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  • G.I. Bill Benefits and Your Education

    If you have served in the US military then you probably are aware that there are a range of educational benefits at your disposal. What you may not realize is that these benefits can be utilized to complete an online degree program. With the right information, you can make sure that you make the most of the GI Bill college benefits while you pave your way to a new career in the civilian world.

    Whether you are currently serving in the military or have received your honorable discharge, there are many payments and benefits available to make an online degree possible for you. You have made your sacrifice for your country, the GI Bill education benefits mean that you are able to get something back.

    Serving in the armed forces is an incredible experience, and no doubt you have gained skills that you will be able to use throughout your life. However, for many who have left or are considering leaving the military the transition into civilian life is not always a smooth path. GI Bill benefits exist so that education is possible for those that serve in the military, meaning that there are more career paths open to them. The GI Bill education plan allows you to complete approved degree programs while receiving benefits for your tuition, housing and cost of living.


    What GI Bill Benefits Can You Expect?

    The very first GI Bill dates back to 1944 when returning WWII veterans where given benefits to help make the transition back into civilian life. While the GI Bill program has changed much over the years, the premise behind the concept has remained the same. There is more than one GI Bill benefit available, and you may well be eligible for more than one program. It is important that you are aware of all of your educational options before you make use of your benefits. For instance, one program may have an expiration date, while another may not. One program may give you greater benefits or better suit the kind of study you want to enroll in.

    Some of the GI Bill benefits you may be eligible for include:
    • 100% paid tuition fees
    • College Degree or Vocational Training
    • Housing Allowance
    • Cost of Living allowance
    • Educational materials allowance
    • Educational benefits for your spouse or dependents
    • Post 9/11 GI Bill
    If you have more than 90 days of aggregate service after September 11 2001, the post 9/11 GI bill college benefits may apply to you. You must also have received an honorable discharge. The post 9/11 GI Bill allows for you to enroll in a degree course at either graduate or post-graduate level that has been approved. The benefits include your tuition fees, which are paid directly to the school. The tuition contributed cannot exceed the highest tuition fee in a public institution in the state in which you are enrolled. You may also be eligible to receive a housing and cost of living allowance which is around $1000 a month. Also, there is an annual benefit for books and other material costs of $1000.

    Post 9/11 GI bill benefits are payable for up to 15 years after your last active duty. There is a maximum of 36 months of benefits which can be paid out which equals 8 semesters of college. In some instances you may be able to transfer your post 9/11 GI benefits to members of your family.

    Montgomery GI Bill

    To be eligible for the Montgomery GI bill you will need to take up the one time offer put in front of you when you join the military. For each month of service in your first year enrolled in the military, $100 will be taken from your paycheck. You are then able to use your GI Bill benefits while serving in the military or for up to ten years afterwards. In most cases you must have completed three years of service before you can take up your benefits, however this can vary depending on the time you entered the military along with other factors. If you are in your first year of service it is integral that you take up this option, even if you think you will never study. It's a small investment that will bring a great benefit, you never know how your circumstances or plans will change in years to come.

    The Montgomery bill benefits are similar to that of the Post 9/11 GI bill benefits. If you are eligible you can receive a tuition allowance as well as additional grants for books and materials each year for up to 36 months, or 8 semesters of learning.


    The GI Bill and Online Study

    Many who are making the transition from the military back into civilian life choose to study online. You are still eligible for many of the GI Bill benefits such as tuition, but you don't have to worry about relocating to attend college.

    After a career in the military, the lifestyle of a full time student and being away from family may not seem appealing. Online study presents a perfect work/life balance. You can return to the workforce in a full time or part time capacity, while still pursuing a college degree. Your GI benefits will still apply, and will not have any effect on your tax. An online degree allows you to study when it fits in with your lifestyle, instead of the other way around.

    More Than a Degree

    The GI Bill benefits cover you for up to 36 months of education. There are many more options available including vocational training, flight training, small business education, as well as some alternative educational options available under the GI Bill college programs. With all the options available you can be assured there will be an program that's perfect for you.