Does my GI bill cover for dorms?
My Family has a GI bill, but how much with that cover for my college/university expences and for how long?!?!?!?!?! #college #university #college-admissions #money
2 answers
Benedick’s Answer
YES see below,
•Is entitled to the monthly housing allowance stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty
From the benefits website:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_transfer.asp
Link to Application on website
The request to transfer unused GI Bill benefits to eligible dependents must be completed while serving as an active member of the Armed Forces. The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family. Once the DoD approves benefits for transfer, the new beneficiaries apply for them at VA
Your parent has to fulfill these categories:
•Has at least six years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve four additional years in the armed forces from the date of election.
•Transfer requests are submitted and approved while the member is in the armed forces.
•Effective 7/12/2019, eligibility to transfer benefits will be limited to servicemembers with at least 6 years but not more than 16 years of active duty or selected reserve service. So servicemembers with more than 16 years of service should transfer benefits before 7/12/2019.
At the bottom of the webpage linked above
Children
•May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the armed forces
•May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the armed forces or after separation from active duty
•May not use the benefit until he or she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or he or she has reached age 18
•Is entitled to the monthly housing allowance stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty
•Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age
Benedick recommends the following next steps:
Kathleen’s Answer
Hi, the good news is that your GI bill provides benefits for your academic and housing on campus. A good place to get more information is the Veterans website. A quick search on the US Department of Veteran Affairs site states that benefits for education is based on your service.
“As a Veteran, you may be eligible for educational benefits through numerous GI Bill programs. Once you’ve decided to use your GI Bill benefits it’s important to choose the proper school and type of training. VA’s decision-making tools will help you get the most from your benefits.
Explore your options at the following pages:
- Assess your aptitudes and interests with CareerScope®
- Compare VA education benefits and review payment rates
- Choose a school or education program and estimate your benefit amount
- Learn how other Veterans benefited from VA education benefits
Once you’re ready, apply for benefits online.”
As part of your process, you should consider only schools that cater to veterans. Check with the admissions office prior to enrollment to inquire how the school deals with veterans on campus. Do they have a specific veterans counselor or office.
Regarding the housing allowance it is paid at a percentage based on your training time, the type of school, your service. For more information check out https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rates/ch33/ch33rates080117.asp#HOUSING. **Remember this information is based on full time enrollment (12 -18 credits).
Hope this helps and thank you for your service!