We are pleased to inform you about a new education benefit called the Post-9/11 GI Bill (also known as chapter 33 benefits). The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit may begin using the benefit August 1, 2009, for training that begins on or after that date. Applications will be accepted for the new GI Bill effective May 1, 2009. This letter provides a general overview of the new benefit.

Basic Eligibility

Only active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit. To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility.

Basic Benefits

The maximum basic benefit provides the following:

Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state you are attending school;
Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school; and
Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

The maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability. Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

The percentage level ranges from 40% of the basic benefit for those whose service is between 90 days and 6 months to 90% for those who served between 30 and 36 months. For example, an individual with 5 months of qualifying service could receive 40% of the tuition benefit, 40% of the monthly housing allowance, and a maximum of $400 books and supplies stipend. The following chart represents the maximum percentage payable based on the length of an individual's aggregate active duty service:

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of:	Includes entry level and skill training?	Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months	Yes	100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty (Discharged due to service-connected disability)	Yes	100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months	Yes	90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months	Yes	80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months	No	70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months	No	60
At least 06 months, but less than 12 months	No	50
At least 90 days, but less than 06 months	No	40

Individuals will generally receive 36 months of full-time education benefits. This should allow an individual to receive benefits for a four-year undergraduate degree based on a nine-month academic year, however, individuals may continue to receive benefits for approved training at an institution of higher learning (degree granting institution), including graduate training, provided they have remaining entitlement. If eligible for more than one VA education program, individuals are limited to a maximum of 48 months of benefits. Those individuals transferring to the Post-9/11 GI Bill from the Montgomery GI Bill (chapter 30) will be limited to the amount of their remaining chapter 30 entitlement. Individuals will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of their last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 continuous days.

The monthly housing allowance is equal to the military housing benefit rates of an E-5 with dependents. The housing allowance is based on the location of the school and will be sent directly to the veteran for each month of enrollment in school training at more than half time. Individuals on active duty, anyone training at half time or less, and those solely pursuing distance learning are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance.

The maximum yearly books and supplies stipend is $1,000 and will be paid proportionally for each quarter, semester, or term attended in a school year. Payment will be made to the individual during each term he or she is enrolled.

Prior MGIB Eligibility

Those individuals transferring from the Montgomery GI Bill (chapter 30) will have a proportional amount of their basic $1,200 contribution refunded in the last monthly housing allowance payment when entitlement exhausts. Individuals who do not exhaust entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will not receive a refund. A refund of the $600 additional contribution is not authorized.

If you should have any questions concerning the new Post 9/11 GI Bill please feel free to contact the Veteran Affairs office at 912-279-5722 or finaid@ccga.edu .

Post 911 GI Bill resources:
Calculate your benefits
VA Post 9/11 website
Post 9/11 FAQ