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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!

Have You Signed Up for the New G.I. Bill?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Make the most of your service -- the new military G.I. Bill pays more and lets you transfer benefits. The VA is now accepting applications for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. This new educational benefits package, known as Chapter 33, offers additional benefits beyond paying for tuition -- including a new housing stipend.

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill goes into effect on August 1, 2009. You are eligible if you served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001. You don't have to pay into this benefit each month; and you can transfer your benefits to your spouse or children.

What You'll Get

- Full tuition and fees
- Monthly housing stipend*
- Money for books and supplies
- Transferability of entitlement
- Kicker -- if you receive it now, you'll still get it with the new benefits

The amount paid under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill will vary depending on your state of residence, number of units taken, and amount of post-9/11 active-duty service.
Here are the percentages that are available:

Percentage of Payment -- Amount of Military Service
100% -- 36 or more months
100% -- 30 or more consecutive days with disability-related discharge
90% -- 30 total months
80% -- 24 total months
70% -- 18 total months
60% -- 12 total months
50% -- 6 total months
40% -- 90 or more days

The Department of Veterans Affairs started accepting applications on May 1, 2009. If you are already enrolled in the Montgomery G.I. Bill and also meet the criteria for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, you have the option to transfer your remaining MGIB benefits to the new program. Although the new bill offers comprehensive benefits, you may find that the original Montgomery G.I. Bill better suits your needs.

One of the biggest additions of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is the option for service members to transfer their benefits -- if you are an active-duty service member with at least six years of experience, you can shift your G.I. Bill benefits to your spouse or children if you commit to at least four additional years of service.

You can enroll online at www.gibill.va.gov or call (888) 501-5221 to learn how you can make the most of your new benefits. Your educational options just got better -- enroll in a certificate program without paying anything, plus receive additional benefits.

*Restrictions apply

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Posted by Heather Brunson @ 3:28 PM • 0 comments

The G.I. Bill Kicker Program May be Just What You Need for Your Military Education

Thursday, April 9, 2009

If you are currently a service member or considering joining the military, you've probably heard about the G.I. Bill, but what you may not be familiar with is the G.I. Bill Kicker Program -- also known as the Army, Navy College or Marine Corps College Funds.

The G.I. Bill Kicker, offered by the Department of Defense through each service branch, is an educational benefit that is added to the G.I. Bill. It is an additional amount of money that increases your basic monthly benefit and is included in your monthly G.I. Bill payment from the VA. Think of it as extra money for your education.

College funds are only made available when you first enlist as a service member or as part of a re-enlistment contract. The amount that is received is determined by a number of factors, such as when you enlisted, length of enlistment contract, service that was joined, the job that was chosen and specific location.

The good news is that these kickers can increase your monthly GI Bill payment rate by hundreds of dollars a month -- putting your military education within reach. This means that you can actually boost your regular G.I. Bill benefit value and earn even more for your education.

The G.I. Bill Kicker Program is an incentive, not an entitlement; therefore you must apply for and be approved to receive it. There may be specific qualifications according to your branch -- contact your military education office for details. The VA does not determine eligibility of this additional benefit; each service branch determines who receives the G.I. Bill Kicker and the amount received. Remember, you can't get your GI Bill Kicker money without receiving the GI Bill -- it isn't a separate benefit, but an add-on to your GI Bill benefit.

The GI Bill Kicker is also available if you choose to join the reserve. You must meet the current requirements and accept the Reserve GI Bill to qualify.

If you think that career training is out of reach, think again. Combining the G.I. Bill Kicker with your G.I. Bill can cover 100% of the cost of your military education. This program is an ideal way to receive the maximum benefits and build up your education fund -- making career training possible. Use these funds to enroll in an accredited online career training program today and study anywhere, any time for a high-demand career.

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Posted by Heather Brunson @ 3:08 PM • 0 comments