Do You Qualify?
If you have served in the U.S. Armed Forces then it is possible that you are entitled to federal benefits according to the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill offers service members of the U.S. military educational benefits depending on what branch of the military they served in and for how long. The requirements for entitlement in the GI Bill educational benefits depends on if you were an active service member or a reserve service member.
For active service members of the U.S. military the eligibility for benefits of the GI Bill are as follows:
1. If you originally enlisted before July 1, 1985 you are no longer eligible for GI Bill benefits.
2. You must have requested the pay reduction of $1200 in order to be eligible to receive GI Bill benefits.
3. You must have continued active duty beyond your initial enlistment requirement of time.
4. If you were a Veterans Education Assistance Program or VEAP participant and you converted your VEAP benefits to the GI Bill with a special conversion program you may be eligible for GI Bill benefits.
5. If you were discharged early from duty due to disability, a mental or physical illness or condition that impaired your ability to do your duties, hardship, or a reduction in force you are still eligible for VA GI Bill benefits for the same number of months that you were able to serve.
6. If you were discharged by the government for reasons of convenience you must have served a minimum of 20 months out of a 24 month enlistment period or 30 months out of a 36 month enlistment period in order to be eligible for GI Bill benefits.
7. If you were or are recalled into active duty in the U.S. armed forces you may become eligible for more benefits and may also be able to extend the time limits on your current education benefits as long as you notify the Department of Veterans Affairs and you current educational institution as soon as you are recalled to duty.
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More Qualification Requirements
If you are a U.S. armed forces reserve member your eligibility for GI Bill benefits is split into two sections depending on your service. For regular drilling reservists you fall under the Chapter 1606 section of the GI Bill and your benefits are as follows:
1. You must be an active drilling reservist to be eligible for GI Bill benefits.
2. You must have a High School diploma or the equivalent to be eligible for GI Bill benefits.
3. You must have a minimum of a six year obligation to the Reserve branch you are serving with.
If you are a reservist who had extended mobilizations following September 11, 2001 you fall under the Chapter 1607 section of the GI Bill and your benefits are as follows:
1. You must meet all of the same requirements as the drilling reservists in the Chapter 1606 section of the GI Bill as listed above.
2. You must also have been on full time active duty anytime after September 11, 2001 for at least ninety consecutive days.
If you are not sure if you are eligible for GI Bill benefits through the VA you should contact your local VA Regional Service Center for more information or apply online now!