If I Was Mis-led On SLRP, Can I Switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

Ryan, you may be stuck with the SLRP, however, I encourage you to contact the VA, explain you were mis-led, and because no money was paid on your loans, ask if you can switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill.  It’s a long shot, but I believe one worth pursuing in your case.

If the MEPS counselor had to ask a supervisor about your private loans, that should have been a red flag.  The following loans qualify for the Army’s loan repayment program:

• Auxiliary Loan Assistance for Students (ALAS)
• Stafford Student Loan
• Parents Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
• Consolidated Loan Program
• Federally Insured Student Loans (FISL)
• Perkins Loan, formerly known as the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL)
• Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS).

Your loans have to be federally insured loans before the SLRP will pay them back. Private loans generally are not federally insured.

If the VA will not switch you to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, then you’ll have to serve your three year SLRP obligation and then start your service time for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.  Good luck and let me know how you come out.