Though it is nice to see a new GI Bill out that in some ways is fairer to Active and reserve troops I will not be using it. For a guardsman like me it doesn't make sense and I know I'm not the only one doing this. I have the MGIB from my active days and am now currently in the Ohio ANG. The state already pays my tuition as a guardsman and gives me a $350 MGIB kicker b/c of my AFSC (MOS in the Army). Giving me $1351/month straight to my pocket, $1671 starting in August. Though the new GI Bill is nicer for some people, I for one am not switching.
This is the first article that layed out some of the fine print in regards to when you can transfer the benefits to a dependent and the qualification timeframe.
I still have a question:
It says that the benefits can't be transferred until 1 Aug 09. It also states that you must still be active duty on this date or after to qualify.
So as of now I have my retirement date set for that very date of 1 Aug 09. Does that mean I will still be active duty and my depenedents will qualify for these benefits?
If so, I got very lucky. If not, it sucks for the folks getting ready to retire within the next year that wanted to transfer these benefits.
it sounds good, but im wondering...what if my state pays my in-state tution...what will happen will the school get the money still or will they transfer it back in to my pocket...don't make since to have two free tution paying for something for school...as a veteran in illinois
I am currently retired at age 60 both active and reserve time. I have not used all of my GI Bill and they yet can not be transfered to my daughter. It's good for the new war, but not for the old, Vietnam.
Originally posted by 11689733: This is the first article that layed out some of the fine print in regards to when you can transfer the benefits to a dependent and the qualification timeframe.
I still have a question:
It says that the benefits can't be transferred until 1 Aug 09. It also states that you must still be active duty on this date or after to qualify.
So as of now I have my retirement date set for that very date of 1 Aug 09. Does that mean I will still be active duty and my depenedents will qualify for these benefits?
If so, I got very lucky. If not, it sucks for the folks getting ready to retire within the next year that wanted to transfer these benefits.
I don't think you are going to be lucky. The way the article sounds to me is that you not only have to be on active duty after 1 Aug 09 but you also have to reenlist for 4 more years to qualify for the transfer portion.
Something I haven't seen/heard addressed yet: if a veteran like me is already using benefits under the current (active duty) MGIB prior to 1 AUG 09, and has remaining "months" of entitlement at that time, what happens upon activation of the Webb GI Bill? Do I simply get any remaining months under the new plan (with its new rates, BAH and books stipend), or is there some penalty/reduction in consideration of the monies I've already used under the old plan? I'll appreciate the feedback from anyone who has credible info on that... Also: are any other vets who are currently in school considering suspending attendance to wait for the additional funds that will come in AUG 09?
Found the answer to part one of my own question in Military.com's FAQs:
"14. Question: The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) was limited to 36 Months of benefits, is there similar limit for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
Answer: Yes, like the MGIB you are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance. You may not receive benefits under more than one VA education program at the same time. If you are entitled to more than one GI Bill program you may be eligible for a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more GI Bill programs.
Note: Individuals eligible under MGIB (Chapter 30) who elect to receive benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill are only entitled to the number of months they had remaining under MGIB (Chapter 30) (including any revoked months of transferred entitlement) up to a maximum of 36 months."
Anybody want to weigh in on part two (suspending school to wait for the new GI Bill)?
All well and good until Congress decides to eliminate the benefits--which they could do as soon as they don't need us any longer or decide the package is now too expensive. I know first-hand the delusions of promises made upon enlistment. I am a Vietnam Era vet and qualified for the old Montgomery GI bill. When the politicians decided it would be cancelled, I lost 3.5 years of benefits because I was not able to use it by December 1989, even tho by contract, I should have had until Jan 1993 to use my benefits (ended my enlistment in Jan 1983) But don't just take my word for it, ask any American Indian or freed slave if the American government is as good as it's word. I LOVE my country, but am not enamored of our politicians!
I started a petition to remove the time limit to use the GI Bill. If you think it will help and agree with it please consider signing it. The petition is at:
