RE: http://forums.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/hea...old-and-new-gi-bills

It is NOT 90 consecutive days, it is 90 AGGREGATE days, as stated on the GI Bill fact sheet found on the VA homepage. Big difference for guard/reserves that serve lots of short tours.

why is the Army the only service under the GI bill that can transfer education benafits and now with 9/11 bill you have to stay in an extra 6 years if we earn the benafits then why can we not use them as we see fit ie give them to our kids or spouce thinking there is going to be lots of ripp off's with this new bill

i still belive that they should remove the limit caps of the expiration dates and give use what we vets desirve.

They forgot the 9/11 veteran's that got force out due to medical problems should be able to transfer their benefits to their spouse or children. 9/11 Vet's deserve the same benefits as active duty.

educational bennefits should be extended for live ,not just 10/15yrs ,hell i never went and now im stuck just because i chose not to right away ,

The comparison appears to have omitted the "yellow ribbon" aspect, which can be a big benefit, if the selected school agrees to participate. As I understand the benefit: if the school agrees to forgive half the difference between the school tuition and what the VA benefit pays, then the VA will pay the difference. This can be a huge benefit, again, if the selected school agrees to participate.

If anyone has differant information on this, please post it!

Jareddad

i currently get $1300 a month from the current Gi bill which covered my bills nicely and since I'm in the national guard i get my tuition covered. The new Gi bill will only pay me $880 for my living expenses in my area. so now i have to get a full time job to cover the new expenses that were covered before. Thanks a lot for screwing me and many more over.

Is there any talk about extending the old GI bill past the 10 years so old vets can get another shot at an education?

I'm pre MGIB (Vietnam Era). What benefits do I still have, especially they screwed us and they took 12 months away from us (went for 48 months benefits when I enlisted to 36 months...) And I think it major BS that only the Army can transfer benefits to dependents. Wassup wit dat??? HELLOOOO... VA- are you still out there????

I would also like to know why can't Navy transer benefits to dependents? Also why under the new bill is it that it may only be allowed for members on Active duty as of next year when the bill comes out. What about us retirees? What about us that served on active duty for 20 years of faithful and honorable services? What about us that served when 9/11 hit? When the overview first came out, it stated that we could transfer benefits to our depns. IT SHOULD BE STATED THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE THE MONEY OR TRANSFER IT TO OUR DEPENDENTS!!! THEY DON'T GET ANYTHING ELSE SO DON'T THEY DESERVE THAT AFTER 20 OR HOW EVER MANY YEARS OF SACRIFICE? EVEN SACRIFICES THEY HAD TO ENDURE DURING 9/11...

In the MGIB, the regular monthly stipend is increased when the member availed of the add-up or power up. How does this add-up/power up reflected in the 9/11 GI Bill?

So this bill applies to all veterans including guard and reserve that served 90 aggregate days in a combat zone? It also sounds like it covers one hundred percent of the cost of tuition for the most expensive in-state school, plus stipend. If this covers all veterans and covers what it sounds like it will cover then this could be one of the best benefits the military and Congress have ever provided to veterans.

veterans need to also remember that this new gibill's BAH rate is based on the institution's zip code. So if your home zip is worth 1200 and the schools is 750, you get 750. Another thing that vets need to remember is that when you elect to use this new benefit, you can never revert back to any other benefit you qualify for. Lastly, under the old gibill, if you qualify for multiple benefits, you can accumulate 48months of total benefit under multiple chapters, not with the new bill. Once elected, the amount of benefit you have already used is subtracted from ch33 and you get the remaining up to 36 months only.

The reason why there's a requirement for an Extension for the transferability clause is that originally several senators (I believe McCain was one of them) were concerned that many Soldiers would just get out w/ this new GI Bill, thus impacting Army strength. This was especially a concern with the Reserves (I'm a Guardsmen.) They would just complete their enlistment and go back to school. So they gave us the best, perhaps, GI Bill since WWII...but they also wanted to make sure that it didn't completely affect re-ups, thus the requirement to extend for 6 yrs to transfer (I'm not a subject matter expert on this MGIB, just from my readings.) Why only Army? I don't think that's the case. In any way, EVERYONE R-E-L-A-X. The VA is still working this out until the official release next 1 Aug. Don't like certain aspects? WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN WHILE YOU CAN.

Jareddad you are right.

The YELLOW RIBBON CLAUSE, which I heard for the 1st time last week at a VA Education Booth stated that if the private school that you attend is X amount more than the most expensive in-state State school, Uncle Sam will pay HALF the difference IFthe private school agrees to pay the other half.

Okay, on several other posters. Guardsmen who makes more on a current GI Bill. You have the option, as I understand it, to continue using "that" GI Bill. BUT DON'T HOLD ME TO IT, check with the VA (but give them time to work out details.) In the interim, nothing will happen until next year.

OLD-ER VETS: WHAT ABOUT YOU?
I understand as I'm past 60 (special waiver to serve until 62) and I'm a Vietnam "era" vet. However, if they kept backdating eligibility, there would be some who might say, "Why can't I have the WWII GI Bill?" At some point, there has to be cut-off for anything (e.g., Extension or Reenlistment bonuses, age 35 cutoff for service as a Fed'l agent, age cutoff for flight school.) Heck, there are ppl who are upset that they cannot join the Army even with the new Age 42 cutoff (which is too old.) "But I just missed it" I hear on a regular basis. So yeah, other generations might have better or different GI Bills, but that's just the way the ball bounces (can you imagine the beef that Professional ballplayers from the earlier days are saying about the salaries/bonuses that pros get these days?) It's like a race: you or I just missed the cutoff. Get over it and either join the reserves or accept that's what was given during the time period you served. No one is "screwing you." You got something. Some got NOTHING!

I thought I understood that all services (to include current veterans) could transfer benefits to their family members ie, Spouse or children. I have a son who just started college and I would like to think I will be able to transfer to him my benefits so we (my spouse is also a Vet)keep him out of debt. With the BS that is going on with hungry money bureaucratizes and those seeking government bailout after receiving large bonses, and not to mention all the credit card BHs that keep sending out credit card applications to everyone should pony up for the bailout.
I hope to see come 1 Aug 09, that I can transfer to my child my benefits as I will not be using it. I put my education time in as was required. Let my son have what I have worked and sacrificed for and keep the financial stress level off me!!!!!!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by CU_CULLEN9:
i currently get $1300 a month from the current Gi bill which covered my bills nicely and since I'm in the national guard i get my tuition covered. The new Gi bill will only pay me $880 for my living expenses in my area. so now i have to get a full time job to cover the new expenses that were covered before. Thanks a lot for screwing me and many more over.

Yes Sir! I feel your pain as I am in a similar situation but in my case, based on my location, the housing stipend was more than the current MGI BIll. However, I was concerned for those individuals such as yourself that it worked in reverse. The problem with the program is attempted to fix the glitch for all veterans and never thought of those that had states that were "fixing" the glitch for us - for many years now. Why can't they pay out the amount directly to us? Understanding that some states take care of their veterans?

What is I am enrolled in the LRP as of just this past 9Jan2008? Can I receive the new MGIB?


ej

QUOTE:
Originally posted by CU_CULLEN9:
i currently get $1300 a month from the current Gi bill which covered my bills nicely and since I'm in the national guard i get my tuition covered. The new Gi bill will only pay me $880 for my living expenses in my area. so now i have to get a full time job to cover the new expenses that were covered before. Thanks a lot for screwing me and many more over.


How are you loosing money? Under the post-9/11 GI Bill you will also get you tuition paid for and up to a $1,000.00 per year for books as well as the living expense you mentioned. That's worth way more than $500 per month difference between the MGIBill ($1,300.00 for tuition/books living expenses)and post-9/11 GIBill (paid tuition alone could be worth at over $1,000.00 per month not counting the book and living allowances).


QUOTE: Basic Training
Posted Wed 01 October 2008 05:22 AM Hide Post
Another thing that vets need to remember is that when you elect to use this new benefit, you can never revert back to any other benefit you qualify for.

Veterans and other eligible persons who have earned and use the new Chapter 33 eligibility and have previously earned eligibility under other Chapters will still be able to revert to their old Chapters under certain circumstances. Remember, the new Chapter 33 is for use at colleges and universities only. If a person chooses to enroll in a flight school, on-the-job training or apprenticeship program after college, he or she will be able to revert to their old Chapter of benefits if there is any remaing eligiblity (funds) left.

The BAH rate in my area is $1339. I would be getting $2812 more every nine months of the regular school year with the post 9-11 bill. I have the kicker. I wasn't accepted into a University right out of the military. The difference between tuition from Community College to a 4-year public University, and the more expensive books, means that the post 9-11 bill is better for me. If I were still going to Community College then I would stick with the current GI Bill.

Also, some scholarships or financial aid can only go towards tuition, so I see potential for people to opt for the new bill and end up screwing themselves in this way.

Hope this helps,

former ET2 USN

Does anyone know where the actual statute states that "If a member paid the $1,200 MGIB enrollment and switches to the Post 9/11, they will receive a refund of their fees once they have used all 36 months of their Post 9/11 benefits"?

This is most certainly not what I read it to say. Here's the actual text of the law, as codified at 10 USC 3324(c)(6):

(6) Additional Post-9/11 Assistance for Members Having Made Contributions Toward Gi Bill.--
(A) Additional assistance.--In the case of an individual making an election under paragraph (1) who is described by clause (i), (iii), or (v) of subparagraph (A) of that paragraph, the amount of educational assistance payable to the individual under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code (as so added), as a monthly stipend payable under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of such title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section (as applicable), shall be the amount otherwise payable as a monthly stipend under the applicable paragraph increased by the amount equal to--
(i) the total amount of contributions toward basic educational assistance made by the individual under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of title 38, United States Code, as of the date of the election, multiplied by
(ii) the fraction--
(I) the numerator of which is--
(aa) the number of months of entitlement to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, remaining to the individual at the time of the election; plus
(bb) the number of months, if any, of entitlement under such chapter 30 revoked by the individual under paragraph (3)(A); and
(II) the denominator of which is 36 months.
(B) Months of remaining entitlement for certain individuals. -- In the case of an individual covered by subparagraph (A) who is described by paragraph (1)(A)(v), the number of months of entitlement to basic educational assistance remaining to the individual for purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii)(I)(aa) shall be 36 months.
(C) Timing of payment.--The amount payable with respect to an individual under subparagraph (A) shall be paid to the individual together with the last payment of the monthly stipend payable to the individual under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of title 38, United States Code (as so added), or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section (as applicable), before the exhaustion of the individual's entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 33 of such title (as so added).

As I read this, if you contributed the full $1,200 and haven't used any of your MGIB, in addition to the amount everyone receives under the new GI Bill, you'd also receive $1,200 times 36/36 PER MONTH. (If you've used 12 months of your MGIB benefit, you'd receive an additional monthly payment of $1,200 times 24/36 or $900.)

Can anyone convince me I'm reading this wrong? I can't find any language in the statute saying the amount you contributed will be refunded when you use up your 36 months of benefits.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: andrewgw,

quote:

Originally posted by 3108973:
why is the Army the only service under the GI bill that can transfer education benafits and now with 9/11 bill you have to stay in an extra 6 years if we earn the benafits then why can we not use them as we see fit ie give them to our kids or spouce thinking there is going to be lots of ripp off's with this new bill

The Army's the only service using the provision first enacted in 2001 because the purpose of the provision is to encourage recruiting and retention in critical specialties. That is, it's to help the service's keep people in who might otherwise leave at the end of their enlistments. Guess what; the Army needs enlistments and re-enlistments in the infantry and other MOSs. And those are the ones who are able to transfer their benefits to their dependents.

The Air Force first implemented this portion of the law back in 2002 when it was first enacted and it was a dismal failure. Of those who qualified, fewer than 200 actually took advantage of it. The Air Force cancelled it after the benefits of those who used it expired, and none of the other services (until the Army two years ago) opted to use it.

By the way, no one should labor under the illusion that benefits under the new GI Bill will certainly be transferable to dependents in all cases. The DoD, VA, and Coast Guard are working on the regs which will govern how this provision and others are implemented starting on 01 August next year. But the purpose of the provision in this law, as in the older one, is the same: to encourage recruiting and improve retention. As a result, the services can opt not to implement it even after they're eligible to do so based on their needs for personnel in specific specialties.

Wake up man, No one said you have to switch to the new Ch33. For many veterans, it will be better to remain under Ch30.

quote:

Originally posted by CU_CULLEN9:
i currently get $1300 a month from the current Gi bill which covered my bills nicely and since I'm in the national guard i get my tuition covered. The new Gi bill will only pay me $880 for my living expenses in my area. so now i have to get a full time job to cover the new expenses that were covered before. Thanks a lot for screwing me and many more over.

The option to transfer benefits to your spouse/children is only for those on active duty (only the ARMY is currently using this program) and is tied to reenlisting for atleast 4 more years AND giving up part of your bonus entitlement. There are no programs in place under any current law to allow veterans to transfer their va ed benefits to their spouse/children. However, if the veterans is 100% disabled or deceased, the spouse/children may qualify for the Survivor's and Dependents Assistance Program

http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH35/CH35_Pamphlet_General.htm

quote:

Originally posted by 17335072:
I thought I understood that all services (to include current veterans) could transfer benefits to their family members ie, Spouse or children. I have a son who just started college and I would like to think I will be able to transfer to him my benefits so we (my spouse is also a Vet)keep him out of debt. With the BS that is going on with hungry money bureaucratizes and those seeking government bailout after receiving large bonses, and not to mention all the credit card BHs that keep sending out credit card applications to everyone should pony up for the bailout.
I hope to see come 1 Aug 09, that I can transfer to my child my benefits as I will not be using it. I put my education time in as was required. Let my son have what I have worked and sacrificed for and keep the financial stress level off me!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes VA is still out there, lol BUT VA doesn't make these rules - they have to follow the federal laws- these are laws made by your congressmen/women. All 4 of the services have the option to allow their soldiers to transfer part of their MGIB to their spouse/children but currently only the Army uses this program.

quote:

Originally posted by 2457832:
I'm pre MGIB (Vietnam Era). What benefits do I still have, especially they screwed us and they took 12 months away from us (went for 48 months benefits when I enlisted to 36 months...) And I think it major BS that only the Army can transfer benefits to dependents. Wassup wit dat??? HELLOOOO... VA- are you still out there????