04.16.09 | Post 9/11 GI Bill
With students scrambling for ways to pay for college one option does exist, although it may not be your first choice. Uncle Sam is still looking for recruits for the military and willing to pay you money toward your education to boot. I actually tried this route when I was 17, but was medically discharged before I even boarded my flight to the Great Lakes due to the discovery of a circulation problem I have called Raynaud’s.
So how does the Post-9/11 GI Bill work exactly? I’ve outlined the specifics for you below.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. This program will pay eligible individuals:
- tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning. see chart listing 2008 – 2009 maximum rates.
- a monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school.
- an annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment
- a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.
This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL). If you are enrolled exclusively in online training you will not receive the housing allowance. If you are on active duty you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.
For more information you can visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
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