Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits clarified

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As of May 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

May 15 at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on May 18 at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Arthur Pinzon, the Edwards Education Office Counselor, will conduct briefings in the Base Theater to provide information about the new bill scheduled to take effect Aug. 1. 

Some topics he will discuss include how the new bill affects active duty members, their dependents and retirees; the transferability process; and the difference between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

Those eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill are retirees since 1993, those who've served through Sept. 11, 2001, and current active duty military members. In his briefings, Mr. Pinzon will explain how much time military members would have had to serve since 9/11 in order to be authorized the new bill. 

"There's also an issue with officers who were going through Reserved Officers Training Corps and originally not authorized the GI Bill," said Mr. Pinzon. "We'll also talk about the tuition assistance benefits that will be available to them, as well as a one time travel allowance and the Yellow Ribbon Program." 

Active duty members are currently authorized $47,000 in the current GI Bill. However, once transferred to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the amount received by the individuals varies by state. This information can be researched on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at www.va.gov. 

The current GI Bill has no distinction to how much a person can spend on any degree they choose. However, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is very limited to that one aspect. The new bill can be used for both undergraduate and graduate degrees, but will only cover the cost of an undergraduate degree. 

"It's not that they can only use it for bachelor's degrees; they can use it for masters and doctorates degrees, but the amount of money available is listed at the undergraduate rate, so that's the highest it will go," said Mr. Pinzon. "So, when a person wants to apply for their master's degree, there will be some out of pocket costs." 

According to the GI Bill website, the amount of tuition and fees charged will not exceed the most expensive in-state public institution of higher education. 

This new bill is also available to dependents if the active duty member transfers the benefits to them.
"The 9/11 Bill is really a retention tool," said Mr. Pinzon. "It's designed to get people to think about staying in the military for at least another four years before they can authorize it for their dependents. If you haven't already done six years of active military service, they're going to want some more commitment out of you." 

Only active duty members can transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill to their dependents. The dependents will benefit by receiving a housing stipend equal to an E-5's basic housing allowance at the with-dependent rate while using the GI Bill. They can also receive a stipend up to $1,000 for books. 

"Active duty members will be able to give dependents a certain number of months, and it can be all 36 or as small as six months," said Mr. Pinzon. "But they can also take it back. It's not a permanent, hard and fast thing once they give it to the dependent." 

The transferor retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at anytime. 

Even though many people believe they can transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to dependents after retirement, it is not so. 

"It's not authorized for them," said Mr. Pinzon. "It's really authorized for the active duty member to give to their dependents because it's a retention tool to get people to stay in the military longer. Active duty can use it for themselves and dependents. Retirees can only use it for themselves." 

Mr. Pinzon said he expects a lot of people to contact him about their individual situations, and there will be more briefings if necessary. 

"Once the mass briefings are completed, I'll be happy to go to individual squadrons or during general commander's calls to answer any questions," he said. "If I can't address your concerns during the briefings, please make an appointment with me to go over your situation, especially when trying to decide if it's worth it for you to transfer now or not. Do not rush to get into it unless you have to retire right away because only active duty members can transfer it to their dependents." 

Keep in mind, once an individual transfers into the Post-9/11 GI Bill, they cannot revert to the Montgomery GI Bill. 

For more information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill or for an application, visit www.gibill.va.gov.