 40 years.
I’m 92, (Korea) can I still use mine?…Dan
I served from 79 to 83 no GI bill they would match what ever you saved for education. But come on we were only making like 5k a year and I didn’t know many 17,18,19 or 20 somethings that were saving money for their education. Plus that’s when Jimmy Carter was President and Washington wasn’t investing in the Military.
Contact your local DAV they will help you get your VA benefits. I had been denied any type of benefits from 1983 till this past summer when a fellow Veteran turned me on to the DAV and now I have Disability rating and they are helping me with more of my service related injuries.
The veteran administration where I live in not worse two dead flies mush together, they show up and get free money for 8 hours and very very rude, some think they are god gift to the veteran administration
I used Tuition Assistance
i also used the GI bill for tuition assistance
I am a Viet Nam veteran. When I return home to Alabama from Viet Nam I was single head of household, taking car of my mother and several siblings. Given my lack of knowledge regarding an expiration date I was not aware my GI Bill benefits would terminate before I was in a position to make use of them. When I got this information I was frustrated and hurt. I felt cheated and a victim of all the malarkey I was fed when I was first drafted and came into the military. I was told I had dental and medical coverage for life if I stayed in the military and retired honorably. Once again MARLARKEY!!! I have to pay for dental and medical coverage! Why do educational benefits expire for VIET NAM VETERANS??? Why do they EXPIRE AT ALLL??? I know this is a situation the Department of Defense (DoD) can rectify. The question is will DoD do the right thing and correct this injustice?
That’s right, why do they expire?
And I don’t think the chapter 33 for dependents should have an expiration date either. My son was not able to finish his degree because he aged out. He had 3 classes left and eventually had to drop out after taking out student loans that he and I (since he was not long out of high school he didn’t have any credit to speak of) are having to pay now. So the G.I. bill didn’t cover me.
I agree with you on this one. They shouldn’t ever expire considering what many veterans have to deal with when we finally get out i.e. traumas, service connected physical problems, getting back into society and being accepted and a slew of other life changing issues that take time.
I don’t see why there should be an expiration date.
Good question bro how come they do go out
Totally agree.
I am a Vietnam Vet as well. The education benefits ie GI Bill should only expire upon Death or the Benefit was used up entirely.
VA home loans don’t expire.
I never had chance to use the GI bill for education
when I was ready to it had expired.Oh well at least I used the VA for housing loans.
Yes, and speaking of VA housing loans… the last time I refinanced it was so expensive, it’s not worth to refinance.
I am a Vietnam vet and i have used my benefit to get a mortgage on my home. 1.75% best there is…
Naval Service during Vietnam 1969-1973. I used my V.A. Benefits to purchase 5 different homes during my life that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. It saved my bacon each time and each move up improved my quality of life. I do wish I had used it for educational purposes as well but now at 72, my regrets are few!
I’m with U my friend.,👍
I served in the Navy 87/91. Paid into the the program. When I got out and joined the workforce my employer paid for further education. The program expired. Would be nice to get that refund.
I was on the “old” GI Bill and didn’t use it in time. I always found it odd that money had an expiration date back then.
Wish it was like the new one they have today.
Same here. I didn’t have a need for it at the time of separation, but sure could’ve used it to get my bachelors degree. Now I have 40k in debt. Sucks that it has an expiration date.
i try to use it and that told me it to much paper work, so can i let my children use it or can i still use it even though i,m retried for about 10 year .
I tried using the GI Bill to earn an advanced pilot rating (commercial/IFR). Due to the VA rules regarding how flight schools can use the GI bill for payment, this became just short of impossible in New Mexico. I’d have used it if I could, but the VA ensures that you cannot. Complaints to my congressman went nowhere. It might be possible in a larger, more heavily populated state with more options, but not in New Mexico. Very frustrating.
I was in from 81 to 91 the only educational assistants we had was the V.E.A.P. that I know of. If there is another program out there that covers that time frame I’d like to know.
83-91. Same here. I paid for college on my own. I even tried to see if I qualified for the “Montgomery GI” bill since I re-enlisted during that time and they said “NO!”
I was able to use only 3 years back in late 1980s, early 90s and then it expired while I had children and full time.jobs. would have loved to finish it. I know the money doesn’t expire now, so would be great to reinstate it for Vets like myself
I used the GI Bill for night school where I ment a fellow classmate who worked for the New Jersey
state government. That plus my training got me a thirty-year job and a great retirement.
no comment
The GI bill helped me get my BA and PhD in the late 1950s and early 1960s. I was also able to get VA assistance in buying my first home in 1961. The education assistance was minimal but necessary, the mortgage lowering helped a lot. The amount paid out to me was dwarfed by the taxes I paid back, based on my salary over subsequent years.
The GI bill for education was outstanding but the current GI bill for housing with its very expensive “Funding Fee” is worse than a down payment!
I used it from 1976 – 1980 to get my bachelor’s degree. It paid all of my expenses. It was great!
Yes I used mine to get my Aviation engineer degree plus mechanic Airframe/powerplant certificate,and my pilot license,that was in 1971/72 after graduation bought a home using my no closing cost ,it was a great to have this
The VA was not created for the Veterans but for the politicians to steal from when they start a “New Program” or want another raise. I’m totally disgusted with the VA as a whole.
Whine a little louder. Maybe it will help you tell some more lies.
Except for when the GOP names some idiot with no experience to run it, the VA has done and continues to do a remarkable job providing health care to we Vets.
I agree
Just remember that it was Trump that changed the employment rules at the VA, so that employees could be fired for not doing their job. It was the democrats that made it impossible to fire someone who was doing more harm than good. If that is what you mean by republicans doing a poor job, then shame on you. It took me 7 years to get a hearing about my disabilities, I would be still waiting if it wasn’t for Trump.
The only reason trump did that was to just get rid of employees. When Dubya was elected, they gave more money to the VA, but cut a lot of Vets out using the VA, because they said they made to much money to receive benefits. I know because they said I was two to late in applying for it. Same for using for education, time ran out.
Yes he did but he also used his doctors in mar-largo to cut me from getting diabetic shoes and have my feet examine.
Wasn!t it Trunk who attempted to overthrow the government!!!
Seriously?! You want to use this forum to express your politics?!
I haven’t used it because my GI Bill Education benefits were cancelled by Congress before I could use them. Why do education benefits end when other VA benefits are lifelong? It’s wrong to cancel benefits that were earned. By the time I could have really used them (but couldn’t) I was earning a Masters Degree. Having the benefits would have kept me from going into debt. I used my FERS retirement to pay off that debt. Debt I shouldn’t have had to have.
I was in the Virginia Army Mational Guard for 6 years. I believe that I do not have any benefits.
You can use the VA loan service. I have twice.
I was going to use the GI Bill to get this new house, but instead I used TexVet (Texas Veterans) –the state benefit, and it was better.
In 1970 I attempted to purchase 4.5 acres land with a two story house on it. The house had a basement apartment. This property was located next to the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, NC. The owner was asking $8,000.00. I went to the VA with my elegibility certificate since I was a Vietnam vet, having served twice there. The VA counselor and his fellow workers kept me in the office for several hours. Waiting for approval for the VA housing loan. When it finally came I hurried over to the residence and spoke with the owner. I was devastated. The owner had just sold it for $16,000 cash. Who was the new owner? The VA counselor I had made application for the loan at the VA office. I returned there and filed a complaint.. I was informed the counselor had quit his job and therefore nothing could nor would be done by the VA. Then I was informed that since a check had been made out in my name, that I could no longer use the eligibility certificate; and I COULD NOT USE THE SAME CHECK TO PURCHASE ANOTHER PROPERTY. The VA has stood by this decision to the present time: and I will soon be 80 years old. 50 years of chronic homelessness and unemployability. Need I write about the VA enforcers activities? First court case involving them was in 1931, before I was born.
Paid for the old GI bill but didn’t use it in time and lost it.
Same with me
Can’t use it to build on property that you already own they want a structure before the loan.
Same thing happened to me they didn’t tell us there was a cut off date attached to it
Same here!
When I went in the GI Bill was still in force; while I was in it changed over to VEEP. I was told recently (as I applied for college) that VEEP no longer exists and since it had been past 10 yrs since my ETS, my GI Bill was no longer available. So where did my money go? I had to pay for VEEP ($2.00 for every $1.00 I added), The GI Bill I earned with six years of my life and a painful disability that has kept me from working since 1993!
I am one of a handful group of veterans who didn’t have any money in VEAP and was therefore not eligible for the new GI Bill. As a result, no benefits upon retirement.
I have not used my GI bill to purchase a home because, I haul water like everyone around me and the rules for the GI bill don’t let me qualify, so I haven’t been able to use my GI bill.
It is really frustrating that we all paid in to it. but after x years you are screwed from getting to use it. I’d like money back with interest. I think that is more than fair. so tired of our US Government taking advantage of all. We did our time with Honorable Discharge Conditions. As a matter of FACT i did
US ARMY and US NAVY. For those who did not use the GI BILL, you should get your money back plus some…
What do you mean “…money back…” ? What money did you spend? It’s a crying shame that there might be a reason you COULDN’T use the Bill but, if you just “…didn’t use it…” no harm, no foul. You do not have an out-of-pocket expense to be repaid for.
Excuse you Sir those of us who still have money in VEAP we paid 2700 dollars when they switched us to the Monkey’ed up Montgomery GI bill. Screwed us because the original GI bill allowed you to get a builder’s loan.
Some of us were so focused on serving the Nation we didn’t focus on education. Who are you to tell me when it’s appropriate to use an earned benefit? Who are you to tell me when I should have gone to college. That’s my call NOT yours. I assume you didn’t serve. Did you ever lose your citizenship rights to particpate in the political arena. We who served have and still do. That in and of itself deserves that the Nation not cancel earned benefits. I think Congress should compensate me for the debt I shouldn’t have had!
No I haven’t used it
Can’t use it to build on property that you already own they want a structure before the loan. Yes Federal Government you stole enough from me with affirmative Action plan and now I can’t use my GI bill!
Agreed!
I did not use my GI Bill and where do I file to get my money
How do we get money back, and how much?…
Yes I. Did use my GI loan. I purchased 2 homes and did not have any problems. I would use it again but I am 75 and live in a nice Apartment. I serviced 4 years in the Air Force as a Sargent.
I tried to use it for my son, had to use the Hazelwood to cover his education.
Have It for my son
Have It for my son
I was in the Army from 1971-1974. Upon discharge in May 1974, I used the GI bill to help pay for my law school education. After obtaining my JD degree, I practiced law for 18 years and then worked for 21 years as a federal Administrative Law Judge, retiring in December 2017. I enjoyed my service to my country and appreciated the discipline and respect for authority inbred in me during my time in service.
No I have not used my G.I. Bill I tried to use it for my daughter for her college they told me I couldn’t and I said OK then what about give me back my money that I paid for the G.I. Bill that you had to do when I was in the military I joined 1986 to 92 they didn’t give it back my daughter and I paid for her college and her accountant degrees and doctorate now bud wants to pay everybody’s college that’s screwed up
Also when I was in I was getting my degree in criminal justice in law enforcement and since I was active duty I could not use my G.I. Bill for it either I had to pay out of my pocket
I tried to use my benefits but was unable to get them.
I used a lesser form of the GI bill when I was in the Army National Guard in the late 8o’s early 90’s helped me to get a AA degree I’m thankful
I attended Penn State University 1957-62 on my GI Bill for a degree in Electrical Engineering.
GNL Eisenhower canceled the GI after he became president. The GI Bill was started again for the vets due to the Viet Nam Conflict. I was able to use my GI Bill again when I went back to Stetson University., Deland Florida for an MBA degree. Time frame 1970-72.It is a better GI bill at this time, but college costs are very costly..
Paid into it for the full 12months, but never returned to school, so a waste of money for me.
Also when I was in I was getting my degree in criminal justice in law enforcement and since I was active duty I could not use my G.I. Bill for it either I had to pay out of my pocket
Sorry for the problems, I served a total of 35 years. 1st 3 years in the 82nd Airborne then got out for 7 years and went into the Reserve, activated for Desert Storm in 1991, then February 2004 for Afghanistan and stayed on active duty till I retired in Dec 2015. While serving and civilian education was paid by Tuition Assistance program of the Army, that save all my GI bill for when I retired. I didn’t have to pay a dime for my civilian education. Someone in your leadership should have helped you. There are rules for children using your GI bill and its very clear. It’s not the VA’s fault you were not taken care of on active duty. Most of my education was in Army Schools all the way through the Sergeant Major’s Academy.
And you are right I wasted my money to because I could not use it for my daughter either and I had already paid for my schooling when I was in out of my pocket because I could not use the G.I. Bill
What a great benefit. I’m always thanked for my servivce.
The people are absolutely the best.
Thank you
IRA Yawnick
Ira, I’m also thanked for my service and icompletly different then when we cam home from Nam funny how things turn out.
Semper Fi to all the nam vets still kicken!
I lost my GI bIll after 18 years of retirement. I could not use it to transfer them to my children. Can I still have a chance to re-open my GI Bill which I served for 22 years in the Navy?
I tried to use mine, but was kept being told to come back next year when we can convert it to post 9-11. Until I was told, it’s too late, you should have come in last year. I said that I had and was told to come back this year. I was then told oh well, nothing we can do now, you have lost your GI Bill.
I uses mine for my 2-AAS degrees as a Health Unit Coordinator (2001) and Medical Assistant 2002(+Advanced Outpatient Coding and Billing); never got to use any one of them as well as my paralegal degree ( received that while on active-duty Navy in 1996, before my retirement date).
Am grateful for the degrees but when I had to use all 3 yrs combined in 2000, I was then not able to get the dream job bc I had to use all 3 yrs in a row.
USN RET
N Chesterfield Virginia
The GI Bill helped me return to College and complete my BS Degree in Industrial Technology in 22 months and get hired building power plants with Bechtel Corp. in Page AZ. it was a life saver in the transition from active duty to the USNReserve from which I retired as an O-5 in 1985/2001 w/ pay. Also used it in buying our first home in Aurora, CO. Unfortunately, I had to give it up when I sold that house.
By the time I was able to enroll back to school my GI bill expired. I had to apply for student loans.
CDR EASTMAN,
My Dad used his GI Bill several times to buy houses! Each time he would sell the last house and pay off his VA Loan, which made it viable again. I was planning on following in his footsteps.
I enlisted back in 1959 for 3 years. After my discharge I have used my VA benefits in the following ways:
Associate Degree programs, twice:
First for a Associates Degree in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration.
The second for a Associates Degree in Business Management.
Then I purchased a home utilizing the VA home purchasing Mortgage.
10 years later I purchased my second home using the same VA home Mortgage.
Veterans who are not utilizing the VA programs are being deprived of a large amount of benefits.
Didn’t use it in 10 years so lost it
I enlisted from 85 to 88 then got out, I went back in in 1989 and retired in 2006, I was told that since I didn’t take the gi bill the first time that I didn’t qualify for it. Can someone verify this for me.
If you served after 9/11/2001, you are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I believe it is Chapter 33 instead of Chapter 30. If you previously had the GI Bill where you contributed money for the first 12 months, they give you a kicker with the Post 9/11 Bill.
Mr Covey,
That’s great! But what if you didn’t serve after 9/11; I wanted to but was denied due to my then current, veterans disability. Does that money that I paid into the GI Bill, then into the VEEP program just disappear?
I’m 86 years old, I was in the Air Force in late 70’s, I never used GI Bill, but I want to now to buy livestock so my grandson can start cattle Business, is it possibly?
I have never used the GI Bill. I did not know I had any GI benefits. I was in the Army from Oct 80 to Nov 1987. I was honorable Discharged. I was a Sgt. E-5.
Mr Issom,
You and I served around the same time. I also got out in 1987. The only reason I knew about what benefits I was eligible for is because I come from a long line of Veterans, stretching back to the Civil War. My family members had told me what I was entitled to. Certainly, I DID NOT hear about it from the Military!
I am surprised to read negatory reviews……..I served 4 tours to Vietnam in Brown water Navy. Mostly afloat in and around bays and beaches; war came to us often, even a Russian sub that we helped track and crack with our language team on radio intercept. But I was just an enlisted sailor who lost E-5 for not re-enlisting ; instead took early discharge to attend local college in Phila., then Medical College. My service records were lost and I did not get GI Bill for undergrad work, but Len Tose who owned the Phila Eagles had a lot of Vietnam vets working for him,1970-77, and encouraged college. I received GI Bill help when starting Medical School: almost covering tuition, 1973-77.. I became a Physician, then an Eye Surgeon, and have enjoyed giving many veterans back clear eyesight through surgery.
I took and passed the “Aviation Fire Controlman” exam for E-5. A new rule that one had to have a full year remaining on one’s enlistment to receive the promotion. I had only nine months remaining and chose not to extend my enlistment as I had already been accepted at the college I had chosen. I enjoyed my four year tour in the Navy, but I had decided to go to college and become a science teacher. I matured immensely during my 4 year stint in the Navy. While in the Navy, I attended night school at a local college. I entered college as a sophomore and used the GI Bill all the way through my Master’s Degree. I had “zero debt’ when I received both my bachelors and masters degree!
I served from 1979 to 1999 working on airplanes in the uSAF
I served from May 1971 t0 september 1991. Army retired $1650.00 / VA disability $3653.00 / SSN $1355.00 per month. I have the proof. In my truck.also on my bank statement.
U used my GI bill as soon as I retired, but ran out of funds midway. Most of it was used for my undergrad, I had nothing left for my graduate degree. Now I have a horrendous school loan to pay off. So much for the GI bill…. Now I am preparing to retire from the federal service with this high figure of a loan. I guess I will paying on this through my retirement and even perhaps until I pass on….
V/R
Look into the loan forgiveness for government workers. See if you qualify.
Mr Baltzelle,
Perhaps you should look into that Student Loan Forgiveness that the President put forth? It might help you get relief for the Student Loan you were forced to take.
I entered service in 1972. Was unable to use the education benefit before it expired. I did use the GI Bill loan guarantee to by our first home in 1977. Congress basically screwed those of us who entered service near the time it expired.
I agree, went in in 1968, when I got out 10 years later I had a family to support so by the time I could have used it the politicians stole it. Typical government “thanks for your service” oh we are going to screw you.
I kept pushing off full-time college work while I was in the service only to see I had lost my gi bill because Congress timed it out. I could have really used it later when I was working on a masters degree and went 59K in the hole. It was senseless for Congress to summarily cut off this benefit and yet leave eligible for other VA benefits.
I have not used all of my GI Bill I was told and I was going to have my wife use the difference for nursing school can this be a possibility?
GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs.
That’s right, but it was in the mid-1990s when they added graduate school to the schools that GI bill covers. I paid for about half of my PhD with GI Bill funding. Have ALWAYS used GI Bill to fund purchases of real estate, including re-financing, which I just complete for the 5th time, just in time for interest rates to go out the roof, I was also told by the funding agency (a broker for home loans) that, after 6 months in this new loan, I can come back to them and do some adjustment to lower the rate even more! Here is the link they sent me:
https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/interest-rate-reduction-loan/
I tried to buy a house 38 years ,through the va,,,but I was denied, they said I wasn’t, making enough money, but I clearing 700.00 a week….but that’s what the realtor informed….so I never check back with va,,,they let me down…….
Should have called The VA direct not realator they get a percentage and very little from vet loans I am 67 and retired and qualified for 285,000.00
The realator screwed you not the va When I got outof the corps in 64 I joined the Newark Police dept making 3000 YES ron that is three thousand a year over the years I purchased three homes in Jersey and one in calif, and three in FL. AND AT THE SAME TIME USING MY Gi BILL TO BECOME A SYSTEMS ANALYST RETIRING IN 2010 MY SAL AT THAT TIME WAS 135000
I got my college degree with the GI bill.a
My ex-husband, Albert Murray, Jr. who lived at 5210 St Clair, Detroit Michigan was in the Army from
1964 – 1966 and we did not use the G.I. bill.
He never paid me any Child Support; therefore is the GI bill available to me to reduce the payments on my home. Albert is now deceased. Albert Kevin Murray is his son.
I can provide additional information, if necessary.
GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs
During my time of service the only thing that was available to me was VEEP. I did not contribute to it because of having small children that I needed to support along with a spouse. When I was medically discharged, there was no offer of the GI Bill because of this.
Now I am classified as 60% and still do not have any access to the GI Bill.
So, my answer is NO.
https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/
I also was in during VEAP they took $200 a month when I came off active duty I went to college VEAP was not very good ended up with 10k in student loan. Debt for my ADN re enlisted in Reserve for them to help pay back my student loans unfortunately my unit kept saying there was problems and get it paid so they never paid once red cent of it I ended up getting another $25,000 in student loan debt to work on my bachelors and masters degree in nursing I work for a nonprofit hospital for the last 23 years and now I’m still having problems getting the student loan Forgiveness program for working for a nonprofit institution for more than 10 years to pay. Also for during that time of my active duty they say I’m not eligible to go to for VA medical care because apparently you were supposed to serve two years and according to them I was released two days before serving completely two years because he brought me back from Germany and processed me through South Carolina and put me on a bus to get me home I was told that that would cover me until I arrived home and that was what the two days was for but now the VA says that’s not true
I used my GI bill to get a Commercial Pilots License, together with a Instrument rating. Also, I used the GI bill to get an Associates Degree in Agri-Business in Agri-chemicals.
Later I purchased a home that I still live in.
I tried using the GI Bill after my honorable discharge but no one would look at it.
Similar to Ted – Aviation training at 90% coverage back in 1970’s.
I used it to help buy my first home sometime in the 1970s. I did two tours in Viet Nam while on the USS Bainbridge DLGN 25, the only surface nuclear ship other than the carrier USS Enterprise. We served as her air defense with Terrier Guided Missile launchers fore and aft. She could fire 90 missiles within two minutes if required. We also provided ASW support with Sonar and an ASROC Launcher. I received a Commander 7th Fleet Commendation for creating a part and fixing a critical component allowing the ship to stay in combat providing support to the carrier. I truly saved my ship.
To Donald Kirk.
Use the GI Bill to get my MBA>
I Was DENIED use of the GI BILL because I never paid into the program. Odd because others did not pay into it & were Allowed to use it.
Did you transfer from the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post 9/11?
I used tuition assistance throught out my remaining 10 years. I obtained an associate degree and bachelor’s degree through the program. I was a recipient of VEAP. I never used it. I requested my funds back and partied it away as a young knuckle head soldier.
I got two (2) AS degrees from a junior college in Chula Vista, Ca.
That was all.
I used it to put the VA lone on my home
I used it in the early 70’s to purchase my first home and my education. It paid for my masters degree.
I USED IT IN THE 70’S TO GO TO ELECTRICAL SCHOOL FOR ELECTRICIANS LICENSE. HELPED OUT SO MUCH GOT ELECTRICAL LICENSE IN THE 90’S. Helped out so much in life to get ahead.
20 % disability
I retired from the US Air Force after 26 years of faithful service with a 20% disability rating; which was later upgraded to 30% by a VA physician who rightly recognized the need to raise my disability to 30% for the constant growing lower back pain which has continued to grow worse with age in a normal moderate, caring lifestyle. I’ve learned to live with this pain. However, this and any similar condition resulting during active duty service, which continues to worsen with age, should be upgraded to a higher disability condition percentage automatically with age since the condition continues to get worse and does not go away.! I gave the best 26 years of my life in “faithful back breaking honorable service” to my country and the US Air Force should provide all disabled veterans with similar disability conditions some growing compensation commensurate with their growing painful physical disability condition.
You need to put in a new claim as well as speak to your primary doctor about your pain and get some x-rays so you can be better evaluated.
I can agree with the last statement, after 26 years myself I retired at 70% by the VA, but SSN/ disability has me at 100%. Why the difference??
Regarding the GI Bill: I took advantage of this great program; went to school part time, using the GI Bill practically the entire 26 years of my service in the US Air Force….Using the GI Bill, I earned and received a Bachelors in Business and Management and two Masters Degrees; one in Business Administration and one in Health Service Management. Not only did taking advantage of the GI Bill help me get educated, promoted as enlisted and commissioned as an officer; but when I retired, I felt completely secure in any line of business or healthcare service.
Thanks to the opportunity to take advantage of the GI Bill while in the US Air Force, when I retired from the U S Air Force, I was able to established a very successful online website and medical supplies business,
Yes I used the GI Bill from 1954 to 1956 to pay for my graduate studies to become a professional social worker I was drafted and then honored and proud to serve my country.
I used it from 1956 to 1959 for supplementry income for an apprentice program…….
I would love to have a house but my cars is in the body shop so I can’t go and look at anything right now until it gets fixed but love to see 9ne thanks you can text me if anyone could help me I live in a mobile home but I need a real home to live my address is 7282 w hwy 199 so please text me
I left the army in 1974 due to a death in the family I never got any benefits of any kind I was told that they were phased out in 1979 when I was going to go finish my electrical engineering degree I am disabled due to all the volatile chemicals I was exposed to,. still no help the VA is a scam they keep the cash flowing for the upper crust higher echelon I did third and fourth echelon repair work for classified communication. Pulse Code modulated through a satellite we called it the keyhole when Nixon quit they buried all of it including those of us who did the dirty work. From Vien Taine to checkpoint Charlie we are The forgotten and buried along with Nixon ask the secret service the freedom of information act is a crock
The PACT ACT was just signed by President Biden and is going to go back as far as Vietnam Servicemen.
You need to check on it as soon as possible.
You can thank the Democrats in Congress for doing this for you. The Republicans tried to weasel out, as usual and not do the right thing by we Veterans.
Best of luck to you!
Started to use it back in 1984 then I had to drop out , when I went to start my studies again I found out it was no longer available to me. time had elapsed I think whoever served should be able to use it at anytime they want, Bennifits should never end
I agree
Didn’t need them could use now
I used mine in 1974 – but my husband had a heart attack & I had to drop out, never went back.
I used the GI Bill when I first left the Army in 1977, then periodically throughout the 18 years after I enlisted again. It also enabled me to buy a house more than 20 years after I’d retired, without needing a down payment. I saw comments about time limits and paying into it, and that bothers me. If you served your country honorably, then an education should be offered, regardless of when you decided to return to school, at little cost to you.
I only used about less than 2yrs of my GI Bill eligibility – Because I only had to complete my degree for less than 2 yrs (instead of one semester because of the added curriculum during the entire 20 yr of my U.S. military service)…I left college during my last semester and didn’t take the final exam for my degree…Also, I took the licensure (board) exam and luckily passed it and has been licensed but unfortunately was unable to use it – got turned off by the corruption by government officials in my native country when I applied for a business license for Investigative And Security Agency…All the big security agencies in my native country are manage/owned and controlled by military generals (retired and active) and other high ranking officials which is a clear “conflict of interest” in accordance with the law.
I retired Sept ’92 and had only 6 months (I believe, could have been less) to use it all. Didn’t have a chance to use it.
And can’t get our money back. No refund for not using Montgomery G I bill. Such B S
For those haven’t used GI Bill. Make sure you lie, yes “lie”, when you apply for Financial Aid. You do not need to tell them that you have “another” income. You will end up getting less than someone who has not severed this country.
I answered NO but then remembered my Home mortgage was lowered many years ago by receiving a 3.25 percent interest rate. I guess I was a recipient for many years. Probably could not have done it without the GI bill.
I was in the VEEP era and because I thought it sucked, I never applied for it. Then when the new GI bill came out, anyone not invested in VEEP, lost out. Because I and others rebelled against it, there was change but we lost all of the benefit. So much for 20 yrs in the USAF
Same here. I got nothing from it. VEEP was only offered to me. Later they had a new GI Bill and new enlisted qualified for it. It wasn’t offered to me and others who were under VEEP.
As I remember VEEP was for every dollar you put in Uncle Sam matched with two dollars, but what Sam did not realize, how broke the young recruits were and could not spare any extra money on education in the future, luckily for me Illinois has a veteran’s grant with free tuition, but my I continued my education from the USMC out of state and it cost me a bundle, than came back to IL for my BS. If I had the GI Bill I could have stayed at that first class college and life would have been a hell of a lot better.
What is the VEEP era? Never heard of that.
8yrs USMC here. HD in 1995 as an
E5-SGT. Did not want to use my GI Bill for school until I could afford it.
A marriage, a Son and life. Later…When I was ready it had expired.
Sure would appreciate the chance to get that education…just not feasible for me without that GI Bill. Hey should have been smarter and faster pulling the trigger on my education…Wish I had a redo on that one!
And they kept ur 1200 bucks
Well I have to say I don’t agree with most of the posters here. I paid $1,200 into the GI Bill and managed to use all of it before my 10 years from separation were up. I also had the Army college fund so I got 4 full years of college paid for. Got out in 97 and finished up in 2007.
I was in my second year of college (1989) under the old Viet Nam era GI bill, which was suppose to be good for ten years after I retired (1987), when all of a sudden they cancelled the old GI bill, leaving me with two Years to go without any of the monetary support we were promised. Way to go government fat cats.
I was very fortunate to have counseling that put my service to the country as a high priority. And, focused on giving me great help in obtaining a BS degree with the G. I. BILL. I served from 1974 to 1979 /1982 to 1997. I Thank The Lord. There are still good counselors out there…. You just have to humble yourself, do the research on what you want/ need and remember you are not the only veteran they have to help. So, help yourself first…. Then, ask for help. 21yrs active duty. 10 yrs at the V. A. HOSPITAL. To :VETERANS TANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
My husband served 28 years in the Army. His VA entitlements enabled him to get a Bachlors degree and a Juris Doctorate. Hazlewood enabled him to get another Masters at age 73. Which has led him into another career direction, teaching! Like you we are very thankful for everything the Veterans have given, to allow him these opportunities.
After reading several comments, I’m glad I never invested in the GI Bill! I retired with a 40% disability and the VA helped me get 2 degrees. I consider myself lucky to have had such a great Voc Rehab counselor who assisted me with both my Associates and Bachelors Degrees. If I had run into the problems some of these people had I would have written Congress, both House and Senate, and probably even the President if the first two didn’t work. I always felt the GI Bill was a huge rip off!
After I retired from the Navy in 1992 I had to wait a few years before I could use my GI Bill. Jobs were more important. By the time I got a chance to go back to college I could only use a small portion of my GI Bill before my time ran out. The rest of my money has gone to pay off Student Loans which I’m still paying on. I believe all military should never lose their GI Bill. We all paid for our GI Bill with the time we spent in the military.
U r absolutely correct sad the way we r treated n lied to
Such B S , only have certain amount of time to use it. If owe IRS money, that never goes away. Such a double standard. Or student loans they never go away. Thank you U S Government
Only the US government can get away with taking money from soldiers.. If I as an employee took money and saved it on behalf of my employee and donate to it and reap the benefits of saving and donating to – then turn around and say – “you didn’t use it in time – you lost it” or “Sorry that program does not qualify” (to use the money YOU donated toward” I would be in jail!
I am honored to have served Navy but not honored by how my government has responded to that service.
I agree 100 %
I was a Marine and put into the same system and when I didn’t use it in time…sorry about your luck Uncle Sam said that’s my money now!! We should be able to get back at least what we invested.
But the government can give 40+ millions to Ukraine? Despicable!
I agree my husband had to fight for years to get his benefits then he finally got them and died
I would like to use my GI Bill but I don’t have a clue about what it is. Can you help me?
Basically it was money that you had deducted and was matched to go toward education. If it is not used by certain time…you lose it.
paid into it and lost it due to time.
The VA has not helped me one bit.
They say they say I can get a VA loan for a home with nothing down but they fail to tell you about all the paperwork and all the decisions that has to be made to facilitate that arrangement I’ve been turned down by USAA veterans administration because of the fact my credit score is down if I had the credit score that they want I wouldn’t need to be a but still I am homeless I have one automobile that I’m not going to be able to keep so my wife and I will be walking now being a Vietnam vet I thought my country would believe in me I believe in it with my whole heart and my and I even gave my body too facilitate the idea freedom is for everyone but according to Congress according to the state laws and the va’s reluctance to even help one person gives me the idea that they don’t want to help any of us I am bitter I am bitter at the idea of the organization that refuses to help a Vietnam vet get back on his feet. I am thoroughly disgusted with the United States government and all the bureaucracy this is all thereafter is putting money in their pocket and not helping the vets so for all the veterans out there that are like me I hope you have a better turn then I have.
Where are you located?
I did start my post 911 gi bill, but it ran out before I can use it all. The VA stated I should have used it, well I was being treated for my PTSD/TBI. But for 10 years I was in and out of the VA hospital, yet they saw this in my medical record and still stated I should have used it. I was on so many med’s, I didn’t know if I coming or going. In 2016 I got a new VA Dr. and he got my meds to straighten out. Started college in 2017 and my gi bill ended in 2019. I tried to get an extension but only got 29 days. I ended up losing 17+ months of it. I retired in 2004 and wasn’t told I had 15 years to use it by the VA rep at my retirement at Ft. Prok. Now I paying for my BS out of my own pocket. Great VA systems.
Thanks
Mark
Same with me
I used my GI bill to attend a machinist course at Boise State in 1979. It afforded me a great profession and a great life. Without that opportunity I would not have achieved what I have today.
I used my GI bill to get my A&P licenses (Airframe & Powerplant), from ’78-’81.
In those years, California’s Junior Colleges were basically free. I paid a reg. fee and bought my own books. Classes were 7hrs a day/5 days a week. It took about 6 semesters to finish and the Gov’t paid me $310 a month. I had a part-time job and worked evenings and weekends.
I encourage any and all to pursue the money in time.
Good luck!
JF
You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and occasionally run out from to brand.
I was able to use my VA benefits to help with expenses to obtain a BA Degree and some graduate level studies. It was a great help. My College (Morris Harvey College NOW University of Charleston) in West Virginia.. I also used my benefits to obtain a VA Loan to purchase a nice home and again to buy a newer larger home. I was in the USMC during the Korean Frakis in the 50’s. I was saddened to read the way too many negative comments, many telling about not being informed about experiation dates and other important information and several losing their benefits just from lack of information. I hope “Someone at the VA reads these comments and does something about the shortcomings. The VA MUST DO BETTER THAN THIS!!!!
I was denied my G I Bill although I paid into it. I was denied because my racist company commander made it difficult for me to complete my tour in the service.
I feel you, I to had a racist commander that did all he could to ruin my tour, I got injured and discharged, it took me 12 years to obtain 100%. Varna is a bitch, that same racist commander was killed by another racist soldier..
Go to DOD and try to get your discharge updated and changed
I used it for my Master’s degree and to finance 2-3 houses through the years. A great benefit as a result of my service time spent.
James A. Riddle III
I used mine for a 4 year college degree and to buy our 1st home in 1973.
I used part of my GI Bill but then got called to active duty and had to put my education on hold. I was enlisted in the AF from November 1974 to 1980. In 1981 I joined the WV ANG unit until I retired in 1996. After we were called up to active duty from Desert Shield/Storm I could never get back to pursuing my education and Bachelors degree. When I finally could go back my benefits had expired. But today those joining get lifetime education benefits which I find insulting to all of us that served before this era. I don’t think it’s right to put a limit on any benefits that a service person earns by serving their country.
I agree, benefits should not have a time limit.
They should have pulled all the expiration dates from all of us Pre 911 Era.
I agree 100%. I’m ex Navy, got out in 1980. Life happened and I didn’t use G I bill in time. But thanks to the great Dr’s and therapists at the VA I now receive 100% disability compensation. Never knew I was able to even apply. So I’m happy with that. It makes losing the GI bill easier to swallow.
In agreement with that.
I was in the military from 1966-72 during the Vietnam War. I used the GI Bill to get my Bachelors degree. Best thing I ever did.
You bet I did! I was enlisted from April 26, 1978 through February 25, 1978 which allowed me to take advantage of the original GI BILL which meant that I received a check every month that I was enrolled full time in classes working towards my Bachelors degree. I had enough months of eligibility left and was able to also get my Masters degree. The GI Bill was the predominant reason for my decision to enlist.
I was also lucky enough to have enlisted near the end of the Women’s Army Corp Era. To be able to be considered a member of that wonderful, and, in my opinion, elite organization is something I am very proud of. I realize they no longer exist, but don’t get me started on my opinion of the dismantling of that amazing organization. Not one of the Army’s finer moments.
But I digress, suffice to say that the GI Bill was one benefit that I was extremely grateful for and you can be sure I took full advantage of.
That doesn’t make any sense, think you need to read it again
Correct Your Dates Of Service…. Then It Will Make Sense!!
Otherwise, It Looks Like You Didn’t Serve Very Long, As Your Dates Are Backwards As The Years Are Wrong.
Really?!?! Does that really matter…
Thank you Terri for paving the way for all the other female Soldiers, Marines and Sailors that came after you. We’ve come a long way.
Semper Fidelis
I joined in the Air Force in 1980s. The Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) was in effect at the time. I paid $25.oo to open an account at the time. Later I was able to convert over to the GI Bill as long as I had contributed to VEAP. Which I did with my $25.00 deposit. However, I had to pay $1,200.00 into the GI Bill in order to use it. It worked out well for me. I used the GI Bill to obtain a bachelors degree. The degree cost the VA $13,000. The VA even paid me while I went to school (BAH and supplies). I got paid approximately $14,000. So I got back my $1,225.00 I paid into it. I can’t complain one bit.
I never qualified for the Montgomery GI Bill. When I joined in 1980 they had the VEEP program where you paid $2700 for about $6000 in benefits. I passed on that because it wouldn’t even pay for a year and I figured I could use the $2700 for better purposes. When the GI Bill returned, I was told I could get back in, but had to pay the $2700 that I would have paid for VEEP, meanwhile everyone just entering the service was getting it for $1200.
I used the GI Bill to pay for my Masters of Bus siness Administration. I also have used the GI Bill for every house we’ve bought, 5 in all.
I tried to buy a forty five thousand dollar house year before last and big business days I didn’t have enough credit well I didn’t need good credit to go overseas in the military there’s three down falls tn this country big business the rich and politics the working man don’t have a snow ball’s chance to get anywhere the shack I’m renting you can’t use any modern applicants cause it will catch on fire I drove tankers over the road and local for forty eight years no accidents no speeding tickets . But I can’t buy a house so that’s my thank for serving in the military I’ve got hearing loss and I got diabetes from working on the birds that carried the angent orange so that’s my thanks for serving my country
I was drafted out of graduate school in 1969 (before the lottery) when Nixon cancelled deferments of those in graduate studies not considered essential to the U.S. I wasn’t happy about being drafted at the time but considered it my civic duty I owed to my country. After my military training was completed I was sent to West Germany to fulfill the remainder of my military obligation. I have to say I had a great tour of duty and was able to see much of western Europe in my free time. After discharge I used the GI Bill to complete my Masters Degree. No regrets at all.
I used my VA for a home in 86 and we both got laid offand I had to go bankrupt I’ve tried to use it again but they say I have to pay back the balence of what they got selling it at auction I think it sucks but thats life. they tell me I still qualify but after I pay back 16000 dollars which
i think is wrong when you go bankrupt that should be the end of it period
I used the GI Bill for a 4 year college degree and I have used the VA Home Loan benefit at least three times when moving from one place to another.
Yes I used some of my VA on my home
When I attempted to use it…I was told 10 years had past and I couldn’t. I couldn’t get the 1200 back I put into it. Funny thing is…they don’t tell you everything when you out process. I was never told about it having a time period. I wasn’t told that within 6 months you can apply to the Postal Service…you could apply to be a state trooper…basically they give this information to those they elect to give it too…racially based. So yeah..I never got the opportunity because of that…why is there a time period and they don’t tell you? Answer that question
I have Va loan. It sucks. Closing cost very high. If you owed $200k an inherited money an want to put down on balance. I mean 100k. They’ll take that off balance but not recalculate your payment. Total BS.
I am the widow of an army vet and receive nothing because my husband’s records were burned ….he was diagnosed with lewy body dementia later in life ….the result of a very bad car crash in Germany….he was Army Intelligence and did Morse Code…watching troop movements in Lubeck. I have nothing but my Social Security ….is there anything I can apply for????
Do you not even get his retirement benefits?
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my web site =). We could have a link exchange agreement between us!
How do I get a GI Bill loan
Yes, used it for last 2 years of college education.
I used my GI bill to do a two year study to finish my mechanics class prior to getting a job working on farm equipment. Very satisfied to have that opportunity.
I was never able to use my GI Bill. They always said that I did not qualify and after that they told me it expired. What a croc. I asked for my money back that I paid into it and was told “No”. Had I known that it would be that difficult to use, I would have saved my money and put it towards other things while in the service. Yeah, don’t buy into what they promise you when you sign that dotted line. Only believe half of what you hear and see. I am proud that I served my country, and I do get some benefits, but only if you have to hurry up and wait. I have to fight and call my congressman in order for the VA to give me what I need and ask for. All they want to mainly do is give you drugs to keep you sedated or subdued. I for one, do not like to take a pill for everything. I want them to fix the issues without all the hoops you have to go through to finally get something done. They should also allow Veterans to have dental care and oral care. Veterans need that as well. Our teeth should not have to rot out of our heads or be in pain from toothaches. Veterans cannot afford dentist let alone healthcare, that is why the VA is there. Why should anyone wait til they start receiving medicare to go to a dentist? By then it is too late to save their teeth. It is just not right. If you provide vision, you should provide dental so people can have their real teeth and not dentures. That is what is wrong with the VA and Medicaid. They wait until you need them all removed or you cannot eat before they do anything about it. What a shame. Preventative care prevents the person from ever getting to that point. Its just a shame. If it were the doctor’s teeth or any other higher ranking official that controls all of this, they would never let their teeth go uncared for. Sorry for the rant, but I have an issue right now with TMJ that was caused by an accident that I had while serving and they told me that if it was not on my DD214 stating that I needed more dental care when I got out or was medically disconnected that they cannot help me. I have a dental plan, but most oral surgeons do not take insurance for that. When I got out of the military, I had not developed TMJ yet. The doctors say that that can happen over time, so now, I have to file for a disability claim on it and hope that I get approved for it. It is to the point where I cannot chew very well or my jaw locks. It is the most painful thing. The pain radiates into my ear making it feel like the worst earache ever. If anyone here has any suggestions on what I can do outside the VA, I would greatly appreciate it. I have tried outside sources that the VA has given me, but they do not take my insurance, which is Humana, and it is too costly for me. I am pretty sure that I would have to undergo surgery for it, and we all know how much that would cost.
I agree that veterans should have routine dental care and not be given only to vets that are 100% disabled.. My dental care was dropped bcuz I’m only 50%..
Absolutely——veterans that are 100% get dental. That’s not right at all!!!!!
Same here. I will have to see what dental work for me is priority and save what it would cost one at a time and try to keep my teeth that way because there’s only medicare from there. Why can’t we use our Montgomery bill for emergency dental?
Easy they earned it and respect.
I am a veteran of the Vietnam war. I didn’t asked to be put there. Please explain what LOVE of Country is. So few remember when Kennedy was President and gave his Speech on “Don’t ask what your Country can do for you”, but, ask, “What you can do for your Country”. I appreciate my Freedoms, but, Congress and Senate has managed to chip away at the Constitution that was written to protect the people of this Country! The VA is created out of the need to respect and care for those who bore the battle and their spouse and orphans. How “diluted” has this promise become. My wife died before me, so that lets the VA off the hook. Why Has the Government/VA created such a maze of RED TAPE and the HOOPS veterans have to go through?
The VA in their own words use the term “PRESUMPTION”, and yet the VA argues against themselves, that the Veteran is wrong and the VA is
Right.. The VA can’t even keep track of the Directors! Why is it the VA can’t keep Directors on the job, and why is it the VA has the authority to tell the Veteran they don’t qualify for Medical Care, when the reality of the VA was established for the Veteran, as once stated by the late President Lincoln.
Is their no “Respect” any longer for President Lincoln and the words that were spoken in Truth, or is that all a lie too.
I was fortunate and attained my degree using tuition assistance without using the GI Bill. Prior to retiring in 2010 the Government was allowing Service Members to share the GI Bill with their Spouse and children. My wife only needed a few hours to finish her bachelorette and my Son was able to get his bachelors debt free. Not everybody qualified for this program. You had to meet certain requirements and transfer the credits prior to being retired.
I firmly believe the government should make every service member eligible and even retroactive. Don’t tell me we can’t afford it if we can give billion’s of dollars away to foreign Countries and Illegal’s.
I am medicly retired and was unable to use my GI bill. I also gave mine to my 4 daughters.
I agree once you pay for it if for any reason you as a VET don’t need it why not let your spouse or kids have it. You earned it you paid for it shouldn’t you own it to chose where it goes (within limits).
I used my Montgomery GI Bill that paid for all but 2 of my classes for my Bachelor’s degree, and then was able to use my Post 9/11 GI Bill to finish my Bachelor’s and all but 2 of my Masters classes. It was definitely a benefit that served me well. I graduated with 2 degrees and ZERO debt. I always tell the younger troops to utilize the tuition assistance while on Active Duty, but make sure that you use your GI Bill within 10 years so that you don’t lose it.
My husband is a Disabled Veteran and he keeps telling me that he’s Never used his GI bill for anything that he remembers. He served this country from October 1973-March of 1977. He’s currently blind , disabled with (no feeling on his left side) & in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. We’ve been married since June of 1986. I’ve been trying to get us a home since he’s been sick and now it’s more essential due to his disability and mine. VA isn’t very helpful when it comes to us getting the help we need with most things we need and like most of you I was told that it was “TOO LATE “ for us to use it. I’ve found that this place “ This (So Called )Richest country in the world DOES NOT EVEN take care of their OWN Veterans. I have to jump through hoops just to get my husband to the doctors or even make an appointment….RIDICULOUS ! No other country in the world has these problems. What’s up with that ????
JUST SAD, AND SORRY 😣🥺😢!!!!
I think that he should he earn it being a vet myself the only reason reason i have not used it I never had a need too until now
The money that I put in to get the G.I.Bill had an expiration date. Now had I’d known that I would have certainly used it. My question to the powers to be. Do I get a refund for the money I put in?? It’s definitely a shame.
I used some of mines I didn’t know that it could expire, I was almost to late
Oh YES. I used my GI Bill to get two Master Degrees after I completed my Bachelors Degree on 75% Tuition Assistance while in the Air Force. I also used my housing benefit to buy the house I currently live in.and two other houses I had previously lived in.
Great Program and I truly believe we earned it.
Used it to buy my house. That’s all I’ve used and found out later that it would be just as easy as is available to almost anyone to get an FHA loan. Served 1975 to 1981, US Army.
I served the same years in the Marines. I have the Montgomery bill but I lost the education grant. I’ll check on FHA to see how or if it will work for us. Thank you for your comment brother.
This was never explained to me back in 1966!
I received my Bachelor degree while still on active duty with the 100% tuition assistance program. I did not have to use my GI bill for this. However, I did use my GI bill after retirement and earn my Masters Degree in Management. Outstanding benefit.
I served Navy 87-91 and signed up for it. I tried to use it but was told it expires in 10 years if you don’t use it in that time frame.
I was in the National Guard for 4 years, then went active duty in the Airforce for 4 years, and received an honorable discharge in 1962, I didn’t sign up for any benefits when I got out, after a few years I tried to get some medical benefits and was told the benefits were no longer available due to the Bush Administration cuts. I lost a lot of respect for the Military after that.
I tried to use mine, I guess I ran out of time. I was unaware of the expiration date.
No was not offered GI BILL.
Was offered Montgomery Bill
Was screwed over. Think those of should of us should be offered the new GI Bil
Yes, I used it to pay for my bachelor’s degree.
Yes, I used it to pay for all my pilot licenses after my Private. They paid 90% of all my advanced licenses!
Yes but had to pay it back early because I could not keep my grads up
I received my Bachelor degree while still on active duty with the 100% tuition program, I did not have to use my GI bill. I probably wouldn’t have used my GI bill after retirement and lost that money but they implemented the program that allowed me to transfer it to my daughter who earned her Master’s with no out of pocket expenses to me or my daughter (some textbooks). AWESOME PROGRAM!!
Yes, however I was only able to use part of it before the program expired.
Same here. I went in 1964, retired in 1986, I used the tuition assistance program while on active duty, and part of my GI bill (total of 4 months) before it expired in late 1980’s or early 1990’s.
I was under the Vietnam bill but was on active duty when it expired so was not able to use mine
Used it to get my Master’s degree..
Used it for junior college. One semester had to dropout due to job—law enforcement. Had to repay the whole amount. Never used again due to job. Used it to buy my first home. Paid it off. Was going to transfer it to my son when he was buying his home. Was told can’t do it. Asked for assistance in getting hearing aids. No dice. was sent to the state veterans assistance office. After three attempts to see someone finally got in. Two hours later and mountains of paperwork was told it would be sent to the Air Force and VA for analyses. Should hear something in one year. That was going on three years now and guess what—– nothing. Nam Vet.
What VA office are you going to???? I got my hearing aids from VA even BEFORE I got my disability rating.
John, looks like you need to kck some butt! Ask around your area if there’s a vets’ group Vets’ Service Officer, or your counhty VSO (IF they’ll kick butt)…you getting DOO-DOO help all right, but there are sources to help! Dont give up! Write the facts carefully and include a polite request for what to help with and mail it to your VA Regional Admnistrator, cc: your Congressional Rep. for starters! Bless you, dear, all the best, you’ve earned the best❣️
As. Vietnam vet, I was told I was probably exposed to Agent Orange ( even though I was in an office the whole time in country) so I was automatically accepted for hearing aids and then a cochlear implant at no cost.
Also paid for my MBA.
Yes i got my house using my
G.I AND IT WAS
VERY EASY TO DO
Yes I used mine to get my masters degree and then toward a doctorate before it expired.
I used my entitlements for both the schooling and house buying, what a country! I thank you all for your services and God Bless.
[email protected]
I used the GI Bill for much of my education including graduate school and two years of my son’s college but I know quite a few soldiers who were members of the Guard or the Reserves who were deployed and earned benefits but never informed prior to retiring that if the wished to transfer their benefits to their dependents this needed to be done prior to retiring and the government won’t let you go back to do this later. To me that’s a crock as I’m sure if something like this happened to Congress they would fix it real fast so consequently many of these earned benefits will probably go unused.
Very good and nice! few soldiers who were members of the Guard or the Reserves who were deployed and earned benefits but never informed prior to retiring that if the wished to transfer their benefits to their dependents this needed to be done prior to retiring and the government won’t let you go back to do this later. To me that’s a crock as I’m sure if something like this happened to Congress they would fix it real fast so consequently many of these earned benefits will probably go unused.
I don’t know why this survey is now. Everything is on the record, and you know who used all his/her GI bills, and who did not. Some used part of it, but others did not use all. What is the idea behind this? Please let us know if you are trying to write us checks for the balance of our GI Bills.
I agree. I still had six months of benefits remaining on my Post 9/11 GI Bill but the time ran out before I used it and was told I could use to attain a IT certification.
Have not used the VA benefit, rather hard to do so full time. Bills have to be paid on time, raising kids. May be an excuse for some but family comes first, food, shelter, clothing and spending quality time to see your kids grow up. Have been Blessed to land a good paying position with current company. Do wish others well in getting their education.
Does anyone know if Post 9-11 GI Bill benefits can be extended beyond 10 years from discharge date?
Yes, however, you will need to submit a justification which I am sorry to say are pretty strict. I would call the VA to still apply and to receive any updates.
I totally love the VA if not for them I don’t know if I would still be here. I was diagnosed with hepc in 2000 and was quite advanced. I couldn’t afford anything but was advised to talk to the VA.they took care of everything. They still do.
Good for you. Glad you actually got something out of the VA. Its like pulling teeth to get anything from VA here. I needed heart surgery in Jan. Had to go thru Medicare because VA would have taken 6 months to approve it. Then VA paid $65,000.00 for air flights for my heart surgery without my approval…… And the flight service had already been paid.. That’s our tax dollars at work!!
It was a huge help to me when I was in college with a wife and three children. Could not have gone without the GI Bill. Very thankful for it.
It would be nice if the New GI bill did not run out 15 years after retirement. I was using it for law school, nice deal but why make me finish in before 15 years after retirement. As one other commenter state, between working, raising children, and school, can make it tough to get finished in the allotted time.
I used some of it, but not all before my eligibility expired. A year of tech school for the guard, marriage and 3 babies within those 10 years wasn’t conducive to school while having to work full-time.
Yes, I got my house using it.
The only thing-they start you out with 100,000, thats your limit, they don’t tell you, 3 months down the road it will go up 25-50,000, and every few months it goes up.
I almost bought something I did not want because I thought that was all they were giving me.
In 2019, the VA notified me that the 11-1/2 months of VietNam Era GI Bill that I didn’t use was being reinstated under the Post 9/11 GI Bill program. I used it, along with Texas state bennies, to get a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security (15 Masters level hours) from Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.
that nice that you got notified, I was never aware that the education benefits could be transferred to my children, OR that the Vietnam era GI bill was reinstated post 9/11.
so now I shall live the rest of my days below the poverty level,, sweet
Whe I was recruited by an MSC officer I was never informed of the GI Bill. It was my loss for not investigating. I did apply and was accepted to the DUINS program. So it was not a total loss. I received my graduate degree just the same.
I never used my GI Bill benefits because I could not afford to work and go to school at the same time. Then I found out my GI Bill had an expiration date, that I had missed. Next I found out my medical benefits, that I had been promised for life was a lie. I was told this by the program administrator at Fort Benning, GA. His statement was “I know what the government promised you but your government lied to you.” GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Sir I know what you mean, I was told that if I tried that I would have tatal health care they lied
Was told that my Ed bennies would be there they lied.
Don’t feel like the Lone Stranger, Andrew. After 35 yes 11mos of Honorable service, I retired only to be told by the VA that
I was NOT ELIGIBLE for medical services because my O-6 retirement was too much and I didn’t have a certified service-connected disability. I, too, was promised a life-time of medical care when I enlisted in 1972!
I did NOT have a GI Bill. I started service during the gap years between Vietnam and before the Montgomery GI Bill. No GI Bill. I got a Masters Degree and several rounds of professional certifications involving training that would qualify, and yet did it all out of pocket. Its a real travesty that some of us entered service and got cheated from this benefit. Yes, we could have contributed and received matching funds, but I had zero spare funds to do so. Rip off.
Sorry to hear of your plight. For those of us in Texas, our Legislature put into place the Hazlewood Act for veterans during those “in-between” years when there was no GI Bill. Thankfully, the only requisite is that you have no GI Bill available. Even folks who had GI Bill and either used it all or it died the 10-year limit, can use this Act to fund college or vocational education. It even has a “land grant act” that works like the home portion of GI Bill but to allow you to purchase either land or/and a house to use as primary residence.
VEAP (Veterans Education Assistance Program) was what the government used to “fill the gap” between Vietnam and the Montgomery GI Bill. The government kicked in $2 for every $1 the service member set aside via payroll allotment.
The total amount under this program was around $8,100, as I recall. That includes $5,400 contributed by the government and $2,700 contributed by the service member.
Got a bachelor’s degree in business management and it helped pay my mortgage at the same time. Best program on the planet.
GySgt USMC Ret.
I used mine for heavy equipment operating school in New Jersey in 1974. The school was a total rip off while they had all of the equipment that they listed less than 10% if it was operational. The VA never checked the quality of the school availability equipment or their credentials to make sure that the veterans were not being totally ripped off. It was an absolute waste of my veterans benefits through the G.I. Bill. While I blame the school for ripping us off I blame the veterans administration much more for failing to monitor those approved locations providing veterans education. Unfortunately it utilized all of my available VA educational benefits and I netted no gain.
I hear you loud and clear. The DOD decided to farm out health care. Care has been good but the pharmacy privatisation has gotten out of hand. These people have raised prices time and time again. As others have said when I enlisted in the military I was told if I stayed the course I’d never have to worry about paying for health care after retirement. Well thirty years later I found out the truth. It’s called Bullshit!. Just like our current President and his lame-brained administration we aren’t getting anything but laws and ways to drive our economy in a deep hole.
School never interested me, so losing the GI Bill was no big deal to me.
Mr. Brown you could also pass your benefits for the G.I. Bill to your children/legally adopted child/ grandkids.
Exactly Carol. I transferred my GI Bill to my daughter and she successfully graduated from college with a BA in Biology and a minor in Psychology. I used tuition assistance for myself. It all worked out beautifully.
I got screwed. I was in from 78 to 82 during about a 6 year period that they did away with it. I sure would have used it though!
Fred,
As long as you are a veteran and was not discharged with a (BCD) you are eligible. To be a veteran is anyone that served for 6 months or more, BCD is a bad conduct discharge.You can still go to the VA website to request it. Please pass on the good news!
Yes, only good 10 years after discharge.
VEAP (Veterans Education Assistance Program) was what the government used to “fill the gap” between Vietnam and the Montgomery GI Bill. The government kicked in $2 for every $1 the service member set aside via payroll allotment.
The total amount under this program was around $8,100, as I recall. That includes $5,400 contributed by the government and $2,700 contributed by the service member.
Too many loop holes to jump through, or I would apply.
These programs
These programs are now streamlined making it easier to apply for. The GI bill the school of choice will in fact do the paperwork for you and you get paid for going to school.
The certificate for home loans you can simply go to the VA website and request it.
I used my GI Bill to get my bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University and my VA benefit to build a new home.
By the time I went to use my Education benefit they said it had expired. My student loan was $62K. I’ve made $30K worth of payments and my balance is still $54K. There needs to be some type of adjustment to the interest.
Ms. Williams,
I would write my congressman a letter about your concerns.
As you know words have power.
Used mine in 1982 – 1983 to get my masters degree and started on my doctorate. Ran out of support because of time limit, as a Vietnam veteran. Just needed another year to finish it. But no exceptions.
I joined the navy in 1980 , under the veap program. When I re-enlisted I was I was a career sailor . My money I paid in was refunded. 8 years later when I went back to college after the navy I applied for the GI bill , but was told I was ineligible. No help
From the VA , paid my own way .
I joined in 1976 and began using benefits almost immediately as I earned 22 college credits from my A school and continue until I graduated with my BS in Healthcare through Southern Illinois University at Carbondale(SIU) students in uniform, in 1982; paving my way for career as a nursing home administrator making 6 figures.
I used some for school but I would like to use some more for education and House.
The GI bill is for your schooling as long as 10 year has not passed since your discharge. You can at anytime request your certificate for VA home loans, on the VA. Gov website, it never expire!
I only received $12k for my GI bill. I’ve got $70k in loans to pay back. I enlisted in 1991. My son, who enlisted in 2011, had everything paid for and received $1,800 a month for BAH. I’m happy for him but I feel I shouldn’t owe my debt. Why should I be treated differently?!
At least you got something
I got NOTHING and had to pay my student loan myself. It took me 10 years, now the liberals want to forgive the debt
I also had to pay back my student loans and the government got its money in side of five years now they want to forgive those loans , that is a load of B.S. unles they want to send all that I paid in back to me as that is the only way that I see them forgiving anything.
They didn’t have GI bill when I was in..
It started in WW II. You probably didn’t know about it.
The GI bill was started during WW IIi.
I graduated from UTD, Bought 3 Homes all with my GI Bill. Never could have happened without it.
I can’t use the Veterans G.I .bill because i live in a condo with thirty units an i was told it would take to long to approve the whole thirty units.
I bought my first home which was an 18- unit complex using my GI Bill. I have bought multiple homes using the GI Bill; with nothing down.
I used it once to attend school but drop out, but I would like to use it now to buy a house.
You can go to the website VA. Gov to download your VA home loan certificate at any time or the real estate company will do it for you.
I enrolled in the ROTC program during my junior and senior years at university, having completed the first two mandatory years. I received my commission, spent 18 months in Germany, and finished my time in Vietnam. Having felt a call to ordained ministry through my chaplain in Germany, I attended the Divinity School at Vanderbilt University, using my GI Bill benefits. Following my graduation and ordination I returned to active duty as a chaplain and retired with 20 years total service. I’ve been in active ministry for 46 years and have no plans to quit until I reach 50. Blessings to all vets.
I tried using it however my unrated uncompensated disability doesn’t allow me to finish so they garnish my SSDI to repay themselves the money I paid into the program. Glad for each and every veteran who has received excellent help via the VA and I honestly wish I could say something close to that however the reality of my story is all bad.
I used it to buy a house.
I use a little of my Vietnam GI Bill, but I tried to use more and they said they expired!
I’ve used my VA home loan 7 times though.
I used it years ago,my phone # is219(902)7227..myadree was 4135 Drummond st East Chicago, Indiana
The GI bill is only good for 10 years after you were discharged.. However the VA home loan is yours forever. You can download it on the VA. gov website or the real estate agent can do it for you.
Never used mine and now it’s expired Vietnam era GI Bill
The VA is like a bunch of clowns trying to run an organization. I got my AA at the local JC. I notified them as required that I was graduating and my benefits were to stop. They did for about three months then sent me three months back payment in a lump sum and started up payments again. I wrote them I wasn’t supposed to receive additional payments. They wrote back it had come to their attention that I was fraudulently receiving benefits. I wrote back you idiots I’m the one who told you. Next letter from them was I could have a forgiveness and not have to payback the money. I refused and paid back the money.
I tried to use my benifits, but was not able touse it to buy my first home.
They told me since the reduction of forces and a gen under honorable conditions, i didnt qualify. Give me back my $1200 then !!!!
I”ve used Cal-Vet, and GI Bill for both education and home-buying. VA observed that my educational benefits would expire mid-semester as I was working for my MS in Environmental Engineering at USC, so they extended it to the end of the term! Fantastic. I was humbled by this and do seek ways to repay my country for its largesse.
I spent 20 years on active duty and I never used my GI bill because I dropped out of high school after getting shot at a public school in Washington DC. I did get my GED but the scores weren’t high enough to get any state board of education to award me an equivalent diploma. I tried to go back to my high school but I was told that I wouldn’t be allowed to return. I was told that there had never been a child get shot at a public school. I received a draft notice from the U.S Army. I didn’t want to go to Vietnam so I joined the US Navy. One year out of bootcamp I was sent on a detachment to Vietnam after all.
I bought my first home which was an 18- unit complex using my GI Bill. I have bought multiple homes using the GI Bill; with nothing down.
I used both the academic and home loan portions of the bill
The bureaucracy was tough but I think it was all worth the effort
I already had a masters degree when I left the Air Force in 1971. My employer paid for me to get a second masters so I used my GI Bill educational benefits to get a commercial pilot’s license. I also got a VA home loan.
Used all of my GI Bill after Vietnam War to get my BA Degree at the American University, Washington, D.C..
I became ill while I was using mine and the benefit ran out before I could go back to school. How can my educational benefits run out, while my disability is constantly becoming worse?
I was medically retired in 96 and had no idea I only had 10 years to use it. I was planning on my children useing it but when I checked on it I found out it had expired. I want my $1200 back with interest!
I know how u feel
They told me I could after I retired but they never told me I had to fill out the paperwork before I retired so I’m screwed
I was drafted after I graduated from college in 1965 during the Vietnam War. I used the GI Bill to finish my Education Courses and obtain a Masters Degree. I became a teacher and school administrator, and retired after 35 years.
I used mine in the 1980’s. Thankfully the junior college and university helped me get the GI bill going. Was able to get a BA degree. I hate that the military and government started changing everything after I got out. Not fair to everyone who has served and is serving. Bless everyone.
I used mine when I got out of the Marines in ’74. I recieved $287/month for maintaining 12 units/full time student. It was kinda rough but I went to a City College and rented a room a few blocks away. Thankfully, that was only $60/month. GOD was really watching over me.
I used the GI Bill for part of my education, for the first residential purchase and I am a medical patient of the VA Services.
For years while on active duty I saved my 10 years of VA GI Bill for finishing my Masters during retirement. Then the year BEFORE I retired, the Democrat controlled Congress in its wisdom decided the VA benefit, along with other benefits, was too generous, so they changed it to ONE year. Sadly, Pres. Reagan signed off on the losses.
Of course getting settled the first year prevented me from finishing my Masters degree. Also decreased were my personal and family TriCare and VA Housing benefits. But we still retained our mental health benefits.
When I entered the Air Force the GI bill was replaced with the VEAP program. Which I never contributed too. I wish I had the opportunity to have the GI bill because I most definitely would have used it. I did complete an Associates Degree while in the Air Force. However, do to an injury to my hands while in the military I could not complete my Bachelors degree.
After taking an early retirement and fighting with the Veterans Administration for years. I finally received a high enough rating in which I was able to complete my Bachelors degree. Since, I had an Associates Degree in Business I was only able to get a degree in this field. With the GI bill you have more choses not so with the VA.
I have not used it because all i ever herd was bad soldiers not been told they had certain amount of time to use it. Also, some schools were closed because they were not legit schools it was all a mess. Thats why i really thing have any interest in used it may be if things get better i might!!
I used my GI bill to supplement my apprenticeship.
The VA helped me with what seemed like a mountain of paperwork. It took a while, however after it got started the monthly payments came like clockwork. I received compensation from the VA for 4 1/2 years, at which time I graduated from the apprenticeship program and became a journeyman electrician.
I used mine for my final year & a half after my discharge. Only issue was I was not allowed to get my Masters Degree despite having 2 years of eligibility remaining. Still greatful!
The post 911 didn’t say a timeframe to use the benefits when got informed too late to use it
I’ve used it on active duty and national guard status enrollment was good but getting the stipend for school was no go.
I use it at The Art Institute in Southern California. The Staff/instructors walked out of the classes and later the school was federally shut down. As students we had no instructors to turn in assignment nor the ability to take exams. Because my G.I. Bill was used to cover supplies and materials, I was left with a school debt over 9k that I have to pay back. The VA took it out of my compensation benefits all at once and it put me in a financial hardship. I just had to suck it up. As usual it’s a up hill battle with the VA.
Hello,
As a veteran of the Army National Guard, our benefits from the VA were very limited. Home loans were not given to those of us who were in the Guard.
Me to no help for me but I was on call 24/7 ?
I used it but feel like they took my money at Itt technical institute the closed down and my bachelor degree feel like it is worth nothing.