The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill® of Rights, may help qualified service members and veterans to discover the benefits that may be available to them as they pursue post-service goals. Take a look at some of the benefits information below to learn how the GI Bill® may help you earn a college degree, pursue vocational training, or plan for life after your military career.

Servicemen’s Readjustment Act

You may not be aware that the Servicemembers’ Readjustment Act of 1944 (otherwise known as the GI Bill® of Rights) almost didn’t pass through Congress. Resistance to the idea of paying unemployment benefits to veterans – and sending them to colleges and universities – were the stalling points. At the end of the day, it was agreed that veterans needed assistance in finding work and integrating back into civilian life. As such, the Senate and the House passed the bill and it was signed into law on June 22, 1944.

Thanks to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act millions of veterans were able to pursue their education and take advantage of home loan guarantees. Over the years, the bill has been updated to better serve the needs of veterans, and is still touted as one of the most significant pieces of legislation passed by the federal government.

Visit: va.gov/opa/publications/archives/vanguard/06janfebvg.pdf for more information on the history of the GI Bill®.

Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill®Information

The Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB), also known as Chapter 30, may provide qualified service members with up to 36 months of education benefits. MGIB program benefits may help eligible veterans to pursue degree and certificate programs, flight training, on-the-job training, online courses, and more. Some servicemembers may even be able to make a $600 contribution to receive up to $5400 in additional funds from the MGIB program; contact your personnel or payroll office for benefits information. Assistance through the Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill® is typically available for 10 years following the servicemember’s release from active duty.

Interested servicemembers may find eligibility information here: gibill.va.gov/benefits/montgomery_gibill/active_duty.html

Accelerated Payment Plan (APP) Information®Information

Accelerated payment may be available to qualified Active Duty GI Bill® recipients who plan to enter a high cost, high-tech program. The Accelerated Payment Plan may offer a one-time, lump sum payment that covers 60% of program tuition and fees. High-technology programs include Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, and many others. More information and the complete list of approved programs can be found here: benefits.va.gov/warms/docs/admin22/m22_4/part05/ch11.htm

Post-9/11 GI Bill®Information

If you have at least 90 days of aggregate service following September 10, 2001, or you were honorably discharged with a service-related disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 Servicemen’s Readjustment Act ®. This bill may provide financial support for housing and up to 36 months of training or education such as undergraduate/graduate degrees, flight training, vocational or technical training, and other programs. In some cases, qualified servicemembers may be able to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to spouses or dependent children.

Application information can be found here: gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/index.html

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Your college or other institution of higher learning may participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to make additional funds available for your education, if you qualify. Qualified degree-granting institutions that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program partner with the VA to help cover tuition expenses that exceed your Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits. In order to qualify, veterans or eligible benefits transferees must be at the 100% benefit level, meaning they are eligible for the maximum benefits rate under the Post-9/11 Servicemen’s Readjustment Act ®, and planning to attend a participating institution.

What is W.A.V.E. and why do I need to verify attendance?