On June 19, 2008, the House passed H.R. 2642, Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations, which will fund the immediate needs of our troops, address unemployment across the country, and enhance the education benefits for our veterans who have served in the Global War on Terror. 

After objectionable tax increases on individuals and small businesses were removed, I supported this bill as an appropriate and necessary support of our active-duty military and veterans.   

As a veteran and user of the GI education benefits, I know the importance of supporting the education and job training of our veterans.  In 1944, the original GI Bill paid up to $500 a year for tuition, books, fees, plus a monthly allowance of $50 or more to avoid high unemployment following WWII and to help the individual readjust to civilian life.  Over 7 million veterans took advantage of these benefits.  Subsequent similar programs were available for Korean and Vietnam veterans.  In 1985, Montgomery GI benefits program was created for adjustment to civilian life and in an attempt to recruit and retain qualified military personnel.

With the cost of higher education increasing, benefits have slowly covered less and less.  This bill will return benefits to a level akin to those offered under the original GI Bill. 

Members of the military, including reservists and National Guard, who have served at least three months on active duty since September 11, 2001, may be eligible for enhanced tuition assistance, housing allowance, book and supply stipend, tutorial assistance, and payments toward licensure and certification tests.

In addition to strengthening education benefits, this bill provides over $1.2 billion for military hospitals and Veterans medical facilities.

Post 9/11 Expanded Veterans Education Assistance

Who Qualifies?

-- The bill increases educational benefits for all members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including reservists and National Guard.

-- To qualify, veterans must have served at least 3 to 36 months of qualified active duty, beginning on or after September 11, 2001.   

 

 

What are the Benefits?

-- The benefit level is determined by the length of time the service member was on active duty after September 11, 2001.  

-- Benefits include:

-- an amount equal to the established cost regularly charged for in-state tuition at a public institution of higher education for an approved program, adjusted annually with the national average cost of undergraduate tuition

-- a housing allowance based on costs in a given area  

-- up to $1000 monthly stipend for supplies and equipment (books, etc.)

-- payments toward tutorial assistance, not to exceed $100/month for a maximum of 12 months or $1200 total

-- payments toward licensure and certification tests, not to exceed $2,000 or the test fee

-- Veterans would still be eligible to receive any incentive-based supplemental educational assistance from their military branch for which they qualify.

-- A dollar for dollar match by the government will be available for any voluntary additional contribution to a veteran from an institution with greater expense than the maximum education assistance.

-- The bill allows educational benefits to be transferred to the spouse or child of a service member.

 

 

What are the Benefit Limits?

-- Veterans must use the benefits within 15 years, as compared to 10 years currently.

-- Veterans will be barred from receiving concurrent assistance from this program and another similar program.

 

 

When will the new benefits be made available?

-- Tentatively, August 1, 2009

 

 

Who Should I Contact With Specific Education Benefit Questions?

-- Education (GI Bill): 1-888-442-4551

-- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:  www.gibill.va.gov – This website contains information on current education benefits and will be updated in the future.



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