The New Post 9/11 GI Bill

There are many questions regarding the new GI Bill and the best thing you can do is to learn as much as possible before making the decision on whether to use the new benefit or not. This a personal choice and should be made only after you understand the impact of both options.

The first thing you should determine is, are you eligible for benefits under the new Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill?  You can review the bill at http://gibill.va.gov/documents/CH33_veteran_outreach_letter.pdf

Once you know you are entitled to benefits under the new Post 9/11 GI Bill, how do you decide if you should change from Chapter 30 to Chapter 33?

Two things to consider very carefully:

1. Your rate of eligibility.
2. Your rate of pursuit, i.e. training time.

If you are not 100% benefit eligible or do not plan to be more than 1/2 time it is likely that you will receive more benefits under Chapter 30.

The VA website has several examples, here is just one:

Rate of Pursuit Example:

For one semester (16 weeks) Jim plans to attend 1/2 time, so his rate of pursuit is 50% and therefore he is not entitled to the housing allowance. Jim’s being charged $2300 for tuition and fees.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Payment

Tuition: 50% X (203 X 6) = $609
Fees: 50% X $500 = $250
Books/materials: 50% X (6 x $41.67) =  $125

Amount paid under Post 9/11 GI Bill = $984

MGIB Payment

Tuition:  ($660.50 X127)/30 = $2,796.12

Amount paid under Chapter 30 =  $2,796.12