When Does the 4-year Commitment Clock to Transfer Benefits Start?

Great question Chris.  Your Post 9/11 GI Bill transfer benefit 4-year commitment date begins on the date you transfer benefits. It isn’t doesn’t start on the Post 9/11 election date because not all Post 9/11 recipients choose to transfer their benefits to their spouse or dependent children and they don’t need the extra 4-year commitment.

Keep in mind you can transfer any remaining or all benefits to one or several dependents. Make sure the dependent receiving the benefit is current in DEERS before starting the transfer.

Your dependent has 15 years to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit and he/she can start using his/her transferred benefit after age 18, or upon receiving  a high school diploma and must use up the benefits before attaining the age of 26.