Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act)

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 provides benefits to individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. These individuals must have served at least 90 aggregate days or have been discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.

Eligible training includes undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs pursued at a university or college that is authorized to grant an associate’s degree or higher.

Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits

This bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits. Benefits are generally payable for 15 years following your release from active duty. Payments are based on the amount of service you completed after September 10, 2001. You will receive a larger benefit if you served more active duty or mobilization time.

If you are eligible for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® , you may receive a(n):

  • Payment for tuition and fees sent directly to your university or college
  • Monthly housing allowance**
  • Annual book stipend of $1,000**
  • One-time rural benefit payment of $500

Maximum benefits are earned if you served an aggregate of 36 months or more on active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service if you were discharged for a service connected disability after September 10, 2001. If you served between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service, you will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefits.

**Note: The housing allowance and books and supplies stipend are not payable if you are on active duty, enrolled as a half-time student or less, or enrolled in only distance learning.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”