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Rep. McCarthy Announces the New GI Bill for the 21st Century

Thursday July 30, 2009

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to Start August 1, 2009

 

On August 1, 2009, Veterans will begin to receive college education benefits under the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (the “Post-9/11 GI Bill”).  An estimated 2.1 million members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, will be eligible for up to four years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books. 

 

Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, making them part of the economic recovery.  The measure takes effect on August 1, 2009.  On May 1st, veterans were able to start applying for a certificate of eligibility for the new college benefits at the VA website http://www.gibill.va.gov/. 

 

“I am sincerely grateful to the men and women currently serving overseas, as well as those who have served in the past,” said Rep. McCarthy.  “We have a responsibility to our Veterans and their families.  These men and women have sacrificed everything to protect our country and these benefits will expand job opportunities for them, and strengthen our economy.”

 

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:

 

·         tuition and fees of up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution

·         a monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents; and 

·         an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.

 

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

 

For more information visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/ or download an information pamphlet here. 

Post-9/11 GI Bill Fact Sheet ( 07/30/09 09:42 AM PST )