Post-9/11 Chapter 33 GI Bill benefits

The new Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. 

VA Post-9/11 Pamphlet and Chapter 33 Overview

 

Basic Eligibility:
Served in active duty after 9/10/01 with at least 90 days (aggregate) or served 30 days (continuous) with a disability discharge.

The Department of Veteran Affaris offers an online tool to help decicde if switching is you best option at: CH33 Step-by-step

Chapter 33 Benefits:
A veteran will remain eligible for 15 years from date of last discharge and should receive 36 months of benefits. Chapter 33 benefits include:  Paid tuition & fees, housing allowance, and a book/supplies stipend.

Service requirements and percentage rate:
36 months receive a rating of 100%     30 months receive a rating of 90%
24 months receive a rating of 80%       18 months receive a rating of 70%
12 months receive a rating of 60%       06 months receive a rating of 50%
90 days receive a rating of 40%          30 days with medical discharge 100%

Tuition & fees will be paid to the state approved maximum rate. Preliminary reports show for Texas that will be $1,333.00 per credit hour or $12,130.00 per term.

The housing allowance is based off the Universities zip code and will be paid directly to the students as a monthly stipend. To receive the housing allowance a student must be considered MORE THAN 1/2 time. Active duty and exclusively distance learning students are not eligible for the housing allowance. Housing allowance rates.

The book/supplies stipend will be paid directly to the students each semester. The stipend is paid proportionately based on the number of credit hours enrolled by the student at a rate of $41 per credit hour. The supplies stipend is prorated according to service eligibility requirement. Active duty students are not eligible for the book/supplies stipend.

 

Transfer benefits to dependents:
A service member can transfer their benefits to their dependents if they have served 6 years in the armed forces and agree to serve at least another 4 years in the armed forces. Spouses will be able to use the transferred benefits after the service member has served 6 years, while dependent children can use benefits after 10 years. To transfer benefits to a dependent you must fill out the the Department of Defense online form.