Post 9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33

** Post 9/11 GI Bill became effective August 1, 2009. Please carefully weigh your options before choosing which benefit to use if you are eligible for more than one Federal benefit. If you elect to switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you are making an irrevocable election.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with an honorable discharge and at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. Click here to see the pamphlet about the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.

Recent changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill:

Effective October 1, 2011

• Housing allowance is now payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning.  The housing allowance payable is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
  • The full-time rate for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $673.50 for 2011.

Other changes may be viewed here: http://www.gibill.va.gov/post-911/post-911-gi-bill-summary/Post911_changes.html

• Prorates housing allowance by the student’s rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest tenth)
  • A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75% would receive 80% of the BAH rate
• Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or strike.
  • This means that when your semester ends (e.g. December 15th), your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of December only and begins again when your next semester begins (e.g. January 10th) and is paid for the remaining days of January.
  • Students using other VA education programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be pro-rated in the same manner.
  • Entitlement that previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment.

How Much Does VA Pay?

This program will pay students with 100% eligibility a maximum of:

• tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning. see preliminary chart listing maximum rates
• a monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school. Students must be attending at least one on-campus course to be eligible to receive the BAH. To determine the BAH for your school's ZIP code click here (link goes to a non-VA website)
• an annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000. This is paid as $41.67 per credit hour up to 24 credit hours. 
• a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals see comparison chart for more information.

Students who have less than 100% eligibility will receive the appropriate percentage of the benefits.

This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) (See comparison chart for more information). If you are still in the military, you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend. Effective October 1, 2011 if you are enrolled exclusively in online training, you may be eligible to receive the BAH, however it will be limited to 50% of the appropriate rate.

How Do I Apply?

New Applicant

You may apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits and submitting the completed form along with your DD-214 member 4, and a SVCC Veteran Educational Benefit Cover Sheet to the Office of Student Financial Assistance. You must also request transcripts from all previous education/training be sent to SVCC. Contact information for transcript requests may be found here.

You may also apply online at the Veterans On-Line Applications (VONAPP) website. If you choose to apply online, please print out the application and bring it along with your SVCC Veteran Educational Benefit Cover Sheet to the Office of Student Financial Assistance. We will notify the Veterans Administration Office of your method of applying for benefits.

You must provide the certifying official a copy of your certificate of eligiblity before your tuition and fees will be paid using this benefit.

Transfer Applicant

You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1995, Request for Change of Program or Place of Training. The original VA Form 22-1995 and SVCC Veteran Educational Benefit Cover Sheet must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

How can I Prevent Overpayments and Penalties?

An overpayment is an incorrect benefit payment that is more than the amount to which you are entitled. You must promptly notify SVCC's Certifying Official of changes affecting your benefits, to prevent or reduce overpayments.

Carefully read all mail from the VA about the effective dates and monthly rate of your benefits. If you think you have received an incorrect check or direct deposit, contact the VA immediately. If you fail to contact the VA regarding a check or direct deposit for the wrong amount, you will be liable for repayment of any resulting overpayment.

If you apply for financial aid with SVCC and complete the FAFSA, you must declare your veteran benefits on the FAFSA or you will be liable for repayment of an overpayment.

How Can I Get More Information?

Visit the Department of Veteran Affairs education benefits web page here or Call toll free 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).