GI Bill (Post-9/11 + Montgomery) — Eligibility Check
Do I qualify for the GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) covers tuition + fees + monthly housing allowance + book stipend for post-9/11/2001 service. Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30) is the older program. Most post-2001 veterans qualify for Chapter 33 — typically the better benefit.
Quick Answer
Post-9/11/2001 service of 90+ days continuous active duty + non-dishonorable discharge.
Requirements
At least 90 continuous days of active duty service after September 10, 2001 (Chapter 33)
OR served 30 continuous days post-9/11 and discharged for service-connected disability
Non-dishonorable discharge (Honorable preferred; General usually qualifies)
Reserve/Guard members: must have served 90+ days under Title 10 orders
Benefits expire 15 years from last discharge for post-9/11 service before Jan 1, 2013; no expiration for service after Jan 1, 2013
VA Form 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits)
Acceptance letter or enrollment from approved school
Fastest application path
File VA Form 22-1990 at va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Approved Certificate of Eligibility typically issued in 2-4 weeks. School submits enrollment certifications each term.
Common pitfalls (avoid these)
⚠ Choosing a non-VA-approved school (only VA-approved programs qualify)
⚠ Not applying for Yellow Ribbon supplemental at private schools (covers tuition above the cap)
⚠ Letting benefits expire (use it or lose it — though post-2013 service has no expiration now)
⚠ Not transferring to spouse/children before separation (transfer must happen during active service)
Common questions
Can I transfer my GI Bill benefits to my spouse or children?
Yes — but the transfer MUST happen while you're still on active duty. Apply at milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil while serving. Transfer has additional service-commitment requirements (typically 4 more years). Once transferred, dependents have their own 15-year window to use the benefits.
I have an Other-Than-Honorable discharge. Can I get GI Bill?
Generally not, but VA conducts character-of-discharge reviews for OTH cases. If your OTH was for minor offenses, you may still qualify. File anyway — VA reviews each case. Discharge upgrade (DRB or BCMR) can also restore eligibility. See /discharge/oth.
How much is the housing allowance?
Tied to the school's ZIP code BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) for an E-5 with dependents. Online-only programs get half the national BAH average. Most schools generate $1,500-$3,500/month. Check the official VA GI Bill BAH calculator.
