Begining Aug. 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide additional educational assistance to those who served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
Beginning Aug. 1, 2009 eligible veterans will be eligible for:
Up to the amount of the maximum tuition and fees for an in-state student at the most expensive public school in that state
Up to $1,000 per academic year for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational costs
A monthly housing stipend equal to the amount of basic housing for military personnel in military housing, adjusted by ZIP code. Individuals with a skill or specialty that is in critically short supply, as designated by the Secretary of Defense, may have their monthly stipend increased
Up to $100 per month for up to 12 months for students who require tutoring, as certified by the instructor leading the course
A $500 relocation/travel assistance grant for those living in county with less than seven persons per square mile and who relocate at least 500 miles to attend school or who must travel by air to attend an institution because it is too far to drive
Up to $2,000 for one licensing or certification exam
In addition, the law creates a "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program" that allows institutions to voluntarily cover a portion of tuition and fees not otherwise covered by the law. In instances where the educational benefits do not cover the full cost of tuition and fees at the school, the government will provide up to 50 percent of any remaining costs if the school puts up the other 50 percent. The government will list on its Web site all schools that choose to enter into these arrangements.
The new law also allows eligible individuals to transfer a portion of their education benefits to their spouse, children (until the age of 26), or a combination of both. Transferring benefits is only available to active members of the Armed Forces who have completed at least six years of service in the armed forces and agree to serve at least four more years. The U.S. Education Department may limit the months of entitlement that may be transferred under this section to no less than 18 months.
