Education and training benefits help Veterans, Service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most comprehensive education benefit programs available.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for Service members and Veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This comprehensive program helps cover the costs of education and training, making it easier to pursue your academic and career goals.
Need More Information?
Visit www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11
Contact Support:
Call 888-GI-BILL-1 (888-442-4551) or 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), option 5
To be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must meet one of the following criteria:
Standard Eligibility
- Serve at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, AND
- Remain on active duty OR be honorably discharged
National Guard Members:
Active duty includes active service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purposes of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the purpose of responding to a national emergency.
Service-Connected Disability
- Honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
Purple Heart Recipients (Colmery Act of 2017)
- All Purple Heart award recipients are eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement, providing the award was made during service occurring after September 10, 2001, and the recipient continued duty or received an honorable discharge
Duration of Benefits
- Generally, Service members or eligible Veterans may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill
- No beneficiary may use more than 48 months of education and training benefits from any combination of programs (with the exception of VR&E benefits)
Approved Training Programs
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers a wide range of educational and training opportunities:
- Graduate and undergraduate degrees
- Vocational/technical training
- On-the-job and apprenticeship training
- Flight training
- Correspondence training
- Licensing and national testing programs
- Tutorial assistance
Based on the length of active-duty service, eligible participants are entitled to receive a percentage of the cost of tuition and fees:
- Public Institutions: Percentage of in-state tuition and fees
- Private or Foreign Schools: Tuition and fees capped at a national maximum rate
Current Rates: Visit www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates for the most up-to-date tuition and fee rates.
Important Note: If a Service member or Veteran is eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve and qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, an irrevocable election must be made to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Once the election is made, the individual will no longer be eligible to receive benefits under the relinquished program.
Tuition and fees are paid directly to the institution on the student's behalf.
A monthly housing allowance (MHA) is paid directly to the student, provided the student is attending more than half time.
MHA Calculation
- Currently, MHA is equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents
- MHA is prorated based on benefit level and rate of pursuit (e.g., full-time student, ¾-time student, etc.)
- MHA is calculated based on the ZIP code of the campus location where the student physically attends most of their classes
- If a student is only taking online courses, their MHA is half the national average
MHA is NOT Payable to:
- •Individuals enrolled in flight or correspondence training
- •Individuals pursuing training at half time or less (regardless of the type of training)
- •Individuals while on active duty or their spouses
Current MHA Rates: Visit www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates for the most up-to-date housing allowance rates.
In addition to tuition coverage and housing allowance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides:
- Books and Supplies Stipend: Up to $1,000 per year paid directly to the Service member, Veteran, or eligible dependents
- Rural Relocation Payment: A one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas
Key Takeaways
- Post-9/11 GI Bill provides comprehensive education benefits for Service members and Veterans who served after September 10, 2001
- Requires at least 90 aggregate days on active duty (or 30 continuous days for service-connected disability discharge)
- Covers up to 36 months of education and training benefits
- Pays tuition and fees directly to the institution based on service length
- Provides monthly housing allowance (MHA) equal to E-5 with dependents BAH, prorated by enrollment status
- Includes up to $1,000 yearly books and supplies stipend
- Covers wide range of programs: degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships, flight training, and more
- Election to use Post-9/11 GI Bill is irrevocable if switching from Montgomery GI Bill
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