New GI Bill pays for college and housing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri K. Larson
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Why did you join the Air Force? According to the Air Force Recruiting Service, since 2000, continuing education was one of the top three reasons Airmen joined the Air Force. Six of the last eight years, it was the number one reason for serving. 

For Airmen who fall into this category, there are some exciting changes in store involving money allocated to servicemembers interested in higher education. 

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or "New GI Bill" has been enacted into law. While the details are still being hammered out by Department of Defense officials, the new bill promises more benefits to servicemembers and will become effective Aug. 1, 2009. 

"This new bill really has some profound changes in it," said Thomas Langdon, 48th Force Support Squadron force development flight chief. "Bottom line: this bill is available to more people and you're entitled to more money." 

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web site, the new bill not only covers education costs, but also pays the individual a basic allowance for housing equivalent to that of E-5 with dependants and a $1,000 annual stipend for books. 

"People who were under the Veterans Education Assistance Program and opted not to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill are now eligible for the new bill, as long as they are still on active duty," said Hildegard Buan, 48th FSS chief of education and training. 

Tuition is now paid directly to the school, instead of the individual, up to the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education. BAH and the annual stipend is paid only to full-time students who are no longer on active duty.
"Even if you did not contribute to the Montgomery GI Bill, you will still be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill as long as you meet the service requirements," Ms. Buan said. 

She said there are several questions people may have concerning eligibility, entitlement and transferability. Many of those questions are still being felt out by members of DoD and don't have specific answers at this time. 

Airmen will have to opt to transfer their benefits to the new bill, however, procedures to do so have not been established, yet. 

For the most up-to-date information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, visit www.va.gov or contact the Education Office 226-3707.