Post 9/11 GI Bill

Updated on August 11, 2010
R.D. asks from California, MD
6 answers

Has anyone used this? My husband needs to go back to school partly because he needs a degree and partly because he is out of work, so he has more than enough time. But I have heard this is an AWESOME benefit. How does he go about getting it? He did 20 years of service, from 1984 to 2004, so he was active duty during 9/11. Thanks!

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C.T.

answers from Atlanta on

I am using mine now...but it's been a while since I enrolled in the program. You can fill all the paperwork out online at va.gov. And find all the info there for both programs. The 9/11 bill vs. the GI Bill. Make sure you compare the two. The GIBill is good if you want online classes while the 9/11 is good for face-to-face courses at a traditional college. You need to get started now, getting approved and filling out school papers takes time at this rate he'll be lucky to get in by the spring semester. Also call the VA they have education specialists that will answer all your questions and help you get started.... after you wait in hold for 30 min. The website will tell you all you need to know. But like everything Military it is paperwork, red tape, and hurry up and wait.
I am at UMUC.
I got approved for 90% of Benefits... your husband can get 100%, he was in longer. So I pay 10% plus UMUC is over the alloted amount for the state so I also pay that overage. It comes to about $270 per class (a three credit class) Pretty good since UMUC is over $1500 per class. I also buy books but get reimbursed $30 per credit hour for books....
This is with the 9/11 bill, GI Bill would have covered more for these online class but I did not know this at the time.
I am also enrolling in one/two face-to-face course at a local college to get the BAH allowed by the 9/11 bill for face-to-face courses. $1250
So I am going part time at two schools, online, and traditional college. Both schools I have to pay 10%, get some back for books, but get BAH (don't get BAH for online only). Plus any overages... 9/11 only pays a certain amount for each state. Look up you state alloted amount, if your college is more expensive you pay the overage.

3 moms found this helpful
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E.D.

answers from Richmond on

If your husband already has the regular GI Bill, you might want to compare the benefits of both. I found that the regular GI Bill paid for ALL my tuition and then some while the the Post 9/11 one did not. They may have changed it since I last looked which was about a year ago, but look into it. I don't know if getting BAH is a new thing, but they were not doing that when I looked last. Check it out. I'm only going half time and getting $684 a month. I go to Liberty University online and they are giving me $100 per class for books and a military discount, so I only pay about $1500 or less per semester. The rest of the money goes in my pocket. Like I said though, double check on the benefits of both because you may find the regular GI-Bill to be better.

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L.C.

answers from Norfolk on

As long as you go to a public university, or equivalently priced school, the GI Bill will pay for your whole tuition up front, they will give you money ( I get about $400 a semester) for books, and then you get your local E-5 BAH ever month. You can take online classes, but you have to take at least one class per semester on campus. To get the full BAH you have to go more than 1/2 time, for most places that means at least 7 credits.

If you want to go online only and use the regular GI Bill, you have to pay your tuition up front, and will then get a prorated monthly payment based on the number of credits, but must go at least 3/4 time (usually 9 credits).

But like Christina said, you really need to start online, and you school's VA office. That will get most of your questions answered.

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M.K.

answers from Kansas City on

I use it currently. It is full tuituion paid to the school, $1000.00 book stipend (43.xx dollars per credit hour taken over the year up to 1000.00) and closest location BAH per month (full BAH over 9 hrs, 1/2- 6 to 8 credit hours, no BAH for <1/2 credit hours- and at least one class must be taken 'on campus').

The BAH alone paid for two kids in daycare with some left over to spare.

Be aware, once you switch, you cannot go back.

Just the fact that he served over three years active duty means he qualifies.

Have him call 1-888-442-4551 and follow the prompts (it might take days to get through so start ASAP!!!). He can ask them what forms he needs and they will direct him to the correct website to fill them out online and send them in electronically. He will also need his DD 214.

This worked the best for me but as another poster stated, weigh the options. The regular GI BILL worked better for my husband because he did exclusivly on line for his criminal justice degree through St. Leo University (based in florida). So did I until I switched.

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D.C.

answers from Syracuse on

Also check out www.usajobs.gov

Your husband will get millitary preference which can go a long way toward obtaining a job. Good Luck!

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