One of the most sought-after benefits of military service is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which many families find to be most useful when the spouse of the enlisted soldier uses the money for higher education. The process of transferring and using the advantages may seem complicated, but it is actually rather simple. Knowing the basics of the program and where to search for further information will help you make the most of the assistance you receive from the Education Counselors on your base and/or the VA benefits administrator at your school.
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits can be transferred to the Spouse
After six years of service, a veteran can transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse, but the veteran receiving the benefits must remain in the military for an additional four years. In other words, their current contract duration must be at least four years beyond the transfer date. Unless they re-enlist, many people can’t go over to the new advantages. The transfer can be seen on Milconnect’s Transfer of Educational Benefits website.
Reaping the rewards
The spouse can begin collecting benefits as soon as the transfer is finalized. Start the process by submitting an online application or VA Form 22-1990E (Application for Family Members to Use Transferred Benefits). After 30 days, you should get a Certificate of Eligibility in the mail. If your application was denied due to ineligibility, you will also be notified via mail.
While waiting for the VA to provide you with the necessary paperwork, you can speak with the school’s VA benefits officer. Expertise in their respective fields is a common trait among these people.
Making Use Of The Advantages
There are three distinct types of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
For private universities, the maximum annual benefit under the GI Bill for tuition and fees is $22,805.34; for international universities, it is $4,656.80. If you attend a private university or are otherwise unable to pay the lower in-state tuition rate, you may be eligible for additional Yellow Ribbon Program benefits.
You will get $41.67 per credit hour up to $500 per semester as a books and supplies stipend, up to $1,000 every academic year.
If a military member is no longer on active duty and receiving a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), his or her spouse may be eligible for a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). The MHA reimbursement is based on the school’s location and the start date of MHA services. Visit https://www.militaryverification.com/ to learn more about the status of servicemembers.
