May 12, 2009

ED Eases GI Bill Requirements

The Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252) established the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance program on June 20, 2008. The program, which is also referred to as the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Chapter 33 Benefits, provides enhanced educational benefits for veterans and service members.

These benefits are available for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service performed on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or for individuals honorably discharged or released from active duty as described below:

• Discharge from active duty.
• Release from active duty with placement on the retired list or temporary disability retired list.
• Release from active duty with a transfer to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve.
• Release from active duty for further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces.
• Discharge for a service-connected disability with service for 30 continuous days on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published final regulations for the Post 9-11 GI Bill - which are effective Aug. 1, 2009 - in the March 31, 2009 Federal Register.