Can I Use the Post 9-11 GI Bill to Complete My Degree?
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Question:
I’m in the National Guard, and I’d like to take online courses to finish my bachelor’s degree. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it, but I don’t really know what benefits I’m eligible for in the Guard. I enlisted in 2002, and I’ve served about 18 months on active duty over the years. Will the GI Bill pay for me to take online classes?
Answer:
You served more than 90 days active duty since 11 September 2001, which generally means that you are eligible for GI Bill benefits. Online education at accredited institutions of higher learning count the very same as resident courses with one major exception: the GI Bill does not pay a housing allowance for online courses.
You are making the right decision. Education is the key to both a better career and a better life. Using your Post 9-11 GI Bill with online education is an excellent approach to finish your undergraduate degree. Don’t be embarrassed by confusion over education benefits. A plethora of legislation creates benefits for military and veterans.
Under the Post 9-11 GI Bill, members of the reserve forces receive the same benefits as active duty servicemembers with equivalent active duty service time. The benefits paid are based on active duty time served:
90 days – 40%
6 months – 50%
12 months – 60%
18 months – 70%
24 months – 80%
30 months – 90%
36 months – 100%
All times are aggregate time served. Based on your active duty time, you should be eligible to receive benefits at the 50% or 60% rate.
Use unit education offices and information on Online-Education.net as well as government military/veteran education websites to learn your benefits.
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