What Does The Post 9/11 GI Bill Pay For? A Comprehensive Guide

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most generous and comprehensive education benefits programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Officially known as the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, this program provides financial support for education and housing to eligible veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.

But what exactly does the Post-9/11 GI Bill cover? Keep reading to learn about the key benefits and provisions included in this expansive education program

Tuition and Fees

One of the cornerstones of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is assistance with tuition and fees. The program will pay up to the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities in the U.S. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the maximum payment for private or foreign schools is $26,042.81.

The exact amount covered depends on several factors

• Length of Service: Veterans who served at least 16 months of active duty after September 11 are eligible for 100% of the tuition benefit. Those with shorter terms receive a prorated percentage based on their time served.

• Type of School: As mentioned above, the tuition benefit varies depending on whether you attend a public, private or foreign institution.

• Status of Residency: Veterans from other states who attend public schools may be able to get in-state tuition rates, which lets them get the most out of the Post-9/11 tuition benefit.

Every year, tuition costs go up, so this rule helps veterans pay for school while minimizing their debt and leaving school with good money skills.

Housing Allowance

Another huge help for student veterans is the monthly housing allowance provided through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, recipients can get a tax-free stipend each month to help cover housing costs near campus.

For 2022-2023, veterans taking classes in-person are paid the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate based on where their school is located. The current monthly allowance for online students is $1,052.50.

This stipend aims to cover a portion of rent and utilities so veterans can focus on their education. It helps offset living expenses not included in the tuition benefit.

Book and Supply Stipend

Textbooks, laptops, and other course materials can really add up. To help cover these costs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides an annual book and supply stipend of up to $1,000.

This benefit is prorated based on enrollment status. Eligible students receive payments proportionate to the number of credits they are taking, up to the $1,000 limit.

Having this extra cash for books and supplies means veterans don’t have to worry as much about affording the tools they need to succeed in school.

Yellow Ribbon Program

For veterans attending private institutions or graduate programs where costs exceed the Post-9/11 tuition cap, the Yellow Ribbon Program can bridge the gap.

Participating schools voluntarily enter agreements with VA to cover a portion of any remaining tuition and fees exceeding the cap. VA matches that contribution dollar-for-dollar, reducing the veteran’s out-of-pocket costs.

Over 5,500 institutions participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending affordable private education to thousands of veterans.

Transferability to Dependents

Another advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the ability to transfer benefits to eligible dependents, including spouses and children. Veterans who meet certain service requirements can share some or all of their education entitlement with family members.

As of August 2022, over 1 million GI Bill recipients have taken advantage of this provision to help spouses and kids achieve their own academic goals.

Transferring benefits allows veterans to care for their loved ones even after their service ends.

Rural Relocation Assistance

Veterans residing in rural counties may receive an extra $500 one-time rural relocation benefit. To qualify, the veteran has to physically move at least 500 miles to attend school or require air travel because ground transportation isn’t feasible.

This grant helps veterans from isolated areas relocate for college when needed. Though $500 may not cover the full cost of moving, it can help defray gas, rentals, or travel expenses.

STEM Extensions

Under the GI Bill, recipients normally have 15 years to use their education benefits. However, veterans enrolled in qualifying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs may receive an extra 9 months of benefits beyond this 15-year cap.

This extension allows veterans to complete STEM degrees that often have heavy course loads and take more than 4 years to finish. The extra support aims to promote veterans’ retention in these critical fields.

Work-Study

Veterans receiving GI Bill benefits may qualify for work-study programs allowing them to “earn while they learn.” Through VA partnerships with schools, veterans can land part-time jobs helping with VA paperwork, campus veteran initiatives, or other approved activities.

In 2022-2023, participants may earn up to $1,347 a month working full time or $673 a month part time. Work-study income isn’t charged against the veteran’s education entitlements.

Apprenticeships and Non-College Programs

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers more than just traditional college degrees. Veterans can use their benefits at approved non-college degree programs, including vocational schools and apprenticeships.

Eligible programs can last up to two years and lead to careers as electricians, plumbers, EMTs, HVAC technicians, and more. This expands veterans’ educational and career opportunities beyond bachelor’s and advanced degrees.

Licensing and Certification Tests

Veterans pursuing licenses and certifications on top of a degree can get funding for many required exams. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will reimburse test fees up to $2,000 per exam.

This helps veterans become licensed teachers, accountants, real estate agents, contractors, and other regulated professions. Passing these tests is crucial for veterans to enter many in-demand career fields.

National Testing Reimbursement

On top of licensing exams, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will cover fees for approved national admission tests like the SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. Veterans don’t have to worry about the sometimes hefty price tags of these critical entrance exams.

This benefit allows veterans to prove themselves and access top-tier academic programs to further their careers.

College Fund Payments

The GI Bill offers financial protections for veterans and schools in case benefits are delayed. Veterans awaiting payments can receive emergency advances to cover tuition and fees. Meanwhile, schools can tap into the GI Bill College Fund if VA is late sending payments.

These provisions prevent gaps in payments that could derail veterans’ education. Instead of accruing debt, veterans have financing options while VA benefits process.

Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fix

A law passed in 2017 restored housing allowance eligibility to thousands of Post-9/11 GI Bill users impacted by previous changes. Veterans in certain online programs once again received the online rate and those awaiting GI Bill approval got retroactive payments.

By implementing this fix, VA demonstrated its ongoing commitment to student veterans relying on housing assistance.

No Time Limit for New Vets

Thanks to the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013, no longer face a 15-year limit to use their GI Bill benefits. As long as they were honorably discharged, these veterans enjoy lifetime access to their education entitlements.

This removes the pressure of racing against the clock to finish a degree or training program. Veterans can advance their education and career on their own timeline.

Final Thoughts

In closing, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides veterans with generous aid for school expenses, housing, testing, and more. This wide-ranging program opens doors to higher education and career training for those who served our country in uniform.