One of the programs created to assist those that were serving or had served before in the U.S military was the GI bill. It is made up of fees and tuition, a monthly housing stipend, and an allowance for books and supplies for up to 3 years. The bill was first signed by President George W. Bush in 2008. However, its history goes back to World War II when the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act was enacted to provide training and education, home loans, and other incentives for veterans. As most bills are, this particular bill has been revised a couple of times, with the most recent one coming in 2017. Let’s see How Much The GI Bill Covers Each Semester?
The amount the GI Bill covers per semester depending on the school you apply for. GI Bill Covers Each semester fees and tuition but the amount covered at a for-profit or private school might vary. The national maximum amount the GI Bill has been shown to cover is $24,476.79, although this amount slightly increases year on year. If you benefit from the bill and it doesn’t still cover the cost of your education, there are other programs like the Yellow Ribbon initiative that might be of great assistance.
Eligibility For the GI Bill
To qualify for the GI Bill, you must have been on active duty for a period not less than 90 days since September 10th, 2001. This policy also covers those that were discharged honorably. The percentage of benefits you’ll receive is determined by the time you have spent on active duty. The following is the scale by which the military determines eligibility for the GI Bill:
- Those who have served for at least 36 months or 30 days of continuous service and their discharge was because of service-connected disability will be given 100% of the benefits that the GI Bill offers for 36 months.
- 90% benefits will be given to those who have served at least 30 months but less than 36 months.
- 80% of benefits will be given to those who have served at least 24 months but less than 30 months.
- 70% of benefits will be given to those who have served at least 18 months but less than 24 months.
- If you’ve served for 6 months or more but not more than 18 months, you are eligible for 60% of the total benefits awarded.
- If you’ve served for 90 days or more but not more than 6 months, you are eligible for 50% of the total benefits awarded.
Those who did not serve up to 90 days are not eligible to receive any benefits. If you are a partner or child of someone who lost their lives during service, on or after 9/11, you qualify to use the GI Bill in taking care of your educational needs. This is covered in the Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship program. Only those who are children of the deceased and are between the ages of 18 and 33 can enjoy the full extent of this benefit. Spouses who have not taken another partner for 15 years after the service member died are also eligible for the whole benefit. Spouses or children do not however get the monthly housing stipend if their partner or parent is still on active duty.
The GI Bill Housing Allowance
The GI Bill also pays an allowance for housing each month based on the school or campus’ zip code where you attend the majority of your classes. This allowance averages about $1,800 per month but it can exceed this amount depending on where you attend school. Students whose entire courses are taken online are eligible to receive a monthly allowance equal to 50% of the national average stipend. Housing stipends also depend on the duration of your active duty after September 10th, 2001. Housing stipend may also be dependent on time spent on training. Training must take more than 50%-time training to receive a monthly housing stipend.
Book and Stipend Allowance
You may also be eligible to receive a yearly book allowance of up to $1,000. This allowance will be paid at the start of each term. Its amount is proportionate to the number of credits offered by the students at $41/credit hour.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon program helps students pay up expenses that might result from programs that may exceed the amount provided by the GI Bill. However, schools have to agree with the VA to share expenses as the Yellow Ribbon Program does not automatically apply. Qualification for the Yellow Ribbon program requires that you qualify for the GI Bill at the 100% level and must attend an institute that has been approved for higher learning in the United States. Currently, only surviving dependents of service members and veterans qualify for the program, though this is expected to extend to troops on active duty in August 2022.
One-time Relocation Allowance
The VA may also grant a one-time relocation benefit amounting to $500.00 which helps to cover the cost associated with relocating from a rural locale to attend school.
Applying for the GI Bill
Application for the GI Bill is a relatively simple process, especially if it is done online. The form will require you to supply information about your background in the military, your education history, and the school you intend to attend. Other details such as your Social Security numbers and bank account details are required so you must have those at the ready. Although tuition and fee payments are sent directly to the school, you’ll directly receive housing and book allowances.
Conclusion
The Post-9/11 GI Bill was designed to help cover up college or career costs of veterans who served at least 36 months in active duty or 90 days. The 36 months, however, do not need to be consecutive. This bill covers enough for about nine months of education each year for four years. Benefits also include a housing stipend and allowance for books and supplies. Some veterans can pay for undergraduate education but others might need additional help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I expect my first GI bill payment?
For those who signed up for a direct deposit, payment will be made within 7 to 10 business days after your school enrolment has been verified. For those who have requested a waiver to receive payments by check, your first check may take up to 14 days after school enrolment has been verified to arrive in your mail.
- What steps should I take if I do not receive my GI Bill payment?
You can contact the VA at the toll-free line at 888-442-4551, from Monday through Friday.
- Can I get an advanced payment on my GI Bill payments?
This depends on some factors. Those who use the Post-9/11 GI bill cannot get an advance but those who use other GI programs may be eligible for advance payment if some requirements are met.
- Is there an expiration date for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The bill doesn’t have an expiration date.
