Friday, May 1, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District urged veterans eligible for education benefits under the GI Bill for the 21st Century to apply through the Department of Veterans Affairs online beginning today, Friday, May 1.  Members of the military who served on active duty for at least 90 days since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, can receive up to four years of education benefits that include stipends for housing and books.  Veterans who served on active duty for at least three years are eligible for the maximum benefit.  Veterans will have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits.

Information and instructions on how to apply are available at https://www.gibill.va.gov and the online form can be found at http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22-1990-ARE.pdf.  Payments will be processed beginning August 1.

“It is our solemn duty to care for the brave men and women who have served our country with honor and dignity,” Congresswoman Titus said.  “With the GI Bill for the 21st Century, we will honor that duty by providing a quality education that will ensure our veterans have the knowledge and training they need to compete in today’s economy.   Moving forward, this Congress will build on these efforts as we continue to make the needs of our nation’s veterans a top priority.”

Under the GI Bill that was signed into law on June 30, 2008:

• Service members, including those returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, can receive up to 36 months of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books.
• Veterans would have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits.
• Veterans would have the ability to use their benefits for program fees, tuition, books and housing.
• Veterans would be able to use the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, in which the federal government will match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum educational assistance provided under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
• Benefits are applicable for apprenticeships, vocational schools, and other non-traditional post-secondary educational settings.

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Tags: veterans