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New GI Bill Takes Effect |
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On August 1, 2009, the new GI Bill for the 21st Century officially took effect, greatly expanding educational opportunities to troops who have served since 9/11 and their families.
The launch of the program represented a major milestone in the decade-long VFW fight for educational benefits that properly honor wartime service. The “Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act” was signed into law in 2008.
The new GI Bill will pay the highest in-state public tuition rate, and provide for books, fees and a living stipend. It eliminates the $1,200 enrollment fee, extends the use-or-lose benefit requirement from 10 to 15 years and greatly enhances the amount paid to Guard and Reserve members, among other improvements.
Since its passage, VFW has been working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure the implementation of these new benefits goes as smoothly as possible. VFW service officers across the nation have also been trained to help eligible veterans utilize the new program.
“We have been advising regularly on how to structure the delivery of benefits and anticipate and prevent major problems,” explained Gerald T. Manar, Deputy Director, VFW National Veterans Service. “Based on what the VA is telling us, I’m confident we’re headed in the right direction.”
Find out more about the new GI Bill and how to utilize benefits. |
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