Can I Use My Dad’s GI Bill to Earn a Master’s Degree?

Hi Jose, If your dad is still on active duty, then he should be able to transfer his Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to you.  There is a possibility that he may have to remain on active duty for some additional time for the transfer to be approved.  The amount of time is dependent on when your dad was planning on retiring if he already has 20 years of service in.

The issue here is going to be time.  You can only use your dad’s Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits until you turn 26 years of age, so you are going to have to move pretty quickly.  You mentioned you were 25, but you didn’t mention when you turned 25, so it’s possible you could get one or two semesters of benefits, or it’s also possible you will turn 26 in three weeks and not be able to use the benefits.

If you have time, your dad should apply for the transfer of benefits at this Department of Defense website, and once the transfer has been approved you can apply for the benefits at VONAPP.  You will need to be registered in DEERS to receive the benefits.

Some master’s programs only take a year, so even if you only get a semester’s worth of benefits it might help a lot.  Plus you can use the Yellow Ribbon Program with the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits which is helpful with a graduate program.