If I never used my GI bill, is it gone?

2019-04-25T16:14:25-04:00

GI Bill,I never used it. Is it gone?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 25 at 2019 4:52 PM

2019-04-25T16:52:04-04:00

SrA David Posey you've provide almost no information to make an informed judgement. Log on to the VA eBenefits web site and look at the benefits you are eligible for. If this is too confusing, recommend going to a local Veteran Service Office.

Each era of GI Bill has different benefits and periods of eligibility.

https://www.va.gov/education/

VA education and training benefits

Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for VA education benefits for Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members. VA education and training benefits can help you pay for college tuition, find the right school or training program, get career counseling, and more.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 9:32 PM

2019-04-25T21:32:30-04:00

According to your profile you got out in April 1994.
If you never came back in to any branch of service, your GI Bill probably expired in April 2004.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Apr 26 at 2019 1:27 AM

2019-04-26T01:27:36-04:00

If you got out in 2004, the Educational part is gone.
You have been out to long and therefore can't be educated.
Bullshit rule isn't it?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 26 at 2019 11:19 AM

2019-04-26T11:19:59-04:00

Just call the VA and ask them. They can give you the straight answer.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made Apr 29 at 2019 1:25 PM

2019-04-29T13:25:34-04:00

Don't know your separation date but I can offer a few general facts.

You have 36 months of education benefits and generally speaking, must choose Post 9/11 or MGIB when you apply for the benefit, meaning that if you are eligible for multiple education benefits you must give up eligibility under one education benefit program to use benefits under Post 9/11. and you can easily apply on va.gov.

You must have an honorable discharge to use education benefits. Currently, Servicemembers that separated from military service after JAN 2013 have no time limit to use Post 9/11 education benefit, yes, you have the rest of your life to use 36 months of this education benefit. If separated prior to that date, you have 15 years from your separation date on DD Form 214 to use all 36 months.

Montogomery GI Bill-Active Duty requires at least 2 years of military service and you had to have bought into the program during your first year of military service, to be eligible for 100% of the benefit you must have at least three years of AD Service. MGIB-AD duty pays a flat rate, which is about $2000.00 a month for a full-time student and student pays all education expenses from that amount. SO you may have out of pocket expenses. You have 10 years from separation date on DD Form 214 to use this benefit.

Post 9/11 GI Bill—to be eligible for 100% of this benefit you must have at least 3 years of AD service. Percentage of benefit you are eligible for depends on your time in AD Service. For example: if you have 24 months of AD Service you would be eligible at the 80% rate, which pays 80% of the tuition and fees to the school or training program, pays you 80% of the monthly housing allowance, and pays you 80% of the books and supply stipend for 36 months.

My opinion is that the Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefit is the best educational benefit.

Check out the GI Bill Comparison Tool on VA.GOV, awesome tool that will show your education benefits based on various circumstances or situations; lots of filters. Also shows Veteran programs on campus.