When the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 was developed, it changed the face of the GI Bill, bringing with it even more exciting benefits for veterans. The new GI Bill offers extra benefits for those serving after September 11, 2001, and covers education that starts on or after August 1, 2009. The new bill does not have an enrollment fee.

Under this new bill, veterans and servicemen and women can receive a host of educational benefits, including paid tuition and fees, $1,000 yearly stipend for books and other supplies and a monthly stipend for housing. $2,000 is also available for one certification or licensing test, and $1,200 is available for a year's worth of tutoring assistance.

Tuition benefits include up to the maximum tuition rate charged by a public institution in your state. This means that if the most expensive public school tuition is $10,000 per year, no matter what school you attend, you will be covered up to $10,000 for the year.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is offered to those who have served at least 30 days of active duty (continuously) after September 10, 2001 and were discharged because of a service-related disability, or to those who have served 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001, and were either:

The program offers 36 months of benefits for up to 15 years after separating. The amount you are eligible for depends on your length of service.

For those already receiving or planning on receiving MGIB benefits from the original program, benefits are transferable. For those taking online classes who won't be eligible for the housing stipend, though, the MGIB program may be a smarter option.

In addition to changes for active duty personnel, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2008 that was signed January 28, 2008, brought some key changes to the GI Bill for reservists.


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