The New Benefits of the GI BILL

By Ginny Estupinian

The “post-9/11″ GI Bill that takes effect on Aug. 1 2009 and offers some great benefits for Veterans returning to school or just finishing a college education.  It’s the most comprehensive package of education benefits for service members since the original GI Bill of Rights was signed during World War II. The new GI Bill invests $2 billion in educating U.S. military personnel and veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq at colleges and universities nationwide.

The new benefits package pays tuition, but also offers a monthly housing stipend and up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. This increase in benefits are expected to increase the number of veterans going to school in the next two to three years by 20 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The original GI Bill failed to keep pace with the rising costs of higher education, said the new bill’s sponsor, Sen. James Webb, D-Va. The post-9/11 bill provides enough money for veterans to consider even private colleges. Where before under the old benefits it would be very difficult to do.

The new bill covers more than 1.8 million veterans who have served in the Armed Forces since Sept. 11, 2001. The bill also covers Reserve and Guard members who were activated for more than 90 days.

An important thing to remember is that Veterans have 15 years after they leave active duty to use the benefits.

Here is a quick breakdown:

Post-9/11 GI Bill

What it is: Enhanced education benefits for military veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq

What it covers: Tuition and fees at any public college and many private ones; monthly housing stipend; books and supplies; one-time relocation allowance

Information: Interested veterans are encouraged to apply on-line at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp;