GI Bill Comparisonby G.I. Ron Kness 
With the implementation of the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill already here, veterans covered by the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) are starting to ask some important questions.Am I eligible for the new G.I. Bill? Do I need to switch to the new version? How much does the new Bill pay?
While these simple questions are definitely important, they're only part of the educational equation. Both the MGIB and the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill contain specific variations that could impact which one you choose. Here's a breakdown of the basic (and the detailed) differences between the two programs.
| BENEFIT DETAILS | NEW GI BILL | OLD GI BILL |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Requirements | To qualify for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, you had to serve after September 10, 2001 and needed either 90 aggregate days of active-duty service or 30 continuous days and discharged with a service-connected disability. Also, with this bill, there isn't an enrollment fee. | Served at least a 2-year enlistment after June 30, 1985 and paid the $1,200 program enrollment fee. |
| G.I. Bill Payout | New G.I. Bill & Old G.I. Bill: The answer depends on the percentage of benefits you qualify for, based on the length of your military service, the state where your college resides, if the college is a private or public school, and if you are taking resident classes, online, or a combination of both. Length of service requirements and associated benefit percentages include:
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| Full-Time Student Payment Rate | Tuition and fees, up to the maximum amount per state, are paid directly to the school each term.The maximum amount is based on an undergraduate program at the most expensive public college or university in that school's state. Look up what your state tuition rate and fees are for the 2008/2009 school year. The 2009/2010 schedule will post on this website on August 1, 2009. | With 3 years or more of service, the current payment is $1,321 per month; with less than 3 years, the rate is $1,073 per month. This is nationwide, annually-adjusted, fixed, monthly payment rate paid directly to the veteran. |
| Additional Expense Payments | The new bill can include both a living expense and a books/supplies stipend. Paid monthly directly to the student, the living expense stipend is based on the BAH for an E-5 with dependents in the zip code where the college is located. The books/supplies stipend is also paid to the veteran, but proportionately each term for up to a total of $1,000 per year. An online-only program does not qualify for the living expense stipend. | Under the old program, a veteran does not receive any additional payments for these or any other expenses. |
| Benefit Expiration | The benefit period spans 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 aggregate days or more. | The old bill benefit period spans 10 years after your last separation or discharge. |
| Transfering Benefits to Family | The Department of Defense is currently working out all of the eligibility details, but basic eligibility allows all servicemembers who are still serving, with 6 years of service who agree to reenlist for 4 more years, to transfer up to 36 months of benefits to family members. Family members are defined as spouse and children. A spouse can use the transferred benefits immediately, while a son or daughter can use them only after a servicemember has completed 10 years of service. Sponsor may revoke or modify benefit transfer at any time. | Benefits transferability is limited to the Army and the servicemember may transfer up to 36 months to family members at any time. Sponser may revoke or modify benefit transfer at any time, as well. |
| Enrollment Fee | New enrollees pay no fees. | For eligibility under the old bill, you had to pay a $100 per month for the first 12 months. |
| Education Programs Covered | The new bill provides for education and training courses taught at accredited colleges and universities including:
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The old bill provided for the same education and training courses, but taught at any education or training institution. Under both bills, only the certification test cost is reimbursable, up to $2,000 per test; no other associated fees are covered. You can take the tests as many times as you need until you pass the test, however, each time you submit reimbursement for the certification test cost, 3 it reduces your entitlement benefit. |
| Yellow Ribbon Program | This is a new provision in the G.I. Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, participating institutions, whose tuition or fees are above what the bill pays, agree to wave half of the additional fees. The VA picks up the other half with no additional charge to your entitlement. This can be a very useful benefit option, if you are attending a private institution, graduate school, or a school where you pay out-of-state tuition. | This program did not exist under the old bill. |
So, there you have it. A down and dirty comparison of both bills. Remember, if you decide to switch to the new bill, it is forever. Consider all factors and make your choice wisely.
About the Author:
G.I. Ron retired from the military in 2006 with 36 years of service. His last assignment was a Division Command Sergeant Major/E-9.
This easy, 10-step cheat sheet will guide you through the new GI Bill:
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