How Do I Transfer Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits to my Son?

I reenlisted while in theater in November 2006, but I have a total of 15 years service. How does the GI Bill apply to me now? Is it based on the 15 months of mobilization?

How difficult would it be to transfer it to my dependents and where would I find what the total benefits would be?

Is the end date based on the last reenlistment that I did?

I have a son who is preparing for college and this would definitely assist in covering the cost for him. Thank you. — Ginger

O.K. Ginger, I’m going to go through these questions one at a time. If you are active duty, then the 15 months of mobilization really doesn’t matter, however, if you are in the National Guard or Reserves, then it counts. I’ll come back to this later. For now, let’s assume you are talking about Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD).

If you stick with the MGIB-AD, you can’t transfer benefits to your son.  However, if you switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, then you can transfer any or all your education benefits to your son while you are still on active duty. While you are still serving is key to the transfer. To transfer, you have to have at least 6 years in and be willing to extend for another 4 years. That would bring you to 19 years – I’m assuming you plan on staying to 20 years.

You have over 36 months of service after September 10, 2001, so you would qualify for the 36 months at the 100% rate under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

As far as the 15-year end date, it actually starts on the date of your discharge, however, your son would have to start using his benefits after he turns 18 (or gets his high school diploma) and use them up before turning 26, so in your case the end date doesn’t have a bearing on anything.

Let’s go back and discuss your options if you are in the National Guard or Reserves. Now, we’re talking about the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) which has a different set of rules. With no mobilization time, you don’t have the transfer option and you have to use your benefits while you are still in. However, if you decide to switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill with your 15 months of mobilization after September 10, 2001, you would qualify for 36 months at the 60% tier rate, meaning your son would get his tuition paid for (up to the State maximum) and receive 60% of both the housing allowance and book stipend.

Whew Ginger – I think we got all your questions answered. If not, let me know.