Veterans can expect to see some welcome changes to the GI Bill on October 1. Some of the changes will improve the cash benefit of both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the older Montgomery GI Bill. In addition, the range of benefits and eligibility will expand for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
This latest round of changes makes the Post-9/11 GI Bill as flexible as the previous versions; opening new doors for veterans who are not interested in going to college.
The following is a breakdown of the changes that will occur on October 1:
- Montgomery GI Bill payment rates will increase by almost $50 to $1473 a month. This includes increases in the MGIB-SR, REAP, and OJT rates.
- More National Guardsman will be eligible to begin drawing benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Active duty servicemembers and their eligible family members will be eligible for the $1000 annual book stipend.
- Eligible GI Bill users will have access to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for non-college degree programs including On-the-Job and Apprenticeship training, up to $10,000 for flight training programs, and up to $8,500 correspondence training.
But, the change that will impact veterans and their enrollment options the most is likely the rule change to allow student veterans to get up to $673.50 a month cash while taking distance learning (online) courses. Previously veterans taking 100% of their courses online were not eligible to receive the monthly living stipend, but starting in October they will be able to draw th eequivelent of half the national average DoD Basic Allowance for Housing rate for an E-5 with dependents.
Check out the Military.com GI Bill Calculator to see how much your GI Bill benefit may be worth this fall.
