Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance
The Department of Veterans Affairs strives for excellence in patient care and veteran's benefits for its constituents through high quality, prompt and seamless service to United States veterans.
1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2009: For fiscal year 2009, there were 34,393 trained. Fiscal Year 2010: The student estimates for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 are 461,676 and 510,149, respectively. Fiscal Year 2011: The student estimates for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 are 461,676 and 510,149, respectively.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Participants may pursue approved programs of education offered by an institution of higher learning (IHL).
Participants may also receive reimbursement for an approved licensing or certification test.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
What follows is not a complete list of eligibility requirements.
For more information on the latest changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill go to the VA web-site address listed below.
Individuals who entered active duty after September 10, 2001 may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Individuals can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill after serving 90 days on active duty (excluding entry level and skill training).
Only periods of active duty under title 10 will be used to establish eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
A high school diploma or equivalency certificate is always required for eligibility.
Individuals who are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (chapter 30), the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (chapter 1606), or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) will have to make an irrevocable election to relinquish eligibility under one of those benefit programs to establish eligibility under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The dependent children of a person who died in the line of duty while serving as a member of the Armed Forces may be eligible to use benefits under the Fry Scholarship provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The spouse and/or child(ren) of a veteran or service member may be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill if the veteran or service member transfers entitlement to those dependents.
Eligibility to transfer entitlement to dependents is determined by the Department of Defense.
Beneficiary Eligibility
As stated above under Applicant Eligibility.
Credentials/Documentation
Military discharge certificate (DD 214) is sometimes required; enrollment certification by institution offering training is required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Service members and veterans may apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits by completing and submitting the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990). Dependent children may apply for Fry Scholarship provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits by completing and submitting the Dependents Application for Education Benefits (VA Form 22-5490). Dependent spouses and children may apply to use transferred benefits by completing and submitting the Application for Family Member to use Transferred Benefits (VA Form 22-1990e).
Applications may be obtained and completed online via the GI Bill website at www.GIBill.va.gov. Applications are also available at all VA Regional Offices.
Award Procedures
Awards are authorized at the designated VA Regional Processing Office.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Authorization
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, 38 U.S.C Chapter 33.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 90 to 120 days. A least 76.97 percent of applications were processed within 90 days or less in fiscal year 2009.
Appeals
From 90 to 120 days. Appeals are available through a special board; average response time was 116.9 days in 2009.
Renewals
Not Applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program.
Matching requirements are not applicable to this program.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this program.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Lump sum payments for tuition and fees and the Yellow Ribbon Program are issued directly to the IHL on behalf of the student. Students generally receive monthly payments of the housing allowance and a lump sum payment of the books and supplies stipend. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: lump sum.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Program reports are not applicable.
Cash reports are not applicable.
Progress reports are not applicable.
Expenditure reports are not applicable.
Performance monitoring is not applicable.
Audits
No audits are required for this program.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
36-0137-0-1-702.
Obigations
(Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 09 $162,053,000; FY 10 est $7,363,987,000; FY 11 est $8,618,638,000
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The amount of educational assistance an individual is entitled to varies based on the amount of time served on active duty, the amount of tuition and fees charged, and the Basic Allowance for Housing payable for an E-5 with dependents in the zip code where the student attends school. In most cases, the benefits last for 36 (48 months when combined with other VA education benefits) calendar months of full-time training. The work-study allowance is limited to the higher of the Federal minimum wage or the State minimum wage where the work is performed. Tutorial assistance may not exceed $1200 and reimbursement for a licensing or certification test may not exceed $2000. The rural benefit is a one-time payment of $500.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
38 CFR 21.9500-21.9770
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Regional Agency Offices. 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Headquarters Office
Michelle Staton, Department of Veterans Affairs, Central Office, Washington, District of Columbia 20420 Email: michelle.staton@va.gov Phone: (202) 461-9800.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not Applicable.
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