What Is the GI Bill and Why It Matters
Historical Impact
The GI Bill represents one of the most valuable benefits available to military service members, veterans, and their families. Since 1944, it has helped millions of Americans pursue higher education and vocational training without the burden of student debt.
Comprehensive Coverage
These benefits cover tuition and fees, provide housing allowances, supply money for books and supplies, and in some cases can be transferred to spouses or children.
Who This Guide Is For
What Is a GI Bill?
GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.
The program represents the federal government's commitment to supporting military service members' transition to civilian life through education and career training.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "GI Bill and Other Education Benefit Programs," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/ (accessed February 2026)
2025-2026 GI Bill Key Figures
Months Coverage
Full-Time Benefits
Private School Cap
Academic Year 2025-26
Online MHA Rate
Monthly, Effective Jan 2025
Books Stipend
Per Academic Year
Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Post-9/11 GI Bill," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/; "GI Bill Rates for 2025-2026," VA.gov (accessed February 2026)
Training and Education Programs Covered 3
College Degree Programs
GI Bill benefits are available for courses at four-year universities, community colleges, and advanced coursework including master's and doctoral studies.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Education and Training," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/ (accessed February 2026)
Vocational and Technical Training
If college isn't your preference, the GI Bill can be used for technical or vocational training. The VA refers to this as non-college-degree training.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Non-College Degree Programs," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/ (accessed February 2026)
Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training
Ready to start working immediately? The VA will pay you GI Bill benefits while you receive on-the-job training or participate in an apprenticeship training program.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/work-learn/ (accessed February 2026)
Types of GI Bill Programs
Program Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Post-9/11 | Montgomery Active Duty | Selected Reserve | Survivors & Dependents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service After | Sept 10, 2001 | Any date | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition Coverage |
Full (Public)
|
Partial
|
Partial
|
Partial
|
| Housing Allowance | ||||
| Books Stipend | ||||
| Transferable to Dependents | For Dependents Only | |||
| Yellow Ribbon Eligible | ||||
| Duration | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months | 45 months |
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The most comprehensive benefit for service members who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
Best For:
Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty service after 9/11
Montgomery GI Bill
An older program for those who entered active duty before August 1, 2011, and paid into the program.
Best For:
Veterans who contributed $1,200 during first year of service
Selected Reserve
Education benefits for members of the Selected Reserve, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Reserve, and National Guard.
Best For:
Current reserve or guard members with 6-year commitment
Survivors' & Dependents'
Benefits for dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or who died while on active duty.
Best For:
Spouses and children of veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities
Eligibility Requirements
Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility
You may be eligible if you meet at least one of these requirements:
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/eligibility/ (accessed February 2026)
How Service Time Affects Benefits
| Service Time | Benefit Percentage |
|---|---|
| 36+ months or 30 days with disability | 100% |
| 30+ continuous months | 90% |
| 24+ continuous months | 80% |
| 18+ continuous months | 70% |
| 12+ continuous months | 60% |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Post-9/11 GI Bill," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/ (accessed February 2026)
What Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill Cover? 3
Tuition and Fees
The VA pays your tuition and fees directly to the school. For public schools, the VA covers the full in-state tuition cost. For private schools or foreign schools, the payment is capped at $31,120.01 per academic year (2025-2026 rate).
Paid directly to your institution, not to you.
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
If you're enrolled more than half-time, you receive a monthly housing stipend based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents at your school's zip code.
For online-only programs, you receive a flat national rate of $1,144.00 per month (effective January 1, 2025), regardless of where you live.
Payment goes directly to you, prorated by enrollment level.
Books and Supplies Stipend
You receive up to $1,000 per academic year, paid at approximately $41.67 per credit hour. This amount is paid directly to you at the beginning of each term.
No receipts needed. Use as needed for education expenses.
Texas Veterans: Hazlewood Exemption
Texas residents have access to additional state benefits through the Hazlewood Exemption, which provides tuition and fee waivers at Texas public institutions.
Hazlewood Exemption Details
Post-9/11 GI Bill Details
| Feature | Hazlewood | Post-9/11 GI Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Allowance | No | Yes |
| Books Stipend | No | Up to $1,000/year |
| Geographic Scope | Texas only | Nationwide |
| Transferable | Yes (150 hours) | Yes (if approved) |
How to Apply for GI Bill Benefits
Determine Your Eligibility
Review your service dates, discharge status, and service type to confirm which GI Bill program applies to you. Gather your DD Form 214.
Choose Your School
Make sure the school or program is VA-approved. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool at va.gov to research institutions.
Apply Online
The fastest way to apply is online through VA.gov. Most applications are processed within 30 days. Apply at least 60 days before your program starts.
Receive Certificate of Eligibility
Once approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Provide a copy to your school's VA certifying official.
Work with Your School
Your school will certify your enrollment each term. Verify your enrollment monthly to continue receiving benefits.
Important Timeline Notes
�� You have 15 years from your last discharge date to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
��� The total benefit covers up to 36 months of education or training
• Once enrolled, you must verify your continued enrollment each month
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Can I use the GI Bill for online classes?
Yes, you can use the GI Bill for online classes at VA-approved schools. However, if you're taking only online courses, your housing allowance will be a flat national rate of $1,144.00 per month (effective January 1, 2025), regardless of where you live.
How long do I have to use my GI Bill benefits?
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you generally have 15 years from your last date of discharge from active duty to use your benefits. This gives you plenty of time to plan your education path.
Can I transfer benefits to my spouse or children?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. You must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, have at least six years of service, agree to serve an additional four years, and be approved by the Department of Defense while still on active duty.
What happens if I fail or withdraw from a class?
If you receive a non-passing grade or withdraw from a class, you may have to repay the VA for the tuition and fees they paid for that class. Additionally, that time will still count against your 36 months of entitlement. There are exceptions for medical emergencies or extenuating circumstances.
Does the GI Bill cover graduate school?
Yes, the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers graduate programs including master's degrees, doctoral programs, and professional degrees like law or medicine. The same benefit structure applies as long as you have entitlement remaining.
Additional Benefits & Programs 7
1. Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover costs at private schools and out-of-state public schools that exceed the GI Bill's $31,120.01 annual cap. Schools voluntarily participate and contribute funds that the VA matches.
Key Points:
- • Only available to veterans with 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility
- • School and VA split the additional costs 50/50
- • Limited number of slots available at each school
- • Check with school's VA office before enrolling
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Yellow Ribbon Program," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/ (accessed February 2026)
Learn More:
Yellow Ribbon Program Details2. Kicker/College Fund
Some service members may have been eligible for an additional monthly payment (kicker) or college fund contribution at the time of enlistment. This is an extra amount on top of your regular GI Bill benefits.
How to Know if You Have a Kicker:
Check your enlistment contract or DD Form 2384. If you have a kicker, it will be listed on your Certificate of Eligibility and paid monthly in addition to your other benefits.
3. VET TEC Program (High-Tech Training)
VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses) is a pilot program that offers high-tech training in computer programming, software development, data processing, and more—without using your GI Bill entitlement.
Benefits:
- • Tuition paid directly to training provider
- • Housing allowance while training
- • Does NOT count against 36 months
Eligibility:
- • Must have at least 1 day of GI Bill left
- • Not on active duty
- • High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "VET TEC Program," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/ (accessed February 2026)
Learn More:
VET TEC High-Tech Training Program4. Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is a separate program from the GI Bill for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It may provide better benefits than the GI Bill in some cases.
Advantages Over GI Bill:
- • Can extend beyond 36 months if needed for your career goals
- • Covers supplies, tools, equipment, and special accommodations
- • Provides individualized counseling and support
- • May cover more than the GI Bill tuition cap
Eligibility: Must have at least 10% service-connected disability rating
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)," VA.gov, https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ (accessed February 2026)
Learn More:
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)5. Work-Study Programs
The VA Work-Study program allows you to earn money while attending school by working part-time in VA-related activities.
Typical Jobs:
- • VA hospital or regional office work
- • School VA office assistance
- • Outreach to other veterans
- • VA telehealth support
Compensation:
Paid at state or federal minimum wage (whichever is higher) for up to 25 hours per week during the school year.
Learn More:
VA Work-Study Program Details6. Tutorial Assistance
If you're struggling with a course, the VA can provide up to $100 per month for tutoring services, up to a maximum of $1,200.
Requirements:
- • Must be enrolled at least half-time
- ����� Tutoring must be for a course you're currently taking
- • Tutor must be approved by your school
- • Submit VA Form 22-1990t
7. Licensing & Certification Reimbursement
The GI Bill can cover the cost of tests for professional licenses and certifications, such as those for EMTs, mechanics, HVAC technicians, real estate agents, and more.
Coverage Includes:
- • National testing fees (like the NCLEX for nurses)
- • State licensing exams
- • Professional certification tests
- • Reimbursement even if you don't pass (but only one reimbursement per test)
Note: This benefit is paid after you take the test, not before.
Learn More:
Licensing & Certification Test ReimbursementCritical Information You Need to Know 8
Semester Break Pay
You may be eligible to receive your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) during breaks between terms if you meet specific conditions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- • The break is 28 days or less
- • You were enrolled full-time before the break
- • You will be enrolled full-time after the break
- • Both terms are at the same school
- • You have remaining GI Bill entitlement
This does NOT apply to summer break unless you're enrolled in summer courses.
Learn More:
Getting Paid Between SemestersGI Bill Comparison Tool
Before choosing a school, use the VA's official GI Bill Comparison Tool to research and compare institutions. This powerful resource helps you make informed decisions about your education.
What You Can Compare:
- • Estimated housing allowance
- ��� Tuition and fees coverage
- • Yellow Ribbon participation
- • Graduation and retention rates
- • Student veteran reviews
Access the Tool:
Visit va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool to explore schools and calculate your estimated benefits at each institution.
School Certifying Official (SCO)
Your School Certifying Official (SCO) is your main point of contact for GI Bill matters at your institution. This person is crucial to ensuring you receive your benefits on time.
What Your SCO Does:
- • Certifies your enrollment to the VA each term
- ��� Helps resolve payment issues
- • Provides guidance on maintaining benefits
- • Reports changes in your enrollment status
- • Processes Yellow Ribbon paperwork (if applicable)
Action Step: Find and introduce yourself to your SCO during your first week of school.
Learn More:
School Certifying Officials InformationMonthly Verification Requirement
CRITICAL: Once enrolled, you must verify your continued enrollment every month to keep receiving your housing allowance and books stipend.
How to Verify:
- • Call 1-877-823-2378 (automated system)
- ����� Use the VA's Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)
- • Complete by the last day of each month
If You Don't Verify:
Your housing allowance and books stipend will be stopped until you complete verification. This can cause significant payment delays.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
To continue receiving GI Bill benefits, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by your school. Each institution sets its own standards.
Typical SAP Requirements:
- ���� Maintain a minimum GPA (usually 2.0)
- • Complete a minimum percentage of attempted credits
- • Stay within maximum timeframe to complete your program
If You Fail SAP: Your benefits may be terminated. However, you can usually appeal and create an academic plan to get back on track.
Using Multiple GI Bill Programs
If you're eligible for more than one GI Bill program, you can use them in combination, but there are limits.
Total Benefit Limit:
You can receive a maximum of 48 months of combined VA education benefits. For example:
- • 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill + 12 months of another program
- • 24 months of Montgomery GI Bill + 24 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill
Note: VET TEC does NOT count toward this 48-month limit.
Restoration of Benefits
In certain circumstances, you may be able to get your GI Bill benefits restored if you weren't able to complete your courses through no fault of your own.
Benefits May Be Restored If:
- • Your school closed permanently while you were enrolled
- • Your school's program lost VA approval
- • You had to withdraw due to a serious medical issue
- • You were called to active duty during the term
- • School made an error causing you to withdraw
To request restoration, contact the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 and explain your situation. You may need to provide documentation.
Learn More:
Restoring Your Education BenefitsAppeal Process
If your GI Bill claim is denied or you receive an unfavorable decision, you have the right to appeal.
Steps to Appeal:
- 1. Request a decision review within one year of the VA's decision
- 2. Choose your review option:
- • Supplemental Claim (new evidence)
- • Higher-Level Review
- • Board Appeal
- 3. Submit VA Form 20-0996, 20-0995, or 10182 depending on your choice
Get Help With Your Appeal:
Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV. They provide free assistance with appeals and can represent you.
VA Education Call Center: 1-888-442-4551
Learn More:
VA Decision Reviews and Appeals