I will be retiring from the Navy w/ 30 years of continuous commissioned service in DEC '09. I have no intention to utilize my GI bill benefits. My daughter will be starting college in SEP '09. Will I be able to transfer my 36 months of eligibility and benefits to her?
Then scroll up to "Will this cover my dependents" (says something like that, anyway) highlighted at the top of the page under the FAQ if the link doesn't get you right there. It has a chart that explains exactly what the qualifications are for transfer, and you meet them all (if I've made no errors).
BUT, they say you'll likely have to re-enlist:
"Benefit Transferability
Although the details have yet to be worked out, the new GI Bill will enable you to transfer a portion of your 36 month benefit entitlement to a designated dependent. This will likely require you to re-enlist to take advantage of this feature."
Sounds to me that thus far no one really knows what the hey it will and will nt totally include.
I certainly hope so, as you've earned them and should be able to transfer them if you so wish. My opinion, of course.
I think the answer will be that you'll be able to, but make dead certain you do it before you retire. I just retired, and it looks like retirees or separated, even if they meet all the other criteria, won't be able to do it. The idea is that it's a retention incentive, since I'm already out they don't need to offer it to me. But as long as you're active duty and meet the 10 years, which you do, I think you'll be able to do it before you get out.
I've read the bill itself and best I can figure you're ok, but I'm not since it plainly states 'active duty.'
But it's also supposed to be administered and funded individually by the separate services, so until your service puts out its own policy and guidance you won't really know.
