From restoring lost education benefits to expanding where they can be used, the Colmery Act, commonly known as the Forever GI Bill, brings significant changes to VA education benefits.
Will this new legislation impact you?
Learn more during a Facebook Live event on February 15 at 1 p.m. EST. Robert M. Worley II, VA’s Director of Education Service, and Besa Pinchotti, Communications Director for the National Military Family Association (NMFA), will discuss the changes, eligibility requirements, how to apply and more.
Join us for this live video and learn how the Forever GI bill can help more Veterans use their education benefits.
This event is part of the “#ExploreVA: From Service to Success” online series highlighting how Veterans and their families use VA benefits and services. These benefits help Veterans earn degrees, start careers, buy homes, stay healthy and more. Visit Explore.VA.gov for information on events, resources and how to apply for VA benefits.
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Army Veteran and storyteller Dustin Elias spoke at the celebration of the G.I. Bill 80th anniversary at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the G.I. Bill, today we look back at VR&E—one of its precursors.
For many, the G.I. Bill provided a path to the American dream by helping them pursue education, secure employment after military service and purchase a home.
I paid into the G.I Bill , I did not use the G.I Bill it did have a 10 year time period but was never clear on how to get my benefits . I should not have had a time limit , none of the younger soldiers have a time limit none did they have to pay in to receive the GI Bill . I will be listening today to see if things change in my favor .
One more Vietnam Vet who used part of my education benefits in the 1980’s. Then the remainder expired. Does “forever” go in both directions?
I don’t use Facebook. How can I learn about the “Forever GI Bill?
Forever GI Bill
I am in that same boat also. I am poor and need a job
What I would like to know is why the VA won’t help vets like me. I am a 50 year woman vet who is trying to better herself in college. And they will not help with education benefits unless you are disable. I served my country and now that I need them they wont help. Why?
So many veterans do not use their educational benefits, sad. It take energy to go back to school, I used every nickel of my benefits got a four year degree from The a Citadel all while working 40+ hours a week, every week! It was tough but very worthwhile. Took me seven years to graduate. Vietnam combat vet, 1966.
I am a Vietnam Era Veteran also And I am in the same boat as the man above I hope and pray the new bill will cover all veterans….
I am also a Vietnam Era Veteran. I only used my GI Bill for a few months and could not use it due to hardship. I was also told that it expired after 10 years. I would like to go back to school and finish my degrees. I hope Forever GI Bill is for me as well.
I am a Vietnam era veteran drawing a non-service connected pension I have been deemed unemployable I wish to go back to school and change my occupation I have th I have degenerative joint disease in both knees I have an enlarged heart and high blood pressure so I can no longer working Home Remodeling and construction but if I change my occupation to something like peer support specialist substance abuse counselor things along those lines I should be alright the only thing is I cannot draw on my GI Bill education grants because they run out after 10 years formally or at least that’s what they told me I use them probably two months and never drew completely on them I am honorably discharged Vietnam era veteran I went in 1975 and ets’d on 1978 honorably discharged please if you have any information on this new forever GI Bill that could help me go back to school and draw the money from the VA to pay for it please send them to Barnes Joel (redacted)
Can you work on the SSD if you can you should not have a problem
when I separated from the U.S. Army in 1989 I had a wife and young child. I was very confused about what benefits I had if any. I knew I needed to support myself and my family so I went to work. I am now 50 years old. I have been on SSD for 8 years and have a 50% rating from the VA. I struggle month to month, day by day.
I have returned to school, the VR&E program refuses to help me. They say I am unemployable.Every day at school I see vets roll in their wheelchair bragging how VR&E has paid for their schooling and everything they need. They don’t even plan to use their education to start a business or enter the workforce as I do. They just want someplace to go to learn something new. I know this is not the case of all those rated at 100%. I have seen many succeed and overcome the odds. They create wonderful works of art or are able to open a business. They still get their unemployability benefits, they still get the 100% rating. Why do I have to struggle so hard to get ahead? why do I have thousands of dollars of student loans? why can’t I seem to get the break so many others are getting?
I do hope I will be eligible for this bill and it will take some of the burdens off of me and my family. I am sure many others are in my position. Please note I have not posted this to offend anyone or create a stereotype of any kind. I am speaking from my personal experiances and wish to insult no one.