The New GI Bill

[Boxkicker]

"The new GI Bill essentially would essentially guarantee a full scholarship at any in-state public university, along with a monthly housing stipend, for people who serve in the military for at least three years. It is aimed at replicating the benefits awarded veterans of World War II and more than doubles the value of the benefit - from $40,000 today to $90,000."

Will the new GI Bill apply to all veterans, or just to veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan?
The new GI bill will update education benefits for all veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service post-9/11 and have not already used up all their education benefits.
Only post 9/11 service counts toward this new GI Bill. Therefore a veteran must do three years of active duty service after 9/11 to qualify for the full benefit.

If the new GI Bill passes, when will it take effect?
The new GI Bill will go into effect immediately. However, in order to give the VA some time to implement the proposed changes, the bill will be phased in using two stages:
Stage 1: During the 2008-2009 academic year, you will receive a monthly benefit of $1,300,an increase of $200/month from the current benefit. However, though you are not receiving the full amount of the new benefits, you are still accruing the full amount, and you will be paid the difference in August 2009.
Stage 2: In August 2009, a full implementation of the benefits.

Why are you focused on H.R. 5740 in the House, and not H.R. 2702?
H.R. 2702 is actually an older version of 5740. Back in February, some improvements were made to the proposed bill to ensure veterans could attend any public school in the country, and the Bill therefore had to be re-introduced. Senate rules allowed us to keep the original bill number on that side (S.22), but House rules required a new one (H.R. 5740).

I did not elect to take part in the original GI Bill. Am I eligible for this new one?
Yes. There is no requirement to have elected into the original (Montgomery) GI Bill in order to take part in the new one.

How many months of benefits will someone be able to use if they have not already used any GI Bill benefits?
36 Months.

I retired and am now in school. Will I be able to use the new GI Bill?
The new GI bill will update education benefits for all veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service post-9/11 and have not already used up all their education benefits. If you meet these requirements you will qualify for the bill.

Will veterans who have already started using their GI Bill benefits be grandfathered into the new version?
Veterans with any remaining GI bill benefits will be able to transfer them to this new program and receive the higher rate.

Will the new GI Bill erase debt I incurred paying for college under the old benefits?
Unfortunately, the new GI Bill will not repay those debts.

Under the old bill, I had ten years to use my benefits. If the new GI Bill passes, will this time be reset?
Under this new bill a veteran will have 15 years from the date they separated from active duty (not 10) to use their education benefits. However, the clock does not restart if the bill passes.

I didn't buy into VEAP, and am excluded from the current GI Bill. Will I be able to use education benefits under the new GI Bill?
The new GI bill will update education benefits for all veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service post-9/11 and have not already used up all their education benefits. If you meet these requirements you will qualify for the bill.

Are graduates of the service academies included in this bill?
The GI bill will allow officers who graduated from service academies or received ROTC scholarships to qualify for the new GI Bill benefits. The only catch is that the time spent satisfying the ROTC/Service Academy active duty obligation does not count toward the 3 years necessary to qualify for the full benefits.

Will I receive the Basic Housing Allowance (BAH)?
A veteran attending school will receive the BAH for that area at the E-5 with dependent level. The housing stipend will not be available for active duty service members who are using their GI Bill, because they already receive a housing allowance.

 

[Rustic23]

I understand there were two bills. One favored by the Dems, and one by the Repubs. Which is this and do you have information on the other. Maybe a comparisson of the two.

 

[Boxkicker]

This is the S 22/HR 5740. It is tied in with the war funding bill. Here is the link to the comparisons:

GI Bill 2008 – About the New GI Bill

 

[Boxkicker]

GI Bill compromise could be approved today

A GI Bill compromise that includes better education benefits and the opportunity for career service members to transfer those benefits to their family members has been agreed to by the White House and congressional negotiators for inclusion in the 2008 emergency war funding bill.

The House of Representatives could approve the measure as early as today.

The GI Bill deal melds the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights with a Pentagon alternative to create an improved benefits plan that covers full tuition and fees for someone attending a four-year public college or university, a monthly living allowance and an annual book allowance. It also allows those who serve six years or longer to share their GI Bill benefits with spouses or children.

Full details of the benefits plan were not released Wednesday night when House Democratic leaders announced the deal.

As outlined, the agreement represents a compromise for many of the key players in the two-year debate over improving GI Bill benefits.

Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., the chief sponsor of the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights, opposed giving service members the right to transfer benefits to their family members. The Pentagon opposed GI Bill payments above roughly $1,900 a month, arguing that too-generous benefits would spur people to leave the military.

While benefits would vary from state to state, average payments under the new agreement would be about $3,000 a month, with about $1,500 for tuition and fees and about $1,450 for living expenses, plus the annual book allowance.

Also compromising on the deal are fiscally conservative Democrats, known as Blue Dog Democrats, who had demanded that the plan also include a way to pay for the improved benefits.

With the addition of transfer rights, the cost of the 21st Century GI Bill rises to about $62 billion over 10 years, but the agreement mentions no specific way to cover the cost. Instead, GI Bill benefits, like the cost of the war, are considered emergency spending that does not count against any budgetary limits.

The war supplemental funding bill includes about $165 million for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, enough to cover costs through about June 2009, depending on the pace of operations, the rotation schedule and the number of troops deployed at any one time.

Defense and service officials have been warning lawmakers for months that they are on the brink of running out of money, leading the key congressional committees responsible for approving the military budget to permit shifting money between accounts to temporarily have essential costs covered.

 

[Alec-Eldifrawi]

this sound great for our soldiers coming home from serving our country.

 

[Rustic23]

This is the Democratic bill. I have not seen the Republican bill as Senator Reed did not let it come up for a vote. I believe one of the differences was in the amount of time severed to get benefits. The Pentagon expressed concern that the bill would encourage soldiers to get out rather than stay in. I think the Republican bill had provisions to increase the amount and make it transferable to other family members the longer one served. That is why the President said he would veto it. In typical political moves the Dem's. know it is not acceptable to the military, and want the President to veto it so they will be able to say he does not support the troops. This tactic worked in the Senate where many Republicans voted for the bill after their bill was blocked by 'procedural' moves. Those that voted against have already been accused of this.

So while it looks good, all is not as it appears.

 

[Boxkicker]

Major GI Bill Victory: House Leadership and White House Broker Deal

Bush Administration Indicates President Will Sign a World War II-Style GI Bill into Law ​

NEW YORK - Last night, a critical agreement was reached between leadership in the House of Representatives and the White House to pass a new GI Bill. They agreed upon a bipartisan war supplemental spending bill which includes the World War II-style GI Bill originally introduced by Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE). This welcome news comes just days before the 64th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signing of the original GI Bill of Rights (June 22, 1944).

"This cooperation between the House leadership and the White House is critical in our fight for a World War II-style GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "Servicemembers across the country are thrilled that lawmakers are putting their partisan differences aside and taking this major step to help create a new "Greatest Generation." It is crucial that Congress and the President continue to work together to see this through."

This modern GI Bill will not only fully fund the cost of a public college education; it will also allow servicemembers who stay in the military to transfer their education benefits to their spouses and children. The bipartisan agreement reached by the House Majority and Minority Leaders and endorsed by the White House is the latest in a series of examples of broad bipartisan support for this new GI Bill.

 

[Boxkicker]

After overwhelming bipartisan votes for a new GI Bill in the House and Senate, the White House has reached a compromise with House leadership to pass a new GI bill, modeled after Rep. Mitchell and Rep. Brown-Waite’s H.R. 5740. This WWII style GI bill will renew the social contract with our men and women in uniform and their families. This new GI Bill will not only fully fund the cost of an education, it will also allow servicemembers who stay in the military the opportunity to transfer their education benefits to spouses and their children.

The bipartisan agreement reached by the House Majority and Minority Leaders and endorsed by the White House is just one more shining example of the broad bipartisan support for this new GI Bill.

The best news is that the basic benefit structure of HR 5740 is still completely intact; the only substantive changes involve transferability.

The White House’s included proposal for a permanent transferability program breaks down like this:
• Six years of service, coupled with an additional service agreement of at least four years grants up to 36 months transferability. This 10-year commitment is similar to what our transferability amendment would have required for full 36-month transferability.
• Spouses would be eligible to receive transferred benefits after the service member has reached six years.
• To transfer to children, the service member would need to serve 10 years before transferring.
• The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs may prescribe regulations changing the years of service required.
• There are no reporting requirements to Congress as our pilot program amendment had required.
• They have included language to create similar transferability programs in the three existing GI educational benefit programs as well: Montgomery GI Bill (Ch. 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Select Reserve (1606), and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (1607).
• This transferability program has apparently been scored at $10 billion over 10 years, bringing the cost of the total package to $62 billion.
• There is no offset for the GI bill, tax or otherwise.

 

[Boxkicker]

ON ITS WAY UP TO CONGRESS!!!!

Passes 416-12!


Will be nice to get a nice chunk of change for my Master's and a housing stipend to boot!!!!

 

[Alec-Eldifrawi]

hopefully it gets passed.

 

[Nords]

ON ITS WAY UP TO CONGRESS!!!!
Passes 416-12!
Will be nice to get a nice chunk of change for my Master's and a housing stipend to boot!!!!

See, you've made DoD's worst nightmares come true-- the new GI Bill has already started people rushing for the exits!

Great timing. It's nice to see the good guys win once in a while...

 

[dumpster56]

See, you've made DoD's worst nightmares come true-- the new GI Bill has already started people rushing for the exits!

Great timing. It's nice to see the good guys win once in a while...

Agree.

 

[larmewar]

Transferability

In the version that passed, does the service required for transferability (to daughters) all have to be after 9/11. Can additional service substitute for service commitment? I retired in 2006, so I have 20 years, but less than 5 years of that was after 9/11?

If the requirement is all service after 9/11, the new GI bill is worthless or next to worthless to me.

Lar

 

[Boxkicker]

Benefits Start Date
This new GI Bill is set to go into affect on August 1, 2009. However, as with any new legislation, it could take some time for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin paying benefits.

Eligibility for the New GI Bill
If you have served a total of at least 90 days on active duty in the Armed Forces you’re eligible. However, the amount of benefits you receive under this program are determined by the actual amount of accumulated post 9/11 service you have.
To be eligible for the full benefit, you must have three years of active duty service after 9/11 or have been discharged due to a service-connected disability.
If you are an officer who graduated from a service academy or received ROTC scholarships, you also qualify for the new GI Bill benefits. However, your ROTC/Service Academy associated obligated active-duty service time does not count toward the three years necessary to qualify for the full benefits.
Note: You didn’t have to opt-in for the Montgomery GI Bill to be eligible for this program.

New GI Bill Payment Rates
The Post 9/11 GI Bill will provide up to 100% of your tuition. In addition, the program provides a monthly housing stipend a stipend of up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. If you attend less than full-time will receive a portion of the payment based on the number of units of study. Your 36 month benefit entitlement will charged for each month you use any combination of the tuition and stipend benefits.

The amount of tuition and stipends paid under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will vary depending on your state of residence, number of units taken, and amount of post Sept. 11, 2001 active-duty service. Here is a quick reference showing the percentage of total combined benefit eligibility based on the following periods of post 9/11 service:

• 100% - 36 or more total 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% - six total months
• 40% - 90 or more consecutive days

Tuition Rates
Under the new GI Bill you will be provided tuition at a rate equal to the highest established charges for full-time undergraduate students charged by the public institution of higher education in the State in which you are enrolled.
One of the added features of this tuition payment plan is that the tuition will be paid directly to the school, relieving you of the responsibility. This is similar to the process used for military tuition assistance.

Monthly Housing Stipend
If you attend a traditional college program, you will be paid a monthly housing stipend equal to the monthly amount of the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. The average housing stipend will be approximately $1,400 a month. However if you attend distance learning programs such as correspondence courses and online you will not qualify for this stipend.

Book and Supply Stipend
You will receive a lump sum payment the first month of each quarter, semester, or term. The payment will help cover the cost of books, supplies, equipment, and other educational fees for that academic term. The payment amount will be equal to either a quarter or half of the annual $1,000 cap for that academic year, depending on how the academic year is divided – quarter or semester terms.

Benefits Expiration Date
Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill, the new GI Bill will allow you to use this benefit for up to 15 years after your last discharge or separation from active duty.

Licensing and Certification Payments
This new GI Bill will provide up to $2,000 to cover the cost of one licensing or certification test. This benefit is not charged against your 36 month entitlement.

Tutorial Assistance
Like the Montgomery GI Bill, the new GI Bill will provide up to a maximum of $1,200 for tutorial assistance. The program will pay up to $100 per month, for a maximum of 12 months. This benefit is not charged against your 36 month entitlement.

Benefit Transferability
Although the details have yet to be worked out, the new GI Bill will enable you to transfer a portion of your 36 month benefit entitlement to a designated dependent. This will likely require you to re-enlist to take advantage of this feature.

Affects on Existing GI Bill Benefits
If you are already enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill and also meet the criteria for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you have the option to transfer your remaining MGIB benefits to the new program.
For many veterans this will be a good option. However, due to the tuition limits set by this new GI Bill, many veterans who are pursuing a post-graduate degree may find the MGIB betters suits their needs. This is also true for those students pursuing an online degree, as this new benefit will not pay the housing stipend to students enrolled in distance learning programs.

Further Eligibility Details:

• You qualify for 100% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 36 months on active duty in the Armed Forces. This includes service on active duty for entry level and skill training.
• You qualify for 100% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 30 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces; and after completion of service were discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces for a service-connected disability.
• You qualify for 90% of the benefit if you have a total of at least30 months, but less than 36 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces.
  (including service on active duty in entry level and skill training).
• You qualify for 80% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 24 months, but less than 30 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces.
  (including service on active duty in entry level and skill training).
• You qualify for 70% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 18 months, but less than 24 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces.
  (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training).
• You qualify for 60% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 12 months, but less than 18 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces.
  (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training)
• You qualify for 50% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 6 months, but less than 12 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces.
  (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training)
• You qualify for 50% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 90 days, but less than 6 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces.
  (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training)

 

[Boxkicker]

See, you've made DoD's worst nightmares come true-- the new GI Bill has already started people rushing for the exits!

Great timing. It's nice to see the good guys win once in a while...

I was already rushing for the exits and going to use my GI Bill anyway, but this definitely makes the decision a little easier.

 

[jclarksnakes]

IMO the GI Bill did more to enhance the prosperity of America than any other legislation in the 20th century. This new GI Bill looks like an excellent move to me.
Jeff

 

[samclem]

See, you've made DoD's worst nightmares come true-- the new GI Bill has already started people rushing for the exits!

The other kick to the gut for the Services is the transferability of the new benefit. Children of vets are among the most likely to enlist, but if they can use Dad/Mom's GI Bill instead of earning their own--that's gonna make it harder to bring them in.

There's a slim chance that transferability could save me thousands of dollars on DD's education (depending on how the final law reads). That would be nice.

 

[deserat]

Helluva a lot better than my ROTC benefits in 1981-1985! However, I believe I have close to 3 years of active duty time since 9/11 - hmm, do I want a third degree?? Holy moly - I'm tired just thinking about it ........

 

[Nords]

hmm, do I want a third degree?? Holy moly - I'm tired just thinking about it ........

Never gonna use my [-]VEAP[/-] GI Bill benefits, either.

 

[Boxkicker]

Landslide GI Bill Victory in the Senate (92-6)

NEW YORK - In a historic vote Thursday tonight, the Senate voted 92-6 in favor of a World War II-style GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' group, has been championing the bill for more than a year and applauds this groundbreaking development.

"We're on the brink of making history for a new generation of veterans and their families. A modern GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is now just one step away from being signed into law," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). "The momentum we've seen recently is unprecedented. IAVA and its tens of thousands of members nationwide are grateful for the incredible support that Senators Webb and Hagel and more than 500 other lawmakers have demonstrated for our country's newest generation of veterans."


Earlier today, IAVA's Legislative Director, Patrick Campbell, spoke at a bipartisan press conference in support of the modern GI Bill, which included Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), John Warner (R-VA) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). In describing the impact of the passage of the World War II-style GI Bill, Campbell said, "Iraq and Afghanistan veterans everywhere will be given renewed hope. Their dreams are going to be bigger. Their opportunities are going to be bigger."


The GI Bill is now being sent to the President's desk as part of the war supplemental funding bill. Thanks to a deal that was reached last week between Congress and the White House, President Bush is expected to sign the bill in the coming week. Much more information about the fight for a new GI Bill is at www.GIBill2008.org

 

[Caroline]

IMO the GI Bill did more to enhance the prosperity of America than any other legislation in the 20th century

It sure enhanced my personal prosperity! I'm delighted to see that others will have the chance to get an education after serving their country. Not a moment too soon.

 

[Keyboard Ninja]

My understanding is that the old GI Bill $1200 buy in will be refunded. What if I paid in the additional $600 for the $150 monthly kicker, will this too be refunded?