Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33

Overview

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education program for Service Members who serve on qualifying active duty after September 10, 2001, and receive an honorable discharge.
(Reference: Title 38 USC Chapter 33, DODI 1341.13) 

1. How Do I Qualify?

• Serve at least 90 days in a period of qualifying active duty on or after Sep 11, 2001. Qualifying Active Duty is:
• Service in any active component
• Title 10 U.S.C., Sections 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12301(h), 12302, 12304, 12304(a), 12304(b)
• Title 32 U.S.C., Section 502(f) in Support of Operation Noble Eagle between September 11, 2001, and May 31, 2002
• Title 32 U.S.C., Section 502(f) in support of Southwest Border Mission/Operation Guardian Shield between February 15, 2019, and January 20, 2021
• Title 32 U.S.C., Section 502(f) in support of COVID-19 between March 22, 2020, and July 1, 2022
• Title 32 U.S.C., Section 502(f) in support of the Capitol Police (59th Inauguration) between January 11, 2021, and May 23, 2021
• Serve in a qualifying duty status for more than 30 continuous days and separate due to a service-connected disability or injury.
• Purple Heart recipients eligible at 100% payment tier.
• Check this site often or check with your state ESO for newly added periods of qualifying active duty.

Basic Training and AIT can be added to established qualifying time if:

• You have already completed 24 months of qualifying active duty time; and
• Your Basic Training and/or AIT occurred on or after 9/11/2001

The following service time does NOT qualify for Post-9/11:

• Title 32 ADOS/ADSW/FTNGD-OS (unless listed above)
• The Service Obligation from a Service Academy Contract
• The Service Obligation from a ROTC Active Duty Contract (Dedicated Guard only)
• Active Duty used for Active Duty Loan Repayment (Title 10 Sec. 109)
• Active Duty period receiving less than Honorable Discharge

2. What Do I Get?

Tuition and Fees

• Up to 100% of in-state tuition if you are attending a public school
• Maximum payment of $28,937.09 per year for private or foreign school

Book and Supply Stipend 

• Up to $1,000 per academic year ($41.67/credit hour)

Monthly Housing Allowance 

• Equivalent to BAH of E-5 with dependents
• Based on zip code where attending classes
• Must be attending more than half-time to qualify
• If attending only online classes: $1,177.50
• Soldiers serving on Qualifying Active Duty are NOT eligible for the Housing Stipend 

Payment Tiers
Payments for all three benefits are pro-rated based on your percentage tier. The Book and Supply Stipend as well as the MHA are also adjusted based on your enrollment (number of credit hours).

Effective August 1, 2024

Timeline/Expiration of Benefits:

• If your last day of qualifying Active Duty is before January 1, 2013, your benefits expire 15 years from your last day of Active Duty
• If your last day of qualifying Active Duty is on or after January 1, 2013, your benefits never expire
• You can reset your expiration date by completing another qualifying period of service of at least 90 consecutive days
• Submit VA Form 21-4138 with your new DD214 to the VA Regional Processing Center

3. How Do I Apply?

• Submit the Veterans Online Application
• Notify the School Certifying Official at your school so they can certify your enrollment
• Verify your enrollment each month online

For More Information:

• Visit the VA website
  
• Contact your State Education Office