If I used Student Loan Repayment (SLRP), am I still eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:08:26 -0500

I joined up & used Student Loan Repayment, sacrificing MGIB, but was told Post 9/11 would still be open. Since then, VA officials have given well reasoned, but conflicting information about my P9/11 eligibility with respect to SLR. I need an MBA so I did the formal Post 9/11 eligibility through the VA's ebenefits website & it says I am eligible at 100%. Still, I'm skeptical. Dare I believe it?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 1:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:10:58 -0500

I'd suggest you chat with a representative of the SVO or Vet Success on Campus (VSOC).

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Jan 22 at 2016 1:15 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:15:19 -0500

I have always been told if you took student loan repayment you forfeit MGIB, but still qualify for post 9/11. I hope that is the case, because it is my situation.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 22 at 2016 2:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:24:21 -0500

Call and double check.

However...

My MGIB expired (10 year limit). My 9/11 (60%) did not. I am currently using it. They are "separate" entities.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jan 22 at 2016 4:10 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 16:10:18 -0500

The best solution is first read your enlistment contract because that specifies by date what you are entitled too, and speak with a veterans representative at the VA because the VA is the final decision maker on you receiving the Post 911.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 5:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 17:01:32 -0500

I used SLRP on my initial contract of three years and will have 100% Post 9/11 GI Bill after three more years. For example, I currently have been in for 5.5 years and am sitting at 90%. In July, I will be at six years and 100%.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 7:55 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 19:55:50 -0500

Sgt Tracy, I used the SLRP post bachelor's degree and forfeited the MGIB but, post 911 paid for the remainder of my MBA. I also had enough to transfer and pay for the majority of my son's B.S. in Science.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 4:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 04:53:11 -0500

You can’t get the GI Bill and Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) for the same time period. Once you sign up for the SLRP, you instantly incur a three-year obligation in which during those three years you are not acquiring GI Bill eligibility, so those who told you they were on an initial three-year enlistment and getting both incentives were blowing smoke up your backside. You could get both on a six-year enlistment or a 3 year with a follow-on 3 year re-enlistment though as the first three years would “pay back” your SLRP obligation and the second three years would qualify you for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. To get started go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ fill out & submit VA Form 22-1990 to get your Certificate of Eligibility that you will need when enrolling in school.

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The GI Bill provides educational assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 29 at 2017 10:25 AM

LTC Eugene Chu — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 10:25:32 -0400

Late response...you qualify IF you stay in long enough. One of my MBA classmates was an enlisted Navy veteran who served six years. Her first three years took care of student loan repayment. Her remaining three years qualified her for Post 9/11 GI Bill. Each of those programs requires three years of service (NOT in a training status).