What you need to know
If you are returning from a deployment as a member of the National Guard, you may be entitled to the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33). This benefit will pay significantly more than the Montgomery GI Bill® -Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) you are currently entitled to.
Applying for Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
The application for the GI Bill® is completed on the VA website. After you apply, the VA will mail you a letter called a Certificate of Eligibility. Once you register for classes, complete the online Veteran Worksheet and attach your COE at the bottom.
Overview of Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits
Payments come in three forms: a tuition payment, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend. If your total active-duty service is between 6 and 18 months, you will be covered at the 60% level. This means all your payments will be 60% of the maximum amount.
Tuition payment: 60% of your tuition and mandatory fees, plus other eligible expenses such as course fees. The tuition payment is made directly to the school and applied to your UBill at the start of the semester.
Monthly Housing Allowance: Paid at the end of each month you are enrolled in classes. At the 60% level, the monthly rate for a full-time student is $1,017. Payments are prorated (reduced) if you are not a full-time student or it is not a full month of classes. This money is paid directly to your bank account.
Book stipend: Up to $600 per school year at the 60% level, paid at the start of each semester. Paid at a rate of $25 per semester hour (12 s.h. = $300 payment). This is paid to your bank account.
The GI Bill® comparison tool can help you estimate the payments you will receive from the GI Bill®. Other factors, such as money received from scholarships and FedTA, can affect how much the tuition the GI Bill® will pay. Speak with IVETS if you have questions about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do my Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits expire?
No, your Post 9/11 GI Bill® does not have an expiration date.
How many months can I use the Post 9/11 GI Bill® for?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill® comes with 36 months of entitlement. This refers to the number of months you can use the benefits for while attending school. If you previously the used Montgomery GI Bill®, this can affect the number of months you can use the Post 9/11 GI Bill® for; the VA only allows you to use 48 months total across all benefits.
Example 1: You had previously used 12 or less months of Montgomery GI Bill® benefits. You can use the full 36 months of your Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits.
Example 2: You had used 20 months of Montgomery GI Bill® benefits. Because of the 48-month rule, you can only use up to 28 months of the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
I received a kicker payment as a part of my Montgomery GI Bill®. Will I lose my kicker if I use the Post 9/11 GI Bill®?
No. If you were eligible for a kicker payment, that same amount will be paid as a part of your Monthly Housing Allowance.
What programs can I use my GI Bill® l for?
All undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and certificates at the University of Iowa are approved for GI Bill® benefits.
Can I use my GI Bill® for summer or winter courses?
Yes. But, depending on how many semester hours you are taking you may not be classified as a full-time student, which will affect your housing payment.
Can I transfer my GI Bill® to my spouse or children?
Yes, but only in specific scenarios. You need to be on active duty or in a drilling status, complete a minimum of six years of service, and then reenlist for an additional four years. Speak with your retention officer or career planner if this is something you are interested in.