An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Scott Airmen briefed on GI Bill updates

  • Published
  • By Airman Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The new Chapter 33 GI Bill was signed June 30 and will take effect Aug. 1 2009. 

"I feel that it's an excellent opportunity for a lot of people who really didn't have a lot of options to go to school, to now go to school," said Roland Smith, 375th Mission Support Squadron education and training manager. "It's great for the veterans who want to combine service to their nation with an opportunity to better their lives." 

The Secretary of Defense and Veteran's Affairs are holding off implementation to work out any errors. These guidelines are subject to change. 

The Chapter 33 GI Bill differs from the old GI Bill because it is tailored to the actual cost of going to school. The new bill will pay the rate of the highest public, four-year undergraduate school in a particular state; fees will also be paid. The new bill pays costs directly to the school. 

There is also an additional housing stipend of up to $1,400. The housing allowance is contingent upon the servicemember's status; a servicemember has to be attending school full time to receive the allowance. 

"The determination of full time is based according to what each individual school considers to be full time," said Mr. Smith. "If servicemembers do not attend school full time, their rate will vary accordingly." 

The new bill also pays a $1,000 stipend for books and supplies based on term dates. 

"Let's say the school is based on semesters," said Mr. Smith. "Then the servicemember will receive $500 in the beginning of the year and $500 in the middle of the year." 

The new bill provides servicemembers who serve 90 or more consecutive days after Sept. 1, 2001 but not 36 months 40 percent of the Chapter 33 GI Bill benefits. Servicemembers who serve for 36 months or more can receive 100 percent of the Chapter 33 GI Bill benefits. 

The new bill is also open to all officers, Guard and Reserve who have served 90 or more consecutive days since Sept. 11, 2001. 

Another different feature to the new GI Bill is the transferability clause. The definitive criteria has yet to be established. However, spouses would be able to receive the Chapter 33 benefits after the servicemember serves for six years and has committed to another four. Dependents would be able to receive the Chapter 33 benefits after the servicemember has served for ten years until they are 26 years of age. 

The new GI Bill does not provide a housing allowance for online or distance learning courses. 

This benefit can be used up to 15 years from last discharge/separation from active duty.
Something to remember is that the current GI Bill is slated to rise 20 percent to $1,321 effective Oct. 2008. 

"Don't make any financial commitments until the final rules are established," said Mr. Smith. 

Servicemembers who have already paid their $1,200 for the current GI Bill will be able to receive an additional $1,200 as part of their last stipend check if they elect to switch to the new bill and have not already used their benefits. If a servicemember has used part of their current GI Bill plan, they can receive the remaining balance in the same manner if they move to the Chapter 33 GI Bill. Servicemembers who are still paying for the GI Bill are not able to stop paying. Airmen in basic military training will still be given the option to contribute to the GI Bill as well. 

All servicemembers who have paid for the GI Bill can switch to the new GI Bill, but they cannot switch back. 

"Other nations treat the military like a rite or passage," said Mr. Smith. "Research has shown that people who attend school at a later age perform better. If veterans serve their country and then go to school, they will not only be more prepared for school, but they will be more desirable to employers because not only do they have a college education, but they have military discipline and leadership. This could potentially create better citizens and a better America if more people join the military and then go to school." 

For more information, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/, email education@scott.af.mil or call Mr. Smith at 256-3327. 

The education office also explains the new GI Bill at their Operation Education bi-weekly seminars which run until Aug. 28. To register visit, https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASPS/CoP/OpenCop.asp?Filter=OO-ED-AM-92