Can My Daughter Use Her Transferred Benefits Before Her 18th Birthday?

Great question Chris! Actually she can start college before her 18th birthday.  The Post-9/11 GI Bill regulation says 18th birthday or high school diploma. Here is the exact wording excerpt under the heading of Nature of Transfer:”

“Family member use of transferred educational benefits is subject to the following:

• Child:
  • May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces.
  • May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
  • May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age.
  • Is entitled to the monthly stipend and books and supplies stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty.
  • Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.”

Are you sure she was denied for that reason? I ask that because if her school has not submitted her certificate of enrollment, the VA will deny benefits also. The exact  wording is “If your family member has not received the certificate of eligibility from VA when he/she enrolls in school, he/she should ask the veterans’ certifying official at the school to submit an enrollment certification for the academic term to the VA.”  VA Form 22-1990 explains the process very nicely. Ensure Block 8b is filled out properly.

In an earlier blog I discussed all the ways to contact the VA. If you call, be prepared for long on-hold times.  Many people have better luck contacting one of the State or Regional Offices. Good luck Chris! Let me know how you come out.