Post-9/11 GI Bill Overview
What Is the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, which became law in 2008, offers extensive benefits for veterans
and service members who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. If
you are a veteran who has served three years on active duty since September 11,
2001, you can receive a significant amount of aid to help you pay for your college
expenses.
Here's a list of the program's benefits:
- Eligible veterans and service members receive as much as 100% funding for tuition
and fees at a qualified college.
Learn more here.
- A housing allowance is paid at the "E-5 with dependents" rate. This is not payable
for active-duty service members, service members training at half-time or less,
or service members enrolled entirely in distance programs.
Learn more here.
- There's a book stipend of $1,000 a year.
- Some service members may also qualify for a "rural benefit allowance," which is
a one-time, $500 payment.
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are available for 15 years after your discharge or separation.
Each student has 36 months of benefits available.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility
To be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you must have received an honorable
discharge and either:
- Completed at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or
- Discharged with a service-connected disability at least 30 days after September
10, 2001.
If you meet these requirements and would like to apply for these benefits, start
by completing
VA Form 22-1990.
Learn more about other aspects of the Post-9/11 GI Bill: