How can I use my G.I. Bill while on active duty ?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 16:03:26 -0500

So, I’m on the near end of my first semester of five to graduate college. I’ve nearly maxed TA with one class remaining for this FY, and I don’t want to stop being full time in College. I’m willing to tap into my GI Bill to pay for the upcoming semesters BUT if anyone can provide guidance on doing so, that would be perfect. Thanks in advance

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2020 5:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 17:27:42 -0500

You absolutely should not break into your GI Bill while on active duty. Once you tap it, it's no longer eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program. The yellow ribbon is a scholarship that will pay the difference between tuition at some schools that the GI Bill doesn't pay enough to cover. You can also transfer it to a dependent. Use the financial aid you get from FAFSA, wait till your TA resets, or just pay out of pocket, but don't waste your GI Bill by using it on active duty.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 1 at 2020 6:25 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 18:25:34 -0500

If you were my Soldier I would punch you in the nose, just for the fact that you had such idea! Do not, I say again, do not touch your GI Bill!

Go and see if a small personal loan or picking up aluminum cans around post would do it. For real, look for some scholarship around. There are few organization that like to sponsor military and Vets alike.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2020 9:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 21:06:44 -0500

What does getting you a degree "right now" mean for you? Do you need it for a commissioning packet. You've maxed out your civilian education promotion points by now.

Can you slow down? Slow cash spending?

Are you saying you will have a degree in hand with an unused GI Bill?

I entered with all my degrees. I plan to take community college basket weaving when I retire so I can get that inflated E5 BAH with dependent $$$ and pay off my house.

I say go as fast as you can afford without taking loans or the GI Bill. You're giving up an opportunity to have the GI bill there for an entire Master's Degree at this point.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2020 12:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:11:26 -0500

Did you pay for the Montgomery GI bill if so you can utilize it and still use your 9/11 GI bill later.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2020 12:31 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:31:26 -0500

Here you go SGT. You can use the "Top Up" program to pay costs that TA doesn't cover. But as others have said, be careful using your GI Bill.

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/tuition-assistance-top-up/

https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/TU.pdf

Tuition Assistance Top-Up | Veterans Affairs

Find out if the Tuition Assistance Top-Up program can help you pay for tuition that's more than what's covered by Tuition Assistance (TA). Check current rates and apply if you're a Veteran covered by the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty or Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2020 1:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 13:19:11 -0500

I’m in the same position. I cap my TA by March every year. You will need to request your GI Bill through the VA site and then inform your school you intend to use it

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 2 at 2020 4:08 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 16:08:43 -0500

I would highly recommend against it. As others have said you would be robbing peter to pay paul and you would lose more than you gain in the long run. I would suggest going through other avenues for discounts, Tuition and scholarships. Speak to the base education office for assistance but tapping into your GI bill while serving is a bad idea for alot of reasons.