What Is the Post 9-11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
As a service member or veteran, you may ask, “What is the Post 9-11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)?” This bill offers comprehensive education benefits to eligible veterans and service members. It covers full tuition and fees at public institutions, offers a monthly housing allowance based on location, and includes a stipend for books and supplies.
Additionally, service members can transfer unused benefits to their spouses or dependents, making it a valuable resource for military families. These benefits support higher education, vocational training, and other approved programs, helping veterans and their loved ones achieve their academic and career goals. Veterans Guide explains the bill’s provisions and how to determine whether you are eligible for benefits.
What Is the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Chapter 33, is a federal education benefit program for veterans and service members who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. It provides comprehensive support, covering tuition, housing, and other education-related costs tailored to the length and nature of military service.
This bill largely replaced the older Montgomery GI Bill, offering more generous and flexible benefits for service members pursuing higher education or vocational training. Additionally, some veterans or their dependents may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits, known as Dependents’ Educational Assistance, which provides similar education support for spouses or children of disabled or deceased veterans.
Who Is Eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility depends on the veteran’s active-duty history and discharge status. The amount of post-9/11 GI Bill benefits scales with the length of qualifying service, up to 100 percent for 36 months or more.
To qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Served at least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001: This includes time on active duty—not training—in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Reservists and National Guard members may also qualify if their service meets specific criteria.
- Honorably discharged veterans: You must have completed your service with an honorable discharge, regardless of total time served beyond the minimum 90 days.
- Purple Heart recipients or those discharged due to a service-connected disability: Service members who were wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart automatically qualify for 100 percent of post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, regardless of their length of service. Additionally, those discharged early due to a service-connected disability may be eligible for benefits.
Meeting any of these criteria opens the door to the bill’s benefits, with full eligibility determined by the VA based on individual records.
Percentage-Based Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill awards VA benefits based on the amount of time a veteran or service member spent on active duty after September 10, 2001. The longer the service, the higher the percentage of benefits, including tuition, housing, and stipends, you may be eligible to receive.
Here’s how the percentages in this tiered system break down:
- 100% benefits: Veterans with 36 months or more of active duty service are eligible for the full benefit amount. This includes full tuition coverage at public institutions, the maximum monthly housing allowance, and the full books and supplies stipend.
- 90% benefits: Veterans with 30 to 35 months of active duty service receive 90 percent of the total benefits. Thus, you’ll receive 90 percent of the tuition coverage, housing allowance, and stipend amounts.
- Lower percentages: Benefits are proportional to time served for veterans with less than 30 months of active duty service, starting at 50 percent for those with 90 days to five months of active duty service.
These percentages allow even those with shorter periods of service to still access valuable education benefits, though the amount is significantly less for shorter periods.
What Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill Cover?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers more than just educational support—it’s a lifeline for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Some of the benefits covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill include the following.
Tuition and Fees
The VA sends tuition and fees directly to your school or training program. If you are eligible for post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, multiply your school’s tuition and fees by your percentage. This will give you the maximum amount the VA will pay for an academic year.
However, GI Bill tuition coverage is based on program type and service tier. For public schools, the VA pays up to 100 percent of in-state costs for those at the full benefit level. Private or foreign schools get up to $28,937.09 annually, while non-college programs, such as HVAC repair or EMT training, are capped at $28,937.09.
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits also cover flight school tuition up to $16,535.46 and correspondence school courses up to $14,055.13.
Monthly Housing Allowance
Veterans enrolled in studies more than half-time may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance, or MHA, to help cover living expenses. The VA bases the post-9/11 GI Bill housing allowance on the school’s location and the Department of Defense’s Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Veterans can also receive housing allowances through VA disability benefits, which may provide additional financial support.
Books and Supplies Stipend
Eligible veterans enrolled at least half-time can receive up to $1,000 yearly for books and supplies. College students get $41.67 per credit hour up to 24 credits, while non-college-degree program students can claim up to $83 monthly.
Relocation and Licensing Assistance
Veterans in rural areas with six or fewer people per square mile who are relocating more than 500 miles or flying due to no land travel options can receive a one-time $500 payment to help with relocation. The GI Bill also covers up to $2,000 for licensing or certification tests, charged against entitlement at $2,414.18 per month, aiding career transitions.
How To Transfer GI Bill Benefits to Family Members
Service members can sometimes transfer unused benefits to spouses or children, making the Post-9/11 GI Bill for dependents a powerful tool for family education. This option hinges on meeting eligibility rules and following a clear process.
To transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to dependents, you must be on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and meet all the following criteria:
- Have at least six years of service in the armed forces and must be currently serving in the armed forces or reserves
- Agree to serve an additional four years from the date of transfer if still on active duty
- Must enroll the intended recipient—either a spouse or dependent child—in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS, to receive benefits
If you have received a Purple Heart, you don’t need to meet a service requirement, but you must request to transfer your benefits while you’re still on active duty.
The transfer process involves submitting a Transfer of Education Benefits request through the milConnect website. Once approved, the designated family members can begin using the benefits.
How To Apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill
To apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, take the following steps:
- Determine eligibility: Check service time and discharge status on the VA’s website to confirm qualification.
- Gather documents: Collect service records, including DD Form 214, showing active duty after September 10, 2001.
- Apply online: Submit an application at VA.gov or mail VA Form 22-1990.
- Receive and submit Certificate of Eligibility: Once approved, you’ll receive a COE, which you must provide to your school’s VA certifying official to activate your benefits.
If you still have questions about this bill or any other concerns, Veterans Guide is here to help veterans who need assistance with their benefits. We can connect you with knowledgeable VA attorneys who will help you pursue the maximum benefits you deserve. Contact us today to find out if you are eligible for post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
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