New GI Bill Benefits Kick In

Service members and veterans will soon be able to take advantage of revisions to the venerable GI Bill, which could better enable them to pay for their education. The changes, passed by Congress in 2008, will allow users to receive benefits for 36 months – enough time to attend school for nine months per year and complete four-year degrees. Tuition payments will be sent directly to schools; payments for supplies and books go to the students. The payments could match the cost of in-state tuition, books and fees at the most expensive public, undergraduate school in a service member’s home state. Other payments, such as housing allowances and annual stipends, may also apply. Eligibility, and the percentage of benefits each service member or veteran is allowed, depends upon duration of service. Those who served at least 36 months qualify for the maximum payable benefits. For more information, visit the GI Bill Web site at http://www.gibill.va.gov/ .