Posted on Apr 21, 2018
Does transferring my post 9/11 GI Bill to my dependents incur a 4 year service obligation?
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It sounds like a simple question, but there is a key nuance I've been hearing about and I'd like to confirm my understanding. I believe that the 4 year service obligation, is not really an obligation that would prevent someone from resigning, transferring to IRR, or otherwise voluntarily separating from the military. My understanding is that you must serve 4 years to validate the transfer of the GI Bill, but if I chose to separate before completing 4 years, that there would be no negative consequences other than invalidating my GI Bill transfer (which I don't plan on anyone using for more than 4 years).
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GI Bill
GI Bill
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 2
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From my understanding you are correct. I transferred my GI Bill about a year and half ago. Mind you I already had 21 years of service at that point and they still required me to serve four more years. From what the VA told me, if I decide to retire and not fulfil my 4 year obligation, and no one has touched it, then no foul. Its still mine. If one of my kids has used a portion of it or all of it, I will either have to stay and finish my requirement, or pay out of pocket to cover what every they used. With my oldest only being a freshman, I figured by the time he graduates, we'll figure out where we are at in my career. Or a medical retirement will free you from the obligation.
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CPT (Join to see)
This is exactly what I've been told by multiple sources in the Army National Guard and the USAF Reserves; it's a shame that this is not spelled out more clearly. If I had known this, along with the fact that the amount transferred can be moved between dependants at any time, I would have done this long ago.
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MSG Dan Castaneda
CPT (Join to see) - You and me both sir. I guess I missed the memo that spelled it out as well. At 21 years as I started thinking about retirement is when I found this out. There should be a thresh hole of 15 years of service. Or if a service member has already served 20 years he/she can do it without penalty. They think they got me for four more years, but they really don't. I'll be retired when the time is right.
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It depends on how long you've already served. I transferred my GI Bill to my daughter. She started using it immediately, I retired a year later. She got the full benefit. This was just in the past 5 years. Best source is the GI Bill Office itself. Google Post 9/11 GI Bill. Talk to a counselor.
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CPT (Join to see)
This sounds counter to everything I've heard. Everything I see says that you would not be able to transfer and then retire a year later without invalidating the transfer. It seems that it all depends on who handles each individual case.
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CSM Patrick Durr
Sir, it may be that I was already over 30 years in service, fully qualified... I couldn't do more than 32.
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CSM Patrick Durr
Sir, I would suggest you stop talking to an anonymous Healthcare specialist (MSG anonymous) or me, and just go see the experts. The AD, AND GUARD ,surely have different rules. 1st term, 2nd term, vs retiree also I'm sure have different considerations. Good luck.
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MSG Dan Castaneda
I transferred my GI Bill almost 2 years ago at 21 years of service. The Army is still locking me in for four more years. How did you get around the four year requirement?
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