Important changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Antonio Gonzalez
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  In accordance with the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, the GI Bill has undergone some recent changes that went into effect October 1.

The new changes will extend the reach of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and allow even more service members to be eligible.

"I believe the change that will have the biggest impact on Post-9/11 GI Bill users will be the housing allowance for distance learning individuals," said Darlene Linton, chief of base training and education services. "With the popularity and ease of online classes nowadays, it will ease the cost of living burden on a wider array of students."

According to www.gibill.va.gov, students enrolled in distance learning are now eligible to receive basic allowance for housing. The housing allowance is equal to half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents. The full-time rate in 2011 for a 12-hour course load would be $673.50 for qualified individuals.

Another change allows students on active duty to receive a $1,000 books and supplies stipend. In 2010, students did not receive a stipend.

The following are four additional changes students may use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for:

· Non-college degree programs offered at non-degree granting schools: Pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees or $17,500, whichever is less. Also pays up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

· On-the-job and apprenticeship training: Pays a monthly benefit amount prorated based on time in the program and up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

· Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $10,000, whichever is less.

· Correspondence training: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $8,500, whichever is less.

Another new change expands the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include National Guard members under Title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing or training the National Guard; or under Section 502 for the purpose of responding to a national emergency.

"With the job market the way it is, some of the people who've separated through the National Guard may want to get back in and try to qualify for this additional benefit," said Army Sgt. 1st Class David Cooper, recruiting and retention NCO at the National Guard recruiting office in Bossier City.

For more information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, contact the base education counselor at 456-4918.