Am I Dead in the Water with the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

Hi Scott, You are not dead in the water and can set sail with your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits any time you choose.  I’m not sure why we’re using nautical terms when you were in the Air Force.  It sounds to me like you are eligible for the full benefit package the Post 9/11 GI Bill can provide.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill has been a savior for a lot of veterans who decided not to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill program, but still became eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill’s benefits.  You should be eligible for 36 months of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, and since you are no longer on active duty you can also become eligible for the housing and book allowances that the GI Bill can provide.  You will have to meet some qualifications to be able to get those allowances.

Whenever you are ready to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits just go the VONAPP website and apply for them.  The VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility showing what benefits you qualify for.  When you decide on a school, show the VA Certifying Official or someone in the Registrar’s office at the school the Certificate, and they should fill out all of the necessary paperwork and submit it back to the VA.

The turnaround time now is about 10 weeks from the time your paperwork is submitted until the school receives a tuition payment, so allow yourself enough time.  The VA pays the school directly and if you are eligible for the housing and book allowances, they will send you a check or you can set up direct deposit.

You are also eligible to use the Yellow Ribbon Program with your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits so you might want to pick a school that is participating in the Program.  It can provide you with additional tuition assistance.  Good luck and smooth sailing!