Post 9/11 GI Bill Explained
July 4th, 2009
Still trying to crack the code on transferring benefits on the Post 9/11 GI Bill? I’ve been reading it over and think I figured a few things out…here is a synopsis of transferring to the Post 9/11 GI Bill.Lets start with the memo that explains the policy. It is a bit confusing, but when you get to Attachment 2 it starts to make sense.
http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2009/0409_gibill/DTM%2009-003%20Post%209-11%20GI%20Bill.pdf
Skim through it, then go to attachment 2, page 14 - it lists ADSO info.
-From what I read, there is NO ADSO if you are retirement eligible (which means more than 20 years service) on or after 1 AUG 09.
-If you hit 20 after 1 AUG 09 but before 30 SEP 13 then there is a fuzzy ADSO.
-If you accept the transfer and are less than 20 years service, you can incur an ADSO…you have to read more info to figure that out.
Go to attachment 2, page 16/17 (around there) to read the modification/revocation/transfer procedures…
You have to specify a period for which the transfer will be effective. Still working on the definition of that…I guess I would just make it for as long as the site will allow - 10 to 15 years (anyone know).
You can only TRANSFER while you are a member of the Armed services (do this before you retire).
An individual may add new dependents, modify the number of months of the transferred entitlement for existing dependants or revoke transfer of entitlement WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES.
An individual may NOT add dependents after retirement or separation but MAY MODIFY the number of months of the transferred benefit or revoke transferred benefits after retirement of separation for those dependents who had received transferred benefits prior to separation or retirement. So, like R. Pais suggested - transfer at least one month of benefit to each dependent PRIOR to separation. You can sort it out later.
Att2/pg 16 states than an eligible spouse cannot use the stipend and book stipend if the sponsor is still on active duty; an eligible child can.
READY TO TRANSFER?
Call the VA Dept of Education 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to find out how many months you have available.
Now, here is the website to transfer benefits.
You check a bunch of boxes and assign a certain number of months to each family member.
Good luck and feel free to post updates/info to this page.
Types of training that can be taken under current GI Bill benefits include college (undergraduate, graduate), certificate programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeship training, flight training, and non-college degree courses. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can only be used for programs taken at a college or university.
To see a breakdown of which types of training are covered under each GI Bill click here.
Election of Benefits
If you wish to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and another GI Bill benefit such as the Montgomery GI Bill you will be required to make an irrevocable choice of which benefit you wish to receive. If you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and two or more other education benefit you must make an irrevocable choice to give up ONE of the other education benefits, however you will remain eligible to the benefit you did not relinquish. Because you are now eligible for two education benefits, you MAY be able to change which education benefit you draw depending on your eligibility.
For example: you have eligibility under the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Selected Reserve GI Bill. You can get a degree in electrical engineering under the Post-9/11 GI Bill at a community college, then you can enroll in an apprenticeship program with the electrician’s union under the Selected Reserve GI Bill and receive Journeyman certification.
If you are not planning to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill now, you do not need to make your election immediately but should wait until closer to the time in which you wish to use benefits.