
Serving in the military comes with many rewards, and one of the most significant is the opportunity for higher education. Veterans and their families have access to several educational benefits. This post aims to provide an overview of these benefits and guide you on how to access them.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most generous educational benefits offered to veterans. If you’ve served at least 90 days on active duty since September 10, 2001, you can qualify for this benefit. If you’ve served for three years, you’re eligible for the full benefit.
The Bill covers tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual books and supplies stipend. The funds can be used at colleges, universities, trade schools, and for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and flight schools.
To apply, visit the Veterans Affairs (VA) website and complete the application form. You can also apply in person at a VA regional office or by calling the VA.
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill provides education benefits to veterans who have served on active duty. It comes in two forms: the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).
The MGIB-AD is for veterans who have served at least two years on active duty. The MGIB-SR is for members of the Selected Reserve and offers benefits similar to the MGIB-AD.
To apply for the Montgomery GI Bill, follow the same process as for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It helps veterans attend expensive private schools or out-of-state public schools that exceed the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s cost limits. The program allows schools to enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition costs exceeding the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.
To apply, you must be eligible for the maximum benefit under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Check with your school to see if they participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
If you have a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for the VR&E program. The program helps veterans with service-related disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. Besides career counseling, the program offers benefits to cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and housing.
To apply, visit the VA’s website and complete an application form. You can also apply in person at a VA regional office.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
If you are a spouse or child of a veteran who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities, you may qualify for the DEA program. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits that can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
You can apply for the DEA program online on the VA’s website, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program
The Top-Up program allows the VA to pay the difference between what the military pays for tuition assistance and the actual cost of the course if it is higher. To use the Top-Up program, you must be approved for federal tuition assistance and be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill.
To apply, submit an application online through the VA’s website or by mail.
Final Thoughts
Veterans have earned these educational benefits through their service. Make sure you take advantage of them to improve your life and career prospects. If you need help understanding these benefits or the application process, reach out to a VA representative or a Veterans Service Officer.
My Post 9/11 GI Bill expired on 2021. I am retired US Army, 2006, so my 15 years passed because I was always traveling for my civilian job. Now that I am fully retired, I don’t have any benefits for education. VA changed it now if you get out after 2013, the Post 9/11 GI Bill doesn’t expire. This is BULL Crap. VA was NO help. After 2 emails they said case closed and no more communication. Why didn’t they take the date back to 2001 when 9/11 occurred. I don’t qualify for VR&E because I can still work. Just want to get be educational benefits that are due to me.
Follow that advice it’s solid and follow through! If you want an increase you have to fight for it pain is not an easy task to live with each day!!!!!!
I am in need to file for a increase in benefits ASAP..presently receiving 30%
Go to your local va see the rep Dav or whatever stat you rep tx, La, ms,ga and tell them you would like to file for an increase in all of your current disability rating.and file anything else you have.