Additional GI Bill Benefits Possible

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced additional GI benefits for those who have served two or more periods of service. The VA updated its process for awarding GI Bill benefits, so veterans who reenlisted may be eligible for additional benefits. These benefits may apply to their family members and beneficiaries as well.
This update is groundbreaking. In the past, veterans who served at least two periods of service were forced to choose between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Plus, they could only get up to 36 months, or three years, of GI Bill benefits. The new policy is more robust, so veterans will no longer have to make a choice.
Plus, veterans can now qualify for up to 48 months of GI Bill benefits with retroactive benefits. Veterans who served at least two periods of service — for example, one that qualified them for the Montgomery GI Bill and one that qualified them for the Post-9/11 GI Bill — are eligible to receive up to 12 months of additional GI Bill benefits, which amounts to 48 months.
Veterans will be notified if they are eligible. It is estimated that 1.04 million veterans may potentially be eligible. No action will be required for most. The VA will be able to automatically adjudicate the claims for approximately 660,000 veterans. For the remaining veterans, VA will contact them directly to encourage them to file a claim. The VA will also send communications to impacted beneficiaries.
If your GI Bill benefits expired, you can receive an expiration date extension. You would need to submit your application by October 1, 2030.
What Does the GI Bill Do?
The GI Bill is a law in the United States that provides a range of education benefits to military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. It was originally created with the intent to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life by offering financial assistance for education, housing, and business loans.
Over the years, the GI Bill has been updated and expanded. The most well-known versions include:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill. This covers tuition and fees for higher education at public universities. It also provides a monthly housing allowance and funds for books and supplies.
- Montgomery GI Bill. It is divided into two programs: MGIB-Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and MGIB-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). Offers financial support for education, but with different eligibility criteria and benefits compared to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Forever GI Bill. This bill removed the expiration date for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for those who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013. It expanded eligibility and benefits for more service members and dependents.
Learn More About Veterans Benefits
Veterans are entitled to various benefits. Understanding benefits for education is important, and you may be entitled to more than you think.
What options do you have? Maximize your benefits with help from a White Plains veterans disability benefits lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. We proudly represent veterans throughout the benefits process. To schedule a consultation, call 914-294-2145 or fill out the online form.
Source:
news.va.gov/137500/veterans-may-eligible-one-year-g-i-bill-benefits/