Vets

DEHog · Post by **DEHog** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 4:43 pm

Hey just wanted to let the Vets (who served after 9/11) know who may not keep current about the new GI Bill...4 free years of school with a monthy BAH of an E-5....pretty sweet deal!!

http://www.gibill2008.org

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:31 pm

new vs old G.I.Bill

A few things I found interesting about the new bill:

One of the added features of this tuition payment plan is that the tuition will be paid directly to the school, relieving you of the responsibility. This is similar to the process used for military tuition assistance.

Based on 2008 in-state tuition rates, the anticipated annual tuition payment rate for 2009 will be just over $6,000. The low being Wyoming at $3,500 a year and Michigan which is the highest payment in-state tuition rate at $13,000.

If you are enrolled in a traditional college program as a half-time to full-time student, you will be paid a monthly housing stipend equal to the monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. The average housing stipend will be approximately $1,100 a month. However, if you attend distance learning programs such as correspondence courses and online you will not qualify for this stipend.

Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill, the new GI Bill will allow you to use this benefit for up to 15 years after your last discharge or separation from active duty.

Transferability is limited to those currently serving in the military and will likely be used as a retention tool.

Nice alternative for active duty service members.

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:19 pm

Damnit. I could finish my school if I had 15 years. I guess that's what I get for waiting until my 9th year after my discharge to start. :-(

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:42 am

JansenFan wrote:Damnit. I could finish my school if I had 15 years. I guess that's what I get for waiting until my 9th year after my discharge to start.

You know that's a major gripe that some people have. They claim they weren't told about the 10 year window. As I cannot positively confirm every service member was told, I recall being told many times about that. In addition, wouldn't you think that these people who are "so interested in their education" look in to the details to make sure it applies to their specific circumstances or am I just being irrational. I mean, responsible for your own actions (or inactions)!!??!! What am I thinking!!

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:57 am

I know I was told starting the day they told us about it in bootcamp, everytime one of my fellow Marines was discharged, during my check-out process in Okinawa and at seperation company at Camp Pendleton.

It was my own stupidity that led to my wasting of benefits. For a year, I took 33 credits, which cost me around 5000 with books and tuition, and the GI bill paid me about 13,000. Its stupid not to use it, and even dumber to not use the new one. They pay the tuition AND give you 13,200. If they'd take old, fat guys, I'd do another tour just to get the new GI bill.

Deadskins · Post by **Deadskins** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:49 am

JansenFan wrote:If they'd take old, fat guys, I'd do another tour just to get the new GI bill.

I'm pretty sure they're hiring...

and you're not that old. :shock:

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:53 am

Maybe not that old, but 70 pounds over the max weight for my height, according to the chart the Marines use. I'm not sure I could survive combat on half-rats. :lol:

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:38 pm

JansenFan wrote:I know I was told starting the day they told us about it in bootcamp, everytime one of my fellow Marines was discharged, during my check-out process in Okinawa and at seperation company at Camp Pendleton.

It was my own stupidity that led to my wasting of benefits. For a year, I took 33 credits, which cost me around 5000 with books and tuition, and the GI bill paid me about 13,000. Its stupid not to use it, and even dumber to not use the new one. They pay the tuition AND give you 13,200. If they'd take old, fat guys, I'd do another tour just to get the new GI bill.

You've been out 9 years, then look in to the new GI Bill. It's still better than nothing. It just diesn't work better than the current for me in online school.

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:52 pm

No, I've been out 11 now. Got out in '97.

DEHog · Post by **DEHog** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 4:45 pm

JansenFan wrote:No, I've been out 11 now. Got out in '97.

I was thinking about you when I posted this...I don't know why I thought you had severed after 9/11 as I read it you mist have served after 9/11 to be eligible??

I'm excited about the possibility if it's transferability but right now that's only for active duty, however I think there is a proposal on the table to extend it to retirees as well.

While I have a degree I'm thinking about going back and getting a sport management degree…I really have the coaching bug!!

Countertrey · Post by **Countertrey** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:03 pm

DEHog wrote:
JansenFan wrote:No, I've been out 11 now. Got out in '97.

I was thinking about you when I posted this...I don't know why I thought you had severed after 9/11 as I read it you mist have served after 9/11 to be eligible??

I'm excited about the possibility if it's transferability but right now that's only for active duty, however I think there is a proposal on the table to extend it to retirees as well.

While I have a degree I'm thinking about going back and getting a sport management degree…I really have the coaching bug!!

I believe that if you have expended your education benefits, no matter how long ago, this does not re-establish your eligibility... once you have used it, you have used it, and it does not come back, even though more generous. To do otherwise would just be nuts... though I'd be completely willing to take advantage. :wink:

DEHog · Post by **DEHog** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:14 am

Countertrey wrote:
DEHog wrote:
JansenFan wrote:No, I've been out 11 now. Got out in '97.

I was thinking about you when I posted this...I don't know why I thought you had severed after 9/11 as I read it you mist have served after 9/11 to be eligible??

I'm excited about the possibility if it's transferability but right now that's only for active duty, however I think there is a proposal on the table to extend it to retirees as well.

While I have a degree I'm thinking about going back and getting a sport management degree…I really have the coaching bug!!

I believe that if you have expended your education benefits, no matter how long ago, this does not re-establish your eligibility... once you have used it, you have used it, and it does not come back, even though more generous. To do otherwise would just be nuts... though I'd be completely willing to take advantage.

Correct...I never used the GI Bill I got my degree using TA so my understanding is that I still qualify for the new GI Bill??