New GI Bill Clarification

By Bull Nav

Well, it looks like the new GI bill is not exactly what was advertised.

Full tuition benefits, plus stipends for living expenses and books, will not take effect under the law until Aug. 1, 2009, despite earlier claims by aides to the bill’s chief sponsor that those payments would be retroactive to when the bill is signed.

Then there is this little tidbit.

People who previously enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill program must continue to make their $100 monthly installments until they have fully paid the $1,200 contribution required to participate — even though the post-9/11 benefits program will be completely free.

Pentagon officials said ending contributions is not allowed under either the new or previous law, and that enrollments in the Montgomery GI Bill continue because there are some types of post-service education, including on-the-job and vocational training, that are not covered by the new program. Military officials are working on a briefing for new recruits that will explain the differences between the old and new veterans’ benefits programs. It will recommend that troops continue to enroll in the Montgomery GI Bill program if there is any chance they might need non-traditional education.

I thought they were getting rid of the pay-in requirement, but it looks like that may not be the case. At any rate, everyone who thinks they may be eligible needs to take a close look at the link above and note that this is not happening soon.

July 8, 2008 07:44 AM Veterans

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Comments

Was it Webb's fault or the fault of those who pushed through the compromise language that Bush wanted?

I smell the hand of satan Dr Chu in this..............

Skippy-san · July 8, 2008 05:06 PM

I was under the old GI Bill/Army college fund. We had the $1,200 pay in and it was by far the best investment I ever made. The pay in was probably unnecesary, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat....

Old Tanker · July 8, 2008 06:20 PM