Changes on the Horizon for TEB?

One of the most popular (albeit somewhat confusing) features of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the ability to transfer some or all of one's GI Bill benefits to spouses and children (TEB). Now, with discussions underway to make adjustments and enhancements to the new GI Bill, this popular program could help military families even more.

In May, Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) introduced the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 (S.3447) which includes a number of reforms to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Akaka believes this introduction was a "starting point for discussion about needed changes."

How GI Bill Transfers Currently Work

Today, servicemembers (both active duty and Selected Reserve) who are eligible for full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and meets transfer requirements can extend their benefits to spouses and dependents. The entire 36 months of benefits (or some portion thereof) may be transferred to:

• Spouses
• One or more children
• Both a spouse and children

In order to transfer benefits, servicemembers must have already served at least six years and commit to four more years from the date the benefit transfer is approved. At first glance, the service commitment might appear daunting to servicemembers nearing retirement. However, a series of exemptions make transferring benefits within reach for this bunch. Additional service commitments can range from:

• Zero Years: Servicemembers who were retirement eligible (20 years of active duty or qualifying reserve service have been completed) on August 1, 2009 or before July 1, 2010
• One Year: Servicemembers who were retirement eligible after August 1, 2009 and before August 1, 2010.
• Two Years: Servicemembers who are or will become retirement eligible on or after August 1, 2010 and before August 1, 2011.
• Three Years: Servicemembers who will be retirement eligible on/after August 1, 2011 and before August 1, 2012.
• TBD: Servicemembers with 10+ years of service (either active duty and/or Selected Reserve) who are prohibited from serving the additional four years must agree to serve the maximum allotment specified by the appropriate service or Department of Defense policy.

How GI Bill Transfers Could Work

A hotly debated issue due to its price tag, transferability can be quite a compelling benefit to recruits and servicemembers -- one that often motivates them to stay in the service. Because of this, many involved in the debate wish to not only keep the current transferability options in place, but extend the benefits to more individuals. In his testimony, Robert E. Clark, the Assistant Director for Accession Policy in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness said: "We believe that every soldier, sailor, airmen, and Marine who chooses to stay should have the same opportunity to share their earned benefits with their family members."

After the Congressional hearing and in-committee debate, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was approved--without amendment. The full vote in the Senate is pending.

Revisions to transferability rules include three major additions:

1.Transfer post-service. Servicemembers would be allowed to designate in advance which dependents can receive transferred benefits once the servicemember separates from the Armed Forces.

2.Extension of eligibility. Commissioned officers from two agencies: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Services, would now also be eligible to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their dependents.

3.Extension of the book allowance eligibility. Under the current Post-9/11 GI Bill, only veterans and members of the Guard and Selected Reserve can receive the $1,000 book and supply stipend. The amended version of the GI Bill would extend this benefit to active duty servicemembers and their spouses.

Expanding the transfer of benefits is seen by many as a positive step forward. Brian Clark, director of the Penn State Office of Veterans Programs notes, "I think it's a positive. It's going to allow for students to be able to pursue a greater range of academic opportunities."

The Benefit of GI Bill Benefits

During his testimony, Robert Clark was quick to point out that money for education is a leading reason why young Americans join and remain in the military. In fact, the Post-9/11 GI Bill and its transfer option are positively affecting recruiting and retention rates: "There is no doubt," says Clark, "that the Post-9/11 GI Bill will continue to have this impact, and we are seeing that happen with unprecedented recruiting success."

With a vote for the changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill on the horizon, servicemembers may soon have even more opportunities to help both themselves and their family members to complete their education or training. Already, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a very successful program on its hands. In fact, since the Post-9/11 GI Bill's inception in 2008, nearly $4 billion in benefits have gone out to over 295,000 veterans. Soon, spouses and depended may have even more access to these programs, and in turn an education. And to some, that access is priceless.

Share This

Email