GI Bill

What Type of Military Discharge Qualifies for VA Benefits?

What type of military discharge qualifies for VA benefits? It’s a question many ask if they left the service without entering the military healthcare system or applying for VA benefits. If you decided later in life to explore your VA benefit options, knowing the current guidelines is a good place to begin. Eligibility for Department…

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History of the GI Bill

History of the GI Bill

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush stated, “The GI Bill changed the lives of millions by replacing old roadblocks with paths of opportunity.” The GI Bill has grown along with the country and helped fortify the United States, encouraging a stronger and more educated community through making higher education degrees, field-specific training, and affordable housing…

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In-State Tuition Versus Out-of-State Tuition Under the GI Bill

There are many ways to use military benefits to pay for higher education. You may qualify for in-state tuition rates attending school using the GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and in some cases, the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA). Learn more.

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GI Bill for Reserve and National Guard Members

Is the GI Bill offered to members of the National Guard and the Reserve? Qualifying for the GI Bill means serving a minimum time in uniform. If you meet those requirements, depending on when you joined and the type of military service you performed, you may qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11…

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How much GI Bill do I have left

How Much GI Bill Do I Have Left?

If you have never used your GI Bill benefits before, you won’t need to ask how much GI Bill you have left, but those who have used the GI Bill and are starting a new semester need to know how much of the benefit remains. In some cases, they may also need to know how…

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Which GI Bill is best

Which GI Bill Is Better?

Which GI Bill is better? There is no single answer to this question as much depends on the student’s needs, circumstances, and educational goals. It’s better to compare GI Bill programs and options side-by-side to see which features are most important. Learn more.

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when did the GI Bill start

When did the GI Bill Start?

When did the GI Bill start? Believe it or not, the GI Bill we know today is the product of a long and winding history, starting with the very first version of the program known as the GI Bill of Rights, signed into law on June 22, 1944. The Very First GI BIll The original…

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top up GI Bill

Can I Top Up the GI Bill?

Is it possible to top up the GI Bill? There are multiple types of military education benefits. While the Department of Veterans Affairs offers the GI Bill, other options exist, including the Yellow Ribbon program, John D. Fry Scholarships, and Tuition Assistance programs. And depending on the program, there are also options to “top up”…

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Using eBenefits to Manage Your GI Bill

Can you use eBenefits to manage your GI Bill? This VA/DoD partnership has changed over the years, but eBenefits is still an important resource for those who can use the portal. We’ll examine its GI Bill features below. A Brief History of eBenefits In 2007, the President’s Commission on Care for Returning Wounded Warriors recommended…

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Can I use the GI Bill to buy a home?

Can I Use the GI Bill to Buy a House?

Is it possible to use the GI Bill to buy a house? This is a common question about GI Bill benefits, and the answer confuses some…at first. The short answer is no; you typically cannot use the GI Bill to purchase a home. But why not, and what program can you use to buy a home instead of the GI Bill?

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Does the GI Bill expire?

When Does the GI Bill Expire?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the GI Bill is how much time you have to use it. How long until the GI Bill expires? Is it possible to lose your GI Bill benefit? The answer depends greatly on which GI Bill program you are using and when you signed up, as we’ll explore. Read more.

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You might wonder if you owe taxes on your GI Bill

Do I Owe Taxes on the GI Bill?

If you plan to go to college using GI Bill benefits, you might wonder if the GI Bill is taxable. Examining the tax implications of your student financial aid is essential, especially if you hope to claim federal tax credits for your education expenses. The article below is not tax advice; consider this a primer for your own tax research or when discussing your VA benefits with a tax professional. Learn more.

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GI Bill status check

GI Bill Status: How to Check

Do you need to check the status of your application for the Post-9/11 GI Bill? There are ways to check the status of your application, and how you can do that may depend on your status as an active duty service member, veteran, military spouse or school-age dependent. Learn more.

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GI Bill After Failing a Class

In cases where you receive the GI Bill and are failing a class, you may wonder if you have to repay the VA for getting a “punitive” grade. Did you know that failing a class is, according to VA.gov, still considered academic progress? Learn more.

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Gi Bill Book Stipend

GI Bill Book Stipend

Is there a GI Bill book stipend for your program? If you plan to use your GI Bill benefits, you’ll want to know how much of your total school expenses might be covered by those benefits. Books and supplies are an important part of those calculations. Read more.

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Which GI Bill do I have?

Which GI Bill Do I Have?

A very common question for some beginning the journey toward higher education is, “What GI Bill do I have?” If you are a veteran, eligible family, an active duty service member, a Reservist, or a National Guard member, you may qualify for one or more VA benefits under the GI Bill. The first step is knowing which program you are in and how to check your GI Bill status.

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How to activate your GI Bill

How to Activate the GI Bill

One of the most common questions about the GI Bill? Many newcomers to the program want to know how to activate the GI Bill; is the benefit automatic? When can you start using it? We answer those questions and more.

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Is the GI Bill taxable?

Is the GI Bill Considered Income?

Is the GI Bill considered income? There are multiple reasons to ask this question, including whether or not you should expect to be taxed on the GI Bill and whether or not it can be considered income to apply for a VA home loan or other lines of credit.

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Guard and Reserve

National Guard & Reserve Education Benefits

Veteran Education Benefits for the National Guard and Reserve There are two basic ways to serve in uniform; commit to a full-time, active duty service commitment or choose part-time service as a member of the National Guard or Reserve. Those who choose the Guard or Reserve learn their military benefits–especially education benefits–aren’t as generous as…

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GI Bill

Post 9/11 GI Bill Application Guide for Active Duty & Veterans

Active Duty & Veterans’ Post 9/11 GI Bill Application Guide The Post 9/11 GI Bill is one of the most important military benefits you can earn. This guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the application form and submit it to claim your Post 9.11 GI Bill benefits. This is not a guide…

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Military Education

VA Form 22-5490 Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits Step-By-Step Guide

This is a step-by-step guide to filling out VA Form 22-5490, Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits. This is the form required for both dependents and spouses to apply for Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) or the Chapter 33 Fry Scholarship. Read More: Survivors and Dependents’ VA Education Benefits Read More: The…

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VA Education benefits

VA Benefits: How to Add or Remove Dependents with VA Form 21-686c

Have you gotten married or experienced other changes in your family since you applied for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs?  If you are a retired or separated military member who has had a change in marital status, family size, or similar circumstances, you’ll need to update VA records to include information about those…

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