Many of VA’s benefits or services can be traced back to June 22, 1944. That’s when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (SRA) of 1944, otherwise known as the G.I. Bill of Rights.
“This generation,” said Roosevelt, “has a rendezvous with destiny.” More than 16 million Americans served in World War II. Nearly 300,000 died in battle. Many were returning home to uncertain futures.
But these Veterans had determined allies.
Harry Colmery was a World War I Veteran, a former national commander of the American Legion and a former Republican National Chairman. He and the committee of legionnaires he led had a plan: a law that would assist new Veterans in their transition from military service.
Colmery wrote the original language of the bill that would eventually be sponsored by U.S. Representative Edith Norse-Rogers (R-Mass.), who eventually chaired the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The SRA provided WWII Veterans funds for college, unemployment insurance and housing benefits. By the end of the World War II-era in 1956, roughly 8 million out of 16 million WWII Veterans had used their G.I. Bill benefit for some kind of training.
“With the signing of this bill a well-rounded program of special Veterans’ benefits is nearly completed,” Roosevelt said. “It gives emphatic notice to the men and women in our armed forces that the American people do not intend to let them down.”
The G.I. Bill put tools and resources into the hands of young Americans looking to create a better life for themselves and their families, helping to create and strengthen the American middle class.
The G.I. Bill also had important social impact. It played a role in the promotion of the American Dream—owning a home, getting a good education and achieving upward mobility.
Observe the 80th Anniversary of the G.I. Bill
Upon its passage 80 years ago, not all Veterans benefitted equally. Racial and gender disparities made it difficult for all Veterans to access and use the benefits they earned. While VA cannot tell this story without including this truth, today, equity and access have become part of VA’s top priorities. VA remains committed to supporting America’s Veterans of every generation as they strive to realize their own American Dreams.
In the coming days, we’ll be publishing more news stories about the benefits derived from the SRA, including employment and training benefits available to some disabled Veterans, the origin of the Veteran Readiness and Employment, and more info on VA’s home loan benefits.
In the meantime, we want to know, how have you used yours? Let us know in the comments below.
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Yes, I utilized the GI Bill first for unemploymemt benefits, then for a College education. My first house was purchased using the GI Bill. In later years I applied for and received medical services from the Veterans Administration
My almost 8 years in the USAF was never waisted. I am fully retired presently at 74 and still receiving a benefit. An American Dream in action having an education, house, and etc.; I’m living it and obliged. ” IN GOD WE TRUST”. Thank you VA.
I used the GI bill to become the first of my family to get a college education
I was able to pass my bill to my Daughter which was able to use it for her College Degree. Very well worth the 1200.00 I paid at the beginning of basic training. USAF Retired
I served from Jan. 1955 through Dec. 1957, which qualified me for the Korean G.I. bill. I entered college in 1958 using the G. I. bill. I graduated in 1962 with a BS in accounting and went to work the day after graduating. I was married in 1959 and used a VA loan to buy a house in 1963. In the 1980’s I enrolled in the VA medical plan because of a hearing loss. At that time, I did not qualify for medical assistance for hearing aids. I did use the VA for prescription drugs. As time went on and rules changed, I was able to get the hearing aids and a C-Pap. The VA would have taken care of all my other medical problems but because of the travel involved I chose to use company insurance and Medicare. All in all, the G. I. bill and VA have saved me a lot of money, a lot more than I made while in the service. Because of the VA, I joined the MVP which may help future veterans.
I am a disabled Veteran. Thankful for all the VA has done for me. including home ownership. Schooling, and Medical Benefits. Don’t know what I would do without the VA
I paid into the GI BILL and it was taken from me. I wasn’t even eligible to get the money I paid into it at least. Very disappointing.
My husband also paid his G.I Bill including 6 months booster. I hope G.I BILL forever will apply to everyone including veterans who left or retired from military service, since it was implemented the policy.
I used the VA benefits for one opportunity for a Master’s in Psych-Mental Health Nursing. Help was not available for my Master of Divinity nor Doctor of Ministry degrees.
I passed all 36 months to my daughter who use it to become an attorney. She now practices downtown Indy.
SFC Candelario (retired)
Muncie,IN
My name is Doyle Smith i was born march 7 1955 in St.George Utah. I goined the nation Guard in nov. 1972 and served till 1980. to this day i havent been reconized as serving in the military. it kinda hurts.
I completed my BBA from North Texas State U and my Masters from Texas Christian University. Without that I would have had a serious time getting my college education.
By the time I was ready to use my remaining GI Bill, it had expired. Why is there an expiration date? Here I am now, wanting to and mentally prepared to finish what I’ve started and can’t afford to without the GI Bill.
I have the same question. Why should the education benefit expire? We earned it. Were granted it.
[Editor: VA administers benefits based on the federal laws that your elected leaders write and pass. An expiration was included in the law that granted those benefits.]
I am interested in a grant for home repairs
I just finally gotten 20 percent after trying so many times over 40 years for ringing in the ears.. I serve doing the cold war from 1975 to 1985 and although I did part take in the Vietnam conflict, but the cold war was as significant even though it wasn’t fought on a battle field. My opinion the cold war soldiers did not receive any honors or any disability compensation especially the overseas military support. Lots of or medical records was lost or missing due to government logistics incompetence. As an medical combat soldier we did lot of training in the field and medical treatment were documented , but wasn’t sent back to medical records division company. So , when you do put in a claim without military medical records support to verify your claim it will depend on medical records after u leaves or another Conrad statement.
Like many former veterans, the G.I. bill enabled me to attend college. I was able to attain my Bachelor of Science degree with the University of Illinois. The college degree boosted me up to a higher pay grade and a better life. I will always be thankful for that program.
I also had the old GI Bill ( like the person below), I was discharged in 1979. I am a female, and nothing was explained to me about any of the benefits I could receive. So, I did not know that my GI Bill had an expiration date. I was able to get my associate’s degree, but my GI Bill expired by the time I was ready to get my bachelor’s degree. Despite that situation I did get my bachelor’s degree, but I ended up getting student loans.
Women veterans were not treated very well back then.
It took me a while to reframe wasting my GI Bill to having made a mistake in using it.
I’m in my mid 40s and served for over 15 years through a combination of active and guard/reserve service that included some mobilization time overseas.
I remember growing up, as a child, there was this mantra: make good grades in school so you can get into a good college, get into a good college so that you can get a good job, and get a good job so that you can enjoy a good life.
I also saw a PBS documentary titled the Draft where someone is quoted as saying: “the typical soldier doesn’t enlist because they want to go to Afghanistan or Iraq, the typical soldier enlists because they are looking to better themselves or they are looking for opportunity”.
I’ve come to identify with that quote in that I joined looking for opportunity in the hope that the Gi Bill and college would provide me with some opportunity.
It turns out that hope is not a good plan. The mistake I made was to have hope and not have a plan for how I was going to use my GI Bill.
I’ve learned that the childhood mantra was a soundbite lacking in useful advice. My time in the military, both active duty and in the reserves showed me that it was quite common to get an education and then not be employed in a field that utilizes it.
It would appear that a shift has since offered. Degrees have been devalued or no longer required and certifications seem to be in more of a demand.
So I sit, broken hearted, my GI Bill benefits have been exhausted.
I don’t know how you can say GI bill is eighth year when I inlisted in 1978 and there wasn’t any GI bill. Ya’ll should correct you years for the GI bill.
My GI Bill was the “old GI Bill”and I am a Vietnam Era Veteran, honorably discharged after about 4 years of service. I was discharged in April 1978. After discharge, I used only a portion of my GI Bill for college education, and the rest of the educational benefit had expired. I have been told that I can no longer use the remainder of my benefits because it has expired. Are there exceptions to this expiration, and is there a way that I can apply for the remainder of the unused benefit to be reinstated?
Congrats on 80 years! While I’m very thankful for the assistance, the VEAP program was not a shining moment in the program’s illustrious history. $8,700 dollars total entitlement barely got me through two year at a Community College. I had to exhaust all my savings and work two jobs to put myself through school. VEAP definitely delayed my “American Dream.”
I used my Gi Bill benefits to complete both a BS in Public Administration and Education, then used the remainder to complete a MPA (Master of Public Administration). The GI Bill assisted me in having a great career after my military service
I am no longer pleased with the VA. I feel as if they have slowly stabbed me in the back.
The GI bill truly helped me get a college degree and helped me get my first house. That 19 year old veteran was a medic in the first of the 30th infantry in Vietnam and made it through the war.
Thanks for the helping hand!
I would love to see another article dealing with the track record of the VA regarding new applicants. I’ve spoken with other vets, as well as several professionals whose business it is to deal with vets who have had their initial applications ‘rejected’ by the VA. The word on the street is that VA’s modus operandi is to reject initial applications! This has been my experience recently, as well as several other vets I know.
My husband served 42 yrs, USMC, USAF when he died I have been an RN for 46 yrs, served many people well, even important law makers When he died
none ever told me what benefits were available to me. Not even the people in command. I decided to go to the Veteran’s Office downtown, they told me that I probably wouldn’t receive anything; I doubt that the people that decide these laws have ever been in a dire situation. If only they had ,they might have a little better understanding, but probably never empathy for what people have to do for any service or freedom that has been provided them . I’m sure lawmakers are immune to anything that doesn’t benefit them directly, Did you ever serve or make the world better for the people that have given so much? Shame on you for taking so much from people that allow you to have the way you live .
I’m shocked that your Veterans office said you probably won’t receive anything. Try to get hold of the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors book and the Veterans Resource book specific to your State. There’s a lot of information you could be eligible for.
I was a student (but not doing well) so I quit and joined the Army and found myself in Vietnam. I was in Corp II. When I came home I was more mature and I used the VA to get a degree. I still had benefits left so I went to the UK and got a masters degree (MSc.) at the London School of Economics. Then I went to Australia where I lectured at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
My husband retired from the military after serving for 21.5 years. Unfortunately we had to fight for about 3-4 years for VA Disability to increase his rating from 20% to 100%. Even with the 100% rating, our son ended up with student loans totaling over $200K because there was no grandfather clause to allow him to use the Yellow Ribbon Program.
I am a Vietnam Veteran Army Nurse. I used some of the GI Bill, however it was a battle. I have found in my experience that dealing with the VA has always been a fight, no matter the issue. It seems the VA institution founded to help veterans, actually began failing after WWII. Now it has become a shameful organization.
Attended college, first in my family to get a collge degree. It opened doors for me in my career, continued to further my education by attending different colleges to further my education and expanded my career, by reinventing companys that I was in business. Able to keep giving back in my community.
Creation of the GI Bill of Rights was a critical turning point in how our nation made the initial commitment to veterans. The sad part was how segments of our veteran community were left out. While some are trying to rectify this, there are still many who desire to maintain the status quo. As a retired US Army officer, I had the honor of serving with many outstanding soldiers, male, female, black, white, brown, Hispanic, Asian, Arab. My mentors taught me to evaluate my soldiers by their honesty, integrity and character. And to remember we all wore the same green fatigues. Adherence to these teachings oft-times left me at odds with those who did not. I spent my 23-year career transferring, to my soldiers, the incredible guidance I was given by these incredible mentors. I can only hope it stuck with them as much as it did with me. I am eternally grateful for the services I have used the GI Bill to obtain my graduate degree, buy my first house and obtain VA benefits for injuries sustain during my 23 year Army career. It truly saddens me not all of my brothers-in-arms had the same veteran privileges. Have grave concerns as to the direction our country is taking and can only hope the advancement of providing GI benefits to all veterans continues to progress.
I have read some of the success stories and some of the horrible ways my fellow Veterans have endured. We need to unite somehow to make the American public aware how some of us have not been afforded the same benefits as others. I was active duty Air Force from 1986-1991. Served in Panama(Just Cause) and also the Gulf War. I had about 8 years reserve too. I did not start receiving any VA disability compensation until January of 2024. Why? I didn’t know I was eligible for them. Also, I was able to use my GI Bill for a few years, but like others, it expired after 10 years. Not sure why our service to our country was any less than others, but the government need to reevaluate how we care for those who have served and continue to serve our country. I am grateful for what I am now receiving even though I am over 3 decades behind.
The things I had are slowly being taken away. Right now medicare is doing more for me.
I am retired and still working. I am in a caught 22. I will never be able to stop working. Because I am not making enough money with SS to really live after paying bills.
I know must qualify for some kind of benefits, not have a lot of help finding them.
Please google your county’s Veteran Service Officer (VSO); their job is assisting veterans like you. Godspeed!
How can I use my GI Bill to purchase a house?
There are eligibility and conditions of service requirements. You must have a good credit rating, sufficient income, a valid Certificate of Eligibility, and agree to live in the property to be approved by a lender for a VA home loan. Here’s the link https://vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/Home. The response time for applying online is much quicker than sending a hard copy. Good Luck!!!
Excelente información para todos lo que somos veteranos y llegamos con un sinnúmero de condiciones que aquejan nuestra salud.
Gracias mil
You know how you can commemorate the 80th anniversary of the GI Bill by giving the veterans that earned both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills our 12 months you owe us. The VA spent the last several years fighting against veterans so we did not get an aggregate of 48-months. You fought all the way to the US Supreme Court and lost on May 20, 2024. Why don’t you type “12” into the “Months remaining of educational benefits” field and start the ’24-25 school year off helping us instead of fighting us. Just a thought. You owe us and our kids these benefits we transferred to them. Get it done this month!
My GI BILL was stolen from me because I’m black. No doubt I’m not alone. This triggers me
Thanks to the GI BILL, I was able to complete my BS & MSW, which led to a direct commission, retirement as a field grade officer and a successful career after retirement from the US Air Force.
Thank God for the GI Bill. I can’t imagine what my life would be without it.
I was able to get a 2 year associate degree from a Technical University and I was given a job in that field of work. However, because I had to go to work so that I could pay for my family and living arrangements I was not allowed to take the last step which was the business part of the job class that I was taking. Since then I have tried on several occasions to get back into the Technical University and finish the course that I had been taking before having to choose between losing my house and making my family homeless or get to work so that I could pay the bills. I have tried several times through the years to get back to the course and finish my degree and I have been refused every time because of one reason or another. Here I am 66 years old and still have not finished the last couple of months of business to get the degree that I was trying to get.
Am I eligible for the GI bill if I ETS in 1996 and was in reserve status until 2021.
I also was in the unfortunate year groups that had to use VEAP. The gov’t did match my contributions. However, the AF sent me to the Air Force Institute of Technology where I earned my M.S. without using the VEAP funds. After retiring, not desiring to pursue any further degrees, I requested use of my VEAP funds for training for my post-retirement career (aircraft type rating for airlines). I was told that did not qualify and I could only use it at an accredited college or university to earn another degree. My only other option was to cash in my fund and pay much of it in taxes.
How do I get Veterans Pay?
Served 4-years active from July ’86 to July ’90. Then went to a 2-year vocational school in Fiji, studied Electrical Engineering, later moved to New Zealand to study same field EE. Tried both times to use my GI Bill, but was denied as it is not a degree program. I returned home after successfully completing my school, and served 25 years in our local power utility company, and now am with the local telecom company, a productive member of society, but still could not use my GI bill, after 10 years since leaving service, I lost out.
Hi Ted,
What is not being told to servicemembers is that colleges, private/public/trade schools, have to be approved by VA.
I proudly served from 1976-1980. My goal when I raised my hand was to better myself using the GI Bill. As a female, I was never denied any benefits then or now. When I left the Air Force I began my college career. I completed my B.S. with the GI Bills help. I had no debt upon completion of my degree. I did go on to earn a Masters in Education. The GI Bill gave me the financial safety net I needed to persevere . I am so grateful! Thank You!
My husband early-enlisted on 12/31/1976 in order to get in on the old GI Bill. He graduates high school in June, 1977 and left for boot camp a week after graduating.
When he enlisted, he was promised free medical, including vision and hearing, for life if he stayed in a minimum of 20 years, which he did. However, medical and vision have not been free as he has had to pay a monthly amount as well as co-pays for his medical needs, and he’s had to pay out for eyeglasses as well.
He has used quite a few of the benefits of the GI Bill, however, to include education up to his Master’s degree and free hearing aids for his severe tinnitus, which was a result of being an airplane mechanic.
Instead of paying off student loans for individuals who have never served in the armed forces, you should be paying 100% of the medical bills for those who have served and had issues as a result.
Unfortunately the GI bill for those retirees who left in 1987 did not have ten years to use it unlike those who retired w1986 and before nor where eligible for the Montgomery program. Basically they were screwed over.
I used the GI Bill from 1975 to 1980, when I received my Purdue diploma. However, I think that I earned it, since I was in the A Shau Valley, Vietnam with an infantry company, during 1969. I was an artillery RTO with the company calling in ARA’s, 105 mm cannon fire on enemy positions when we were ambushed by the enemy in the jungle.
[Editor: Fire for effect! Me too, but OIF.]
Yes, I have used the benefits. Housing, education, and retirement.
I only had that ratty VEAP program. I put up my part and uncle sugar put up his . Nevertheless it was crappy
What benefits am I entitled to?
I am extremely grateful for GI benefits
Hi bill helped with college and law school, helped me buy my first home
This is misleading. When I served, ’83 – ’87 USAF, there was no GI Bill. The original GI Bill had been terminated and the new bill hadn’t been approved. All I had available was VEAP – Veterans Education Assistance Program. It was a two for one match on my contributions, and my contributions were capped at $2,700.00. It was nowhere near enough for a degree. I had a monthly check for about a year and it dried up. Then I had to borrow money and apply for grants to finish my degree.
The GI Bill in this story hasn’t existed in decades.
I don’t understand that. I served 1965-1969 (USMC) and used the GI Bill. Graduated University of Houston Texas graduate.
I left the service and went to the local college a month later. Was sent to the veterans counselor who denied my benefits. I was standing there arguing with him and he just kept saying no. It was 1981. I enlisted in 1976 while still in high school. Did the required delayed entry time and went active when I graduated. When the school counselor denied me I called Muskogee. The man said “if he told you that it must be true”. When I found out in the digital age that they both lied to me, I wondered if it was because I was a female. I was thankful that my dad, who pushed me to go delayed entry so I would have the GI bill, was not alive to see the way they lied to us. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one treated that way.
It sounds like the counselor did not know anything about VA education benefits. I’m a SCO at a community college. I make sure my veteran and dependent students who wish to use their VA education benefits, maximize everything and anything at the college I work at.
My benefits expired but I had a lot of use left, so I have a lot of regret not using it up. It’s my fault. I didn’t know they expired. Is there any way to petition to reinstate my benefits? Or is it a lost cause.
Joined USMC August 1977 delayed entry to get in the Avionics MOS went to boot camp January 1978 was given MOS 0300 Infantry OJT. Get to KMCAS Hawaii and was told I should be at Cherry Point, NC for Avionics school that my orders were messed up. I SAID NO SH*T!
Capt James (Puppy Dog) Mattis company Commander Kilo 3/3 1st Marine Brigade assigned me double armory watch 8hrs on duty 4hrs off and 8hrs on duty! What a 18th birthday that was!
No GI Bill 1977-80 some VEAP Program that failed to pay for tuition in a timely manner for many of people and were forced to leave school for NON PAYMENT by the VA!!
Everyone asked for there money back put in!
I had to pay for my own college out of pocket! $16k
The VEAP PROGRAM DID NOT WORK!
Be nice to be REIMBURSED by the VA!
It chaps my behind seeing all the Student Loans forgive today to all the people who never served.
It would have been better if Korean Veterans would have gotten the same GI Benefit as WWII Vets. Korean Vets got $110 a month if you were single and $120 a month if you were married. From this payment, you were responsible for all college costs. While I’m grateful for that amount it still required me to work to cover all my costs.
I have not. I was under the Montgomery G.I. Bill that expired 10 years after a Veteran’s discharge date. I think this is a disservice to war veteran’s who have a disability rating. How is it that legislation written post Gulf War Era that now gives veterans who participated in the G.I. Bill an indefinite period of time. Are our sacrifices less worthy ? The same goes for Disability which we were not made aware back in the 1990’s that we could be eligible where as now Veterans are informed and encouraged to file before leaving the service in hopes of shortening the process. I missed more than 20 years of disability benefits due to the U.S. military’s failure to inform and educate it’s veterans. You’re taught how to kill, perform your job, customs and traditions, yet we were failed by our government/VA.
The GI Bill helped pay for my B.S. degree. It helped out my Warrant Officer Candidate packet.
Like so many other junior enlisted personnel, I was denied the GI.I. Bill (and all other VA benefits) by the Coast Guard through the improper use of the “Uncharacterized Discharge”after three years of active duty service. The “uncharacterized discharge” is being actively used by the Coast Guard to administratively separate junior “Coasties”(E3/4/5) in the absence of Captains’s Mast or Court Martial or any UCMJ-sanctioned process. As a former Yeoman, I can ensure you that the USCG leads all services in this ongoing abuse.
So, as you’re writing about history, look up the “Blue Discharge” from WWI and II. You will be surprised to learn that the same effort that targeted Blacks and Homosexuals then is still in use today, but aimed at any junior enlisted person who surfaces an issue that reflects poorly on the Coast Guard or its leadership.
Yep, I did use my benefit (6 years Army) and it gave me an almost free BA and MA degrees plus paid me and wife a monthly living amount for household. Bought 3 homes with no down payment.
Medical care was the issue for the longest until Congress got their earful and gave the VA funds they needed.
I used the SRA/G.I Bill three times for home ownership also obtained my degree.
Thank You
Can you tell me, (a 70% Disabled Veteran with 26 years of service US Coast Guard: Chief Warrent Officer). If I land in a (contracted by the Veteran Admistration) nursing home am I responsible for the cost? Or where can I get this in writing.
Yes, I have used my veterans education benefits and am grateful that I did.
When I got out got married and had to go to work never had time to go to school and found out the GI bill was only good for ten years. 74 to 80
Now I’m older and would love to go to school but it’s gone.
I’m in the same boat. I would love to be grandfathered in to use my benefits that expired after 10 years after my Honorable Discharge. War veteran with a 20% disability rating and counting.
Apply for the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) education benefits. That program will pay for all your tuition and fees, books & supplies, parking permit, and anything you need to support your educational goals (i.e. laptop, desk, printer, etc). But be aware, that some VR&E counselors will tell you differently.
You must have at least a 10% service-connected disability rating.
I didn’t use my G.I. bill after I was discharged. Why is there a time placed on when you can use it. Also, where does the money go that you put into the fund. with all the money being sent overseas, I don’t see why Solders wouldn’t get refunded, or the benefits get extended.
[Editor: VA provides benefits based on the federal laws that elected leaders write. Included in that version of that law that provided that benefit was a 10-year expiration.]
I let my GI bill benefit expire. I wanted to use it but I was too messed up for so many years after I was discharged from the Corps that I never used it.
What a joke. the GI Bill we paid for in the 1980s couldnt be used after ten years. Useless.
I have used my Vietnam era GI Bill to get my college degree and buy a home using my VA certificate of eligibility to purchase a total of 4 homes without a down payment.
Time ran out before I could use my gi bill
It paid for my Master’s at USC & a year of my Ed. D at USC as well.
I (we) Veterans are finding what we are so thankful for and utmost appreciative to have paid into. My G-I Bill has been very difficult to access. Offices around the city have been closed that in the past, before Covid; we vet’s were able to walk into for assistance. In their absence.
It has been most difficult to get underway with our educational benefits. It will make one ask the question,, why. Why would they make this so challenging to accomplish?
A wonderful program benefit. Should not be waisted while we Celebrate 80 years of participation. Some have taken away the user-friendly aspect of getting to our education-benefits. Making us Vets to have to go further, try so much more harder, and waist valuable time home trying to sign up,, and began our schooling. While after covid passing: offices either closed and have still not opened, and or further out without our knowing how we may contact them. If anything is closer-for visits.
My State College is having a very difficult time accessing my fund so I can start.
Thank you.
Hi Charles,
I’m a School Certifying Official (SCO) for a university (I’m going to refrain from listing which one), and read your comment. I’m curious, have you utilized the online resources to apply for your GI Bill? Most of this is automated now, so you should receive your Certificate of Eligibility within a calendar month.
Once this is completed, you simply need to provide this to your school’s SCO along with an enrollment request form if the office in questions has one. Your college cannot begin certifying your enrollments to the VA without your COE. This might explain your difficulty.
If your education benefit is Chapter 31 Veterans’ Readiness and Employment, your Vocational Rehab Counselor will send the school your authorization through a program called Tungsten. Then you would only need to send the enrollment request to the SCO at your school.
I hope this info helps!
Apply for the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) education benefits. That program will pay for all your tuition and fees, books & supplies, parking permit, and anything you need to support your educational goals (i.e. laptop, desk, printer, etc). But be aware, that some VR&E counselors will tell you differently.
You must have at least a 10% service-connected disability rating.
Spent seven years in the Army, the G.I. Bill allowed me to attain my associates and bachelors degrees in Accounting. Thanks Uncle Sam for keeping your end up. The Veteran organizations at the College of Southern Nevada and UNLV were excellent in helping me get my monthly payments.
Good, happy it worked out, nice to read that.
Was not able to use in time frame and was not afforded opportunity to receive the money I invested into program
I had to leave college in 1990 when the GI bill I was eligible for was unfunded by congress. I had received 1 year of payments and got a letter from the VA that should congress vote to extend funds I would be eligible for continued payments. With no other funds available I took out student loans for the next semester but didn’t have the gap money to continue after that.
I had 30k of my home loan insured by the VA that the mortgage company arranged. But since my discharge in 1988 never had any other contact with the VA.
GI Bill enabled me to complete a Master of Science degree at local University. A big deal.
Have to also mention, while in Service the educational benifit allowed me to complete an
undergraduate degree in Engineering, double Big Deal!
Yes I have used my G.I. Bill benefits. Thank you Uncle Sam.
The G.I. bill helped me with collage and gaining employment. Thank You.
I was curious why is there a cutoff date on the GI BILL & what happens to the enlisted soldiers money that is taken when they don’t use the GI BILL in the allotted time frame? I feel as if the 1200 should either be returned back or there shouldn’t be a cutoff date , how many soldiers have left 1200 dollars on the table for the military to take advantage of the situation?
After my discharge from the service I became a Police Officer in 1960, At that time I was married. 4 years later with2 children , a new house & working 2 jobs I decided that I decided to enroll in Baruch College for 2 years , then John Jay College of Criminal Justice for 3 years – both part of the New York City College University System. Then, with 2 more years under the GI Bill I proceeded to attend C W Post College for a Master’s Degree. I quit my parttime job early on to get that education. I continued with the Police Department and with my worked Bachelors & Master’s degrees received a Board of Education Certificate & taught in several city high schools. After retirement (24 years), I worked for a large Building Corp. as Director of Life Safety & held NY Fire Det. Multi-site Fire Safety Certificate I then Worked for A large Security Corp. as a VP of Compliance & Training At the tender age of 68 I retired. PS: Total cost of education was $ 11,000 . It worked for me.
As a Vietnam era veteran I had GI Bill Opportunities and accepted them all when I needed them. In the 70’s and 80’s my education was paid for completely, with a very small amount needed via private ($7,500.00) loans. My home loan was backed by the GI BILL! Now, my health is being covered by the GI BILL! If your resting on your laurels then you may need to start advocating for yourself.
I am 87, Vietnam Viet, and have been waiting for some benefits, especially the High Blood Pressure presumptive claim plus 9 other claims denied. The military and the American government are a joke. I will die with nothing except my brain damage.
What good, if any, will these statements do to help further our cause
As a disabled Vietnam Era Veteran, I know there are many good people who are trying to help. Unfortunately, there are more bad people trying to hurt us then help us. Where would we be, without the immense sacrifices of our Veterans. I hope we never forget that…
I used both my education benefit and VA Home Loan guaranty, thanks for helping to make my life better with those benefits!
I used my GI benefits after my 6 years of active duty and stayed in the reserve too. It always covered my books and supplies. My husband was still on active duty and when he joined the reserves he also went to school and was glad to have the allotment for his books and supplies as well. Both of us were able to pursue careers that kept us busy until re/retirement age.
Many years ago the GI Bill helped me complete my Bachelor’s and my Law defree,
I didn’t know I was able to use it. I. Getting ready to move and it may be of help to me. Would like more information on it. Temporary and permanent housing. Thanks
Jim kolb,usmc 1963 to 1966
V.N. 65&66
Why do you continue to deny paying Reservists their rightful benefits? You’ve been aware that you do not have access to their qualifying service since at least 2014 yet continue to not care.
MY NAME IS RICHARD IWHEN IN IN JANUARY OF 1963 ,THE 25 OF THAT MONTH SOME LEFT A SCREWDRIVER ON THE TOP SECOND MY RIGHT HIT IT AND I LANDED AT THE LAST STEP. ON MY BUTT MY BACK ON THE SECOND A BOTH ARMS ONE THE THIRD AND MY FOOT LOCKER BROKEN MY ARD I GONE 10% AFTER 30 YEARS I GOT IT TO THIRTY FOR MY ARM THE ARMY SUCK
The G.I. Bill was great–for WWII vets. For us Vietnam vets, it was a royal screw job. I put myself through college, mainly with the support of my wife. The $130.00 a month G.I. Bill payment was an insult. Where the WWII vets got more than that, plus book, plus tuition, plus rent, all we got was that measly $130.00 per month. And don’t get me started on the difference in the life insurance programs. I understand that reparations are the big thing now. They might consider starting with the Vietnam vets.