New GI Bill is Law. Now What?

President Bush signed HR 2642 earlier this week, which makes "The GI Bill for the 21st Century" law. So when can eligible veterans start taking advantage of this new education benefit? And what are the "devil in the details" issues that veterans need to know about? IAVA's Patrick Campbell and Military.com's benefits expert Terry Howell join Ward for an in-depth discussion.

Comments

[Jose Palacios]

I only have a few more months of my G.I. Bill should I wait until next year to get those benefits or could we get back pay?

[sandy stapp]

Why are they not going to give those of us that have been using the gibill backpay? it seems like they are not looking out for us that got out of the military and have been using our benifits but still had to take out student loans.

[Mark Tetrick]

I enlisted in 2002 and was discharged in 2006 I have two years of school left. Is there any way to help the veterans that will have finished school by the time the new gi bill becomes tangible? I Also have student loans that I require in order to finish school. What type of backpay or loan payoff does the new gi bill include? Did anyone think of this?

[terry howell]

Jose - There is still much to be decided in the coming months. As one who has been there, I suggest that you take advantage of the new $1,321 a month payment rate now. A lot could happen, putting off your goals for better benefits can back fire. You will never be sorry for making progress toward your goals.

[Terry Howell]

Mark - There is no provision for paying off student loans and the benefits will not be retroactive. I know that these factors were discussed, however, I am sure they were dropped as they were cost prohibitive.

[Brandon]

If I am about to get out and I plan on using this 21st century GI Bill then am I allowed to put in for the kicker anyways? Just for a little bit more.

[Luis Santiago]

Wow it's a New GI Bill? My intention after seperating from the military in early 2008 was to go to school. I was decided to make a career change. When I found out the GI Bill will pay only 60% up front of the total bill and that it. I was going to be left with about $11K in debt. My second choice was to take out a student loan, ha.... What is the use of the GI- Bill if a Veteran intention is to make a New Career move, but the GI Bill shall only pay %60 of it all. I had about $34K of benefits left and having to take out a Student Loan Doesn't Make Any Sense at all... A Veteran should be entitled to use all of his or her GI Bill benefits no matter the cost of course if the price falls within the Maximum range of paid benefits.

[Knalidi]

This new GI Bill sounds GREAT! Like many of you I am using my GI Bill and also have school loans. The new Bill gives us more money and pays for our tuition. You can now go to school for "free" and use the monthly stipend to pay bills and help pay off school loans. Plus we get $1000 for books.

[paul]

We don't get packpay for fall 08 and spring 2009?? Great maybe I can get wellfare and food stamps till then to survive =(

[rafael alcazar]

l need to back to school,l need all the information. lam a vietnam vet and dessert storm and until now,please me some info

[chute53]

While I generally support all improvements in bennefits, I fear the new GI Bill just shook up the "Total Force" a bit. Perhaps all qualified troops should meet a "90 day in a hostile region" requirement?

[thinkdunson]

i can't listen to, or download, this because i'm in iraq with a firewall. is there any place else where i can get this info?

[Deborah Grangnelli]

While I was active duty ('83-'87)I used my GI Bill for school. While I was in the reserve 87-90 I applied for the reserve Mont bill and my unit told me I did not qualify. I left the military. I re-up in '97 as a reservest. I went back to school in '03, applied for reserve Mont. bill again and was told I received it back in '87 and since I did not use it I lost it. I am still in the reserve, been mobilized for 18 months. Will this new bill help me?

[Alan Gettridge]

When my Montgomery GI bill benefits are used up will I still be able to receive the stipend for living expenses if i'm still enrolled in to school?

[Alan Gettridge]

I know that I will be paying for school once I've used up the 36 months worth of payments I will only be eligible to receive the stipend correct?

[Terese Elam]

When I joined the AF 19 years ago, I did not sign up for the GI Bill. Will AD members who did not previously sign up for the GI Bill be allowed to buy into it?

[Mark]

I was wondering about the transferring to dependents. I was active for four years and reserves for 15 so far. Why is it you would need 10 years active service and would reserves (active) count?

[Mark]

I was wondering about the transferring to dependents. I was active for four years and reserves for 15 so far. Why is it you would need 10 years active service and would reserves (active) count?

[Rienell]

An important question for a lot of veterans/parents and retirees (who can't afford college for their kids) is if the new GI Bill will be transferrable to dependents. I keep hearing the new GI Bill includes this...?

[Luis Santiago]

This message is for:(Deborah Grangnelli | July 02, 2008 at 09:51 PM) I had a similar experience just like you, you need to act fast so Call the GIBILL-Veteran Administration Office, they specialize on ALL ISSIUES concerining the GI Bill. This is the number: 1-888-442-4551 talk to a V.A. rep and you might need to Fax ALL your DD-214 from active duty and the reserve DD-214 (I'm not sure if the form # from the reserve is the same as active duty).....

[Matt]

I still have 18 Months left in the Chapter 30 GI Bill. I am very excited about the new Chapter 33 GI bill. I can only attend school half time due to work. Now, with the new GI Bill Tuition is 100% and we get $1000 for books which is great. But my question is regarding the Cost of Living stipend which according to the new law is about $2500 in my home city of San Francisco. Is there a prorated amount for Veterans attending only half time? or do we have to attend Full time to receive the living stipend?

[charles e. brown]

I retired in 1985 after 20 years of active service with 10 % disability. what is still available since I only used my GI Bill for 10 months.

[Cody Noren]

to charles e. brown:

You have to use your GI Bill within 10 years or it expires. Sorry, but it sounds like you're not eligible.

[marvin baker]

they need to extend the montgomery gi bill to 15 yrs also, it is the least they could do, it is not right if they don't, fyi, there were combat veterans before 9/11 (not to take away from those who served after 9/11

[Ronnie]

I enlisted for 3 years in 2001, served in Iraq in 2003 and ETSed in 2004. I am registered in a Master's degree program until the end of Fall 2008. The VA tells me that at that time I will have 3 mos and 22 days of benefits remaining. I desire to enter a Ph.D. program beginning in fall 2009, should I just run out my benefits at the start of that program or convert? Will I benefit from the new GI Bill?

[Yomaira]

Let's not forget that they are offering all this different sources for receiving money but at the same time you might not qualify. what makes one veteran better than another even though the all had the same opportunities in life, who knows, but you know alot of folks wont qualify for that extra money they say they offering. is like you have to be homeless to receive anything

[Dolores Hyman]

I got an honorable discharge from the Army in 1974. Am I allowed to Get my Masters Degree online? I currently have a student loan to pay off.

[William Platter]

What about National Guard Members who have two or more combat tours to Iraq ? Two years on combat tours in a war
zone. The first was the invasion and the second is constant patrols in and around Bagdad every little village in or around Bagdad.
Why are we only entitle to a percentage? Are we American Army Soldiers order to active duty, or does the Army look upon us as State National Guard Soldiers? And only entitle to a ssmall slice of the G.I. Bill pie.

[Tracey]

to Pual who wrote about revceiving wefare and food stamps to get by until the new bill comes into play because the GI benefits you receive is considered income..like you ive already considered it!

[jay]

I have about 11 months left on my current GI Bill. I keep seeing the extension of 10 years to 15 years, but it is not clear if this is for the POST 9/11 or for EVERYONE. I was discharged in 2001. Any help would be appreciated.

[Leo]

My wife was a reservest for 23 years and was called up to serve for 18 months. In 2005, she retired. Is she entitled, even though she isn't actively drilling? That has been an issue when she tried to claim benefits in 2007. She was told that if reservists stop drilling or discharge, they are no longer eligible. Will that policy continue?

[Shelly Burgoyne]

CAN ANYONE ANSWER?? I SERVED AS AN OFFICER AND A GRADUATE OF ROTC. I DID NOT RECEIVE A ROTC SCHOLARSHIP, THEREFORE MY TIME SPENT ON ACTIVE DUTY (3+ YEARS) WAS NOT IN ORDER TO FUFILL A SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENT. AM I ELIGIBLE?

[Dan]

I'm using my MGIB benefits right now, and I have the Marine Corps College fund. It has allowed me to go to school and really focus on learning. I started at a community college and now I'm transferring to a University. I realize that I've already received a lot from the government, and I totally agree with this new GI Bill. However, I've already used much of my benefits, and it's very disappointing to see that I won't have many months left by the time this new bill goes into effect. On top of that, getting the current GI Bill hurts the amount of federal student aid that I'll be allowed this year. It's really great to see more benefits out there for vets, I just wish they could help those of us who are in school right now.

[Raymond S. Niles]

I attended college on an ROTC scholarship and upon graduation served 6 1/2 years on active duty. I was in the active Reserves for well over 15 years and recently served another 2 1/2 years on active duty (post 9/11). I have two in college this coming fall, can I obtain educational benefit under this new GI bill and transfer them to one of my children?

[H. Tanner]

I am a viet Nam vet with 22 yrs service. I retired in 1976 and never used my GI benefits...can I now transfer those to my daughter?

[craig]

what if im not going to use my gi bill and my wife wants to use it. what does it cover

[Robert (Bob) Bailey]

I am a 20 year Viet Nam vet, that retired in 1985. Did not use GI bill benifits, can my dauther now use them toward her education?

[Robert (Bob) Bailey]

I am a 20 year Viet Nam vet, that retired in 1985. Did not use GI bill benifits, can my dauther now use them toward her education?

[Barry Chance]

I used the GI Bill in 1983. I returned to active duty in 1992 and just retired am I eligible for the new GI bill?

[james]

I have the GI Bill kicker and still on active duty. This new system make it more confusing. I am looking at PHD programs and I will lose a lot of money going full or half time, on active duty. Will this be the same with the new program and should I switch?

[Jason Verhine]

It is a shame that people can't accept some help without complaining about it..it's an outrage. I seved for 14 yrs had to retire medically and am using my GI BILL.
I wish people could serve their country with honor and not expect some welfare from it. That is what is wrong with our country. Everyone wants something free and is too afraid to work for it. While the foreign economy comes in and takes it over. Remember people, our forefathers and our brothers have died for us to have what this country was meant to be..and it's being given to the enemy. They work for nothing/come to our country/buy our business/and send our money right back over to the countries we are fighting. WHY? Because too many Americans have become too lazy to work and they want welfare...even our GI's now are wanted everything FREE.
WHAT A SHAME!!!!
God Bless America

[N. Baker]

Where can we find the answers to our questions?

[Rick]

If I used up all 36 months of my Chapter 30 GI Bill in which I paid for,
I should still be eligible to use the New Post 9/11 GI Bill which is free to all who serve after 9/11.

[Steve]

Great. This bill will run this country to bankruptcy. Just go to the area with the most expensive public school & most expensive cost of living and the government will take care of you. This will drive up the cost of tuition for everybody else.

[Hamyd]

Thanks Steve, you just gave us an idea on how to bankrupt America.

[nanceoso]

Sorry you feel that way Jason, I have four airmen that have enlisted in the past year and they don't expect anything for free! And didn't sign up for free things. If this country would stop giving (billions) money to Colombia every year to fight a losing battle, that South America can take care of themselves, they could pay all your veterans GI Bills. Help should be at home first to you guys who should come first because you don't qualify for welfare which tells me you are on disability or welfare for medical reasons but a normal veteran does not qualify. Why shouldn't they ask for the GI Bill, I don't see lazy Americans where I live but cheap illegals are given the jobs even with the Americans willing to work for the same wages in this economy. But don't say the soldiers are expecting free things, mine don't at least and none of their friends do either. They are proud to serve and wear that uniform. Which they upgrade and pay for better boots themselves as I watched them each shell out 120 dollars for boots each and those were not the top ones.

[Eric]

nanceosco,
Plan Colombia prevents drugs from reaching our shores. Period. Good investment. South America can't handle it themselves, as you may have notices, Hizzbollah is now operating there. That would mean the US has a stake there. Wake up and quit complaining. I've got 21 years in the Marine Corps and will take full advantage of whatever this bill offers. Why? Because I'll be paying for it with my taxes. This isn't some gift from God, its a taxpayer funded event that we all have to pay for. I didnt' serve so I could get the GI bill. I got a paycheck every two weeks. I saved money for school and others should to. America "owes" me nothing. They already paid in full with my paycheck. Too bad some of the other folks on this board don't get that.

[Frank]

Hello,
I was active duty from Oct 1981 to Oct 2001 and discharged with 20% disability. I was offered the VEAP to MGIB conversion on my last day when checking out to IRR. Couldn't afford the intial $2700 to convert at the time. Do I qualify for the new GI Bill?

And no Jason, I'm not asking anything for free as I served my time in Grenada, Bosnia and the Persian Gulf.

[brad lattig]

In response to Mr. Jason Verdine: You have no clue as to what you're talking about, and wandered so far, that you went to foreign business, welfare, and laziness. First of all, GI's and other Veterans are the reason we can even blog on this stupid thing, which I realize includes yourself, as much as you embarrass me and the rest of us. You want us to be like the Romans, where soldiers came back from war and had to live in the sewers, and were treated like scum? I agree with you on the welfare issue, which is one thing Bill Clinton did right, is make people on it actively seek employment, and not live their whole lives on it. However, to hear you attack other vets and their issues, disgusts me. Those of us who have served multiple combat tours, and come home to a "thanks" and nothing else while everyone is going to school on scholarships and federal aid money because their parents can't afford it, gets on our nerves, because I don't care who you are, we keep America safe the best we can, we chew dirt at the president's order, and to me, that's worth something. We're not asking for something for nothing, we did more than the majority of the public do in their entire lifes. Maybe you did nothing in the military, I don't know, but don't take your experience and think the rest of us are worthless & lazy too, because we aren't, we did our part, so let us get ours, then the rest of the mooching public can have the scraps. Sorry if you or anyone else doesn't like it, but that's my opinion. Btw, I'm combat arms, and am lucky to be alive 500 times over, and a lot of my friends and some family have paid the ultimate sacrifice, so what do you think they should get- nothing? I've broken my back on active duty, lost appendages, and all my joints are equivelant to a 65 year old man (I'm 31), been forced out of the military, but fought tooth & nail to stay in, and am still in serving & doing my part, Also remember, we vets feel the same way, but remember that your issues with the lazy general public is mis-fired at vets who EARNED our piece of the pie, but have to jump through rings of fire to get it. Thanks for your opinion, but next time just think before you speak, and remember who is sucking this country dry, and it's not the vets my friend.

[brad lattig]

BTW everyone, you can go to www.gibill.va.gov to find a lot of the answers to your (our) questions, and you can ask questions and get answers there also. Hope that helps