Military News And Articles

That Work For You

Military Education News And Info

Stay up-to-date with news and information about your military education. You can get the information you need to make informed decisions about your online and military correspondence programs. Learn what's going on with military education and how you can make a smooth military transition. Your civilian career awaits you!

Tips on Using Active-Duty GI Bill Benefits

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Montgomery GI Bill provides eligible members of the Military an opportunity to receive financial assistance to help pay expenses associated with education and training. Here's a brief rundown of the program:



GI Bill benefits are used to pay for a variety of programs, including college, business, technical and vocational courses, distance learning, flight training, certification tests, and apprenticeship/job training. The Bill is estimated to be worth over $47,556. This amount is based on the 2008-2009 monthly full-time student payment rate of $1,321, multiplied by the 36-month limit.

Each October, the payment rate automatically goes up. The increase affects all participants, regardless of when the service member became eligible or began using the assistance.

Who is eligible?
    To qualify, you must:

  • Contribute $100 per month for the first 12 months of active duty, or qualify under VEAP conversion.

  • Complete high school or receive your equivalency certificate before applying for benefits

  • Have served a minimum of two years on active duty



How much will you receive?

There are two factors taken into consideration to establish your monthly payment rate: your student status (i.e. full-time, part-time) and duty status. Generally, if you are taking 12 or more credits per semester, you are considered a full-time student.

If you are on active duty, the GI Bill will only reimburse you for the actual tuition and expenses. Once you are off active duty, the Bill will pay the full rate ($1,321), no matter how much the tuition costs.

When Can I Use the GI Bill?

While you are allowed to start using your benefit after two years of service, it may not be the best idea to use it while still on active duty, as the VA administers the Bill differently for active duty and veterans.

For example, a veteran is charged one month of benefits for each $1,321 in benefits used. So, if a veteran receives $5,285 and you divide that amount by the current payment rate of $1,321, you will see that he or she will be charged for four of the 36 months of education benefits. However, someone on active duty who attends school for four months will be charged four months of benefits even if the tuition costs as little as $1,000.

In light of this, it would seem to make sense to use your GI Bill while on active duty only if your tuition costs are high or you use your "GI Bill Top-up" benefit.

What is the Top-Up Program?

The "Top-Up" program assists active-duty members of the National Guard in paying for the part of their tuition and fees not covered by tuition assistance. As an example, if you tuition costs $6,000 per semester, you will receive $4,400 from FTA. The GI Top-Up benefit may be used to cover the remaining balance of $1,600.

Time Limit

After leaving the service, you have up to ten years to use benefits. The remainder will be lost and you will also lose your initial contribution.

Finally, it is recommended that service members consult with their Education Service Officers prior to enrolling in courses or using benefits. They are trained to provide valuable knowledge and guidance that will prevent you from wasting time or resources.

For complete details concerning Tuition Assistance benefits and procedures, please visit your base education office and speak with a counselor.

*This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.

Labels: , , , ,

more>>

Posted by Allied Blogger Admin @ 9:46 AM • 0 comments