F15Cricket

I've used the post 9/11 GI Bill for my two oldest for some of their college. Here's a couple of notes from my experience (I was in the group of folks who were eligible without having to take any additional commitment when the program first started):
- The base education office didn't know much about it. You had to go direct to the VA.
- The VA web-site is rather painful to figure out what form you need to fill out and when.
- It was not widely known at the time, but make sure to transfer at least one month to ALL your dependents (including your spouse) ... otherwise, I have heard that once you've separated / retired, you will not be able to transfer any to that dependent. I transferred 16 months to my eldest, 15 months to my 2nd, one month each to my youngest 4 kids and wife.
- You can adjust the months allocated to each dependent while still on active duty relatively easily on the website.
- Once you've retired / separated, you can no longer change the allocation on the web -- you must write a letter to the VA.
- When it comes time for your dependent to use the GI bill, THEY are the one who has to contact the school and the VA to get the money rolling.

Bottom line, it's a bureaucratic pain, but a great benefit in appreciation for our service. Most schools have probably sorted out the bureaucratic process by now.

rickair7777

I have some good ppts that break it all down for the Navy if anyone wants them.

Right Winger

Yes please, I would love to see them!

hallkdsm

My daughter started using the benefits this year. She attends a private school that participates in "yellow ribbon" program. Tuition for school ~$39,000 and Max VA close to $19,000 for delta of $20,000. For the yellow ribbon, the VA will match the amount the school puts up. Luckily, her school put up $10,000 and the VA matched it. I learned about this when we visited the school prior to daughter's last year of HS. During the visit I saw the cost of the school and started sweating bullets. Noticed a Veteran's desk in the registrars office and the lady was full of information. Way more info than I ever received from education office or VA. I believe most schools have someone to address Veteran's questions.

Flyfish49

F-15Cricket, Great advice regarding the 9/11 transfer of benefits limitations beyond active duty. I'll be making some adjustments in the coming days.

SkytrashATP

1. Make sure to transfer at least one month of your Post 9/11 G.I. Bill eligibility to each DEERS dependant (including your spouse) before retirement/separation. You can then easily move eligible months between kids / spouse after retirement via VA's ebenifits website. (Note: Sign up for ebenifits account with your CaC Card before you retire)

2. If you will be at least 30% VA Disabled, you should easily qualify for VRE - Voc Rehab from the VA. The VA can give you up to another 48 months of eligibility under this program. If you retain one month of Post 9/11 GI Bill eligibility for yourself, the VA will pay you a higher housing stipend under VR/E.

CAFB 04-12