Can you pass along your GI Bill after being out for more than 20 Yrs?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:33:49 -0500

I have a sister that has ETS'd from the Navy for many years now.... Probably more than 20, and she is now looking into being able to give her daughter her GI Bill benefits. Is this Possible after so many years? What should she do to get the ball rolling so that her daughter can get started in school as soon as possible?

Thanks for any answers!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 2:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 14:40:01 -0500

Sergeant G,

If she's been out for more than 20 years, she most likely has the older Montgomery G.I. Bill, like I had (I ETS'd back in '96).

Under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, as far as I can recall, you only had 10 years from your separation date to use it and it was not transferable.

I hope this helps.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 7:45 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 07:45:10 -0500

I appreciate the input gents. Thanks for the feedback.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 23 at 2013 10:08 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 10:08:54 -0500

You cannot transfer the Montgomery GI Bill, which your sister has, you can only transfer the Post 9/11 GI Bill, but you must transfer BEFORE retirement and members must serve an additional four years to qualify for the transfer.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Jan 7 at 2014 10:12 AM

SFC Rich Carey — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 10:12:00 -0500

The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows Servicemembers to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children.

The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family. Once the DoD approves benefits for transfer, the new beneficiaries apply for them at VA. To stay up to date with DOD determinations check out their website http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2009/0409_gibill/

Special Report - Post 9/11 GI Bill

For the first time in history, servicemembers enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program will be able to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children starting Aug. 1, 2009.

Special Report - Post 9/11 GI Bill

For the first time in history, servicemembers enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program will be able to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children starting Aug. 1, 2009.