GI Bill and Military Education

Using the GI Bill Benefits You Worked Hard to Earn

The GI Bill and Your Family

It is up to each individual branch as to whether to allow family members to utilize unused GI Bill benefits. Currently, the Army has a program which allows it, but only for personnel in certain MOS's. The very best thing a military member or veteran can do is to contact a local military installation and get connected to the Education Office. The personnel in this office will be able to answer questions about specific situations.

VEAP: Who is Eligible?
The Veteran's Education Assistance Program was used between 1977 and 1985. It let military members contribute almost three thousand dollars toward their veteran education, with the Department of Defense adding double that amount.

Like the GI Bill, those eligible for VEAP have a ten year window to use the funds once they leave active duty. Contributions to VEAP were replaced by the current GI Bill program, with VEAP ending in 1987. Those on active duty under the "New" GI Bill program are not part of VEAP, and there is no longer an active VEAP for veteran education money--those who were eligible between '77 and '85 are still able to draw the money, but all others are in the current program.

The DEA: A Little-known Dependent Education Benefit
The Dependents Educational Assistance plan or DEA was designed to help dependents of veterans in specific circumstances, including POW and MIAs, and those either totally disabled or totally disabled vets who have passed away. This veteran benefit is not automatic, it must be applied for through your local VA office by filing a claim for benefits.

Spouses and children who meet the requirements are eligible for the DEA veteran benefit. Once approved, 45 months of DEA benefits are authorized, which include payment rates based on the GI Bill payment chart for full and part time enrollment into eligible schools.

GI Bill is Not Just for College
Many people assume their Montgomery GI Bill is meant just for a traditional 4-year degree. Fortunately the MGIB is far more versatile.

• Those who have a private pilot's license and meet medical requirements can use the Montgomery GI Bill to pay for flight training.
  
  
• Students attending vocational schools and technical schools are also eligible to use the MGIB, if they meet certain requirements.
  
  
• Those who dream of running a small business will be pleased to know the Montgomery GI Bill covers courses offered by the Small Business Administration at Small Business Development Centers across the U.S.
  
  
• The Montgomery GI Bill also pays for classes offered by the National Veterans Business Development Corporation.
  
  
• The GI Bill even covers testing for certifications and licensing, and such testing is paid for regardless of outcome--if you perform badly the first time out, you may retake the test or recertify, again, paid for with the MGIB.

The bottom line; The Montgomery GI Bill is not restricted to typical degree programs; there is a wide variety of choices available for those who need something less traditional. Check with the school to learn if they are eligible.