If you're at all connected to the military, you may have heard a lot about the GI Bill but may still feel uninformed about what exactly it is. Luckily, there are some strong resources online you can tap into to make sure you are both fully informed and receiving everything you're eligible for.
What Exactly Is the GI Bill?
"The GI Bill" refers to a variety of bills that have been passed to help currently military members, veterans, and sometimes their families receive higher education. Most benefits of the various GI Bills that have been passed throughout the years involve financial assistance for education-related expenses.
What Might I Be Eligible For?
There are currently several different kinds of GI Bills that offer benefits to current military members and veterans. The three most popular are:
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill (this is the "new" GI Bill; payment processing begins August 1, 2009)
- The Montgomery GI Bill
- REAP (The Reserve Education Assistance Program)
What Can the GI Bill Be Used For?
The GI Bill can be used for vocational training, technical training, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees. Of course, these programs need to be at approved schools, so make sure that you can use your GI Bill benefits at the place you're hoping to attend.
Where Can I Go for More Information?
-
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a lot of helpful, informative, clear information available online. You can learn more on their site about:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill
- FAQs about using the GI Bill, GI Bill benefits, and GI Bill eligibility
- Benefit Comparison Chart for various GI Bills and their benefits
- List of institutions (by state) participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program
- Check with someone on base, your commanding officer, or with a local veterans affairs office. Any one of these resources should be able to provide you with the necessary information or at least put you in contact with someone who can better assist you.
- Check with someone on the campus you want to attend: an admissions representative, a financial aid adviser, a main campus contact, or even someone in student affairs. Most campuses have at least one person who coordinates programs and benefits for students who are veterans; make sure to connect with them before you arrive on campus.
- Poke around the About.com US Military site (by Guide Rod Powers). He also will have information on the GI Bill and other benefits that current members of the military and veterans can tap into as they pursue a degree.
