Veterans who have served in two or more separate military service periods are now eligible for up to 12 months of additional education benefits, thanks to a new initiative from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This announcement, made by VA Secretary Denis McDonough during a speech at the Student Veterans of America national convention in Colorado, follows a Supreme Court ruling last April. The Court had found that the VA unfairly limited certain veterans’ access to college tuition benefits.
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Impact of the New Education Benefits Policy
The new education benefits policy could potentially impact more than 1 million veterans across the country, with some legal experts estimating the number could be closer to 2 million. Under Secretary for Benefits, Joshua Jacobs, emphasized the importance of this new plan, stating, “Every veteran has earned the right to get a good, affordable education. Under this new policy, many veterans will get additional 12 months of GI Bill benefits.”
Qualifications for Additional GI Bill Benefits
To qualify for the additional 12 months of education benefits, veterans must meet specific criteria. They must have served at least two separate periods in the military, each meeting the standards for either the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill programs.
Veterans who served at least two years before being honorably discharged and contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill during their service can qualify for this program. The Montgomery GI Bill provides roughly $2,400 a month in education benefits to individuals.
Post-9/11 GI Bill vs. Montgomery GI Bill Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers more extensive benefits, covering full tuition costs at state universities, along with housing stipends and additional educational assistance. To be eligible, veterans must have served at least three years of active-duty service after September 2001. Partial benefits are available to those who served at least 90 days of active duty.
In the past, veterans were unable to use both education benefit programs at the same time. The Supreme Court, however, ruled that veterans who met the criteria for both programs should not have to choose between them.
How the New Policy Works
Under the new VA policy, veterans who qualify for both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill benefits can now receive both. For example, a veteran who served five years in the Army and then re-enlisted for three more years in the Air Force can now access both programs. They would be able to use 36 months of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and then claim an additional 12 months of Montgomery GI Bill payouts.
However, there is a cap on federal education benefits. Veterans are limited to a total of 48 months of government-provided education benefits. After utilizing the 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, the veteran can then use the remaining 12 months of Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Extending GI Bill Eligibility for Past Beneficiaries
In addition to expanding eligibility for future applicants, the VA has also extended the expiration dates for veterans who previously used their GI Bill benefits. If a veteran had remaining eligibility at the time they gave up Montgomery GI Bill benefits, they will now be granted an extension of up to five years and 90 days of additional eligibility, effective immediately.
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Aiding Veterans Through Policy and Support
The VA has created a dedicated webpage to help veterans understand these policy changes and check their eligibility for additional education benefits. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support veterans in accessing the education and career opportunities they deserve.
With more than $8 billion paid out annually in education benefits, the Post-9/11 GI Bill alone has already helped over 2.7 million individuals. This new policy aims to further improve educational opportunities for the men and women who served our country.
For veterans, the VA’s expanded policy means better access to the education they need for a successful post-service life, and a chance to maximize the benefits they’ve earned through their dedicated service.
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