The GI Bill is federal education benefits for veterans, primarily the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), and VR&E (Chapter 31).
The GI Bill is the federal program providing education benefits to U.S. military veterans and their dependents. Three primary versions: the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) covers up to 36 months of tuition + housing + books for post-9/11 service. The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) is a buy-in program for older eras. VR&E (Chapter 31) is vocational rehabilitation for service-connected disabled veterans.
Detail
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): up to 36 months of tuition (paid directly to school), monthly housing allowance (BAH-equivalent for the school's ZIP), and a $1,000/year books-and-supplies stipend.
- Eligibility: 90+ days of post-9/11 active duty (incremental tier), or 30+ days if discharged for service-connected disability.
- Yellow Ribbon Program: schools voluntarily cover tuition costs above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap (currently $28,937/year at private schools).
- Transfer to dependents: must agree before separation; minimum 6 years of service required to start transfer; additional 4-year obligation.
- VR&E (Chapter 31): for service-connected disabled veterans (rating 10%+); covers full tuition + housing + supplies + counseling. Higher monthly stipend than Post-9/11 in many cases.
- Apply: VA Form 22-1990 (first time), 22-1995 (transfer schools), 22-5490 (dependents under DEA).
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