New GI Bill proposals promise wider, more flexible benefits Published May 7, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- With the current cost of higher education, a parent who expects to pay for their child's college experience may anticipate tuition bills with a growing concern. However, military members may find assistance in paying for education services with a new Department of Defense benefit package. Effective May 1, servicemembers can sign up for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides larger educational benefits and allows them to transfer unused benefits to immediate family members. The new policy, which goes into effect Aug. 1, will allow military members to share their hard-earned education benefits with their spouse or children, said Lewis Valentine, a counselor at the education office here. The benefits would remain under the control of the servicemember who earned them, and they can remove or redistribute them at any time, Mr. Valentine continued. While the rules for Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability are in the final stages of development, some changes are expected in the policy before it begins, said Mr. Valentine. One of the other perks of the new GI Bill is that it increases what is covered. Under the new bill, benefits would pay the cost of tuition up to the price of the most expensive in-state public institution, a monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents in the same zip code as the school, and a yearly stipend for books and supplies. Those who meet the service requirements for the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be eligible to receive benefits, even if they declined to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill. To become eligible to transfer benefits, an individual must serve a minimum of six years in the Armed Forces and agree to serve an additional four years. However, the Department of Defense is able to make exceptions for those unable to serve the full four extra years if the person will continue to serve the maximum time allowed before separating from the military. Active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard servicemembers will earn a percentage of the maximum benefit, based on how much time after Sept. 10, 2001 they have served: · 40 percent after 90 days, · 50 percent after 6 months, · 60 percent after 12 months, · 70 percent after 18 months, · 80 percent after 24 months, · 90 percent after 30 months and · 100 percent after 36 months. Individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability will become eligible for 100 percent of the benefits after 30 days of continuous service. For more information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill visit http://www.gibill.va.gov or call the Offutt education office at (402) 294-5716.