04.30.09 | Post-9/11 Veterans Can Begin Signing Up for the New G.I. Bill for the 21st Century

WASHINGTON, DC – Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (the "Post-9/11 GI Bill"), which was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jim Webb and in the House by Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Harry Mitchell (D-AZ).  The 21st Century G.I. Bill restores the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, making them part of the economic recovery.

The new G.I. Bill program takes affect on August 1, 2009, and on May 1, 2009 veterans can begin to apply for a certificate of eligibility for the new college benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website https:/www.gibill.va.gov/.

Generally, the measure provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001 who have been honorably discharged from service. The benefits are correlated on a sliding scale to years served and to receive full benefits, you must have served on active duty for three years. This program will pay for:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        tuition and fees of up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in your state;<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        a monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents; and  <!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000. <!--[endif]-->

These benefits are generally payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty.

Click here to download the V.A.'s pamphlet on the new G.I. Bill.

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