New GI Bill benefits to take effect August 2009

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Bolinger
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Recently, President George W. Bush signed a new education bill, The Post 9/11 GI Bill, to replace the Montgomery G.I. Bill which was signed into law in 1984.

The President signed the new bill into law June 30, but before the new benefits can be used, military education offices need time to adapt the current policy, said Mr. Robert King, 436th Airlift Wing education services officer.

"News reports and excited speculation have created an onslaught of premature business for Dover's Education Services Office," said Mr. King. "However, at this time we are not authorized to allow transfer of any benefits to the new bill."

This includes refund of the initial $1,200 investment and addition of any stipends for current Montgomery GI Bill users.

"The new program will not be implemented until 1 August 2009," said Mr. King. "DoD and Air Staff must establish policy and procedures, configure computers, design forms, and provide guidance and training to customer service personnel. The new bill will not pay for any courses taken before 31 July 2009."

Benefits of the new GI Bill include:

- Higher tuition rates equal to the most expensive in-State public institution of higher education.
- A monthly housing stipend equal to the monthly BAH for an E-5 with dependents in the same zip code as the school.
- A $1000 per year book and supply stipend which is paid each quarter, semester or term.
- Up to $2000 to cover the cost of one licensing or certification test. This is not charged against the 36 month entitlement.
- A longer period to use the benefits. Fifteen years instead of the current 10 years after retirement or separation.
- No enrollment fee.

Please remember, there are no policies or procedures, at this time, for reimbursing members who have already paid in their $1200, said Mr. King.

Members who are already enrolled in the MGIB, and also meet the criteria for the new GI Bill, have the option to transfer their remaining MGIB to the new program.

However, due to tuition limits set by the new GI Bill, many veterans who are pursuing a post-graduate degree may find the MGIB better suited to their need, said. Mr. King. This is also true for students pursuing an online degree since the new GI Bill won't pay a housing stipend for students enrolled in distance learning programs.

Finally, the new GI Bill benefits will be transferable to a spouse or dependent child for servicemembers who have served at least 10 years on active duty or who have served six years and reenlisted for an additional four. The transferred benefit will only cover the cost of tuition, not books and supplies, or housing.

Information on The Post 9/11 GI Bill can be found at www.GIBill.va.gov.