Hopefully, this can help some of you.

In July of 2008 the Post-9/11 GI Bill was signed into law, creating a new robust education benefits program rivaling the WWII Era GI Bill of Rights. The new Post 9/11 GI Bill, which went into effect on August 1, will provide education benefits for servicemembers who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001. These benefits are tiered based on the number of days served on active duty, creating a benefit package that gives current and previously activated National Guard and Reserve members the same benefits as active duty servicemembers.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Once the VA has received your application they will determine your eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and issue you a Certificate of Eligibility. You can apply using the VA Form 22-1990. The form includes the instructions needed to begin the process.

The New Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a new set of benefits for servicemembers and veterans attending education and training programs taken at an accredited college or university. Post-9/11 benefit payments are tiered based on the amount creditable active-duty service you have since Sept. 10, 2001.
(See the table to determine your benefit tier)

These new education benefits include the following:
• Up to 100% Tuition and Fee Coverage
• A Monthly Living (Housing) Stipend
• Up to $1000 a year for Books and Supplies
• A One Time Relocation Allowance
• The Option to Transfer Benefits to Family Members
• Other Benefits
• Basic Eligibility Criteria

Table of Post-9/11 Benefits – Who Gets What?
The following table offers a quick overview of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for each major group of recipients who meet the basic eligibility qualifications.

We spoke about the Yellow Ribbon Program on our show a few weeks ago as well. The new GI Bill also includes a provision to help students avoid some or all of the out-of-pocket tuition and fees associated with education programs that may exceed the Post 9/11 GI Bill tuition benefit. The YRP is not automatic, schools must enter into an agreement with the VA to share the expense.

To qualify to receive the Yellow Ribbon benefits you must meet the following criteria:
• Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
• Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and have served a minimum of 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
• Are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.

The Career Advancement Accounts program provides assistance to military spouses seeking to gain the skills and credentials necessary to begin or advance their career. Career Advancement Accounts (CAA) cover the costs of training and education, enabling participants to earn a degree or credential in in-demand, portable fields in almost any community across the country. CAA can be used to pay up to $3,000 in fees for one year, and may be renewed for one additional year, for a total two-year account amount of up to $6,000 per spouse.

Click here to learn more about the Career Advancement Accounts program.

While looking for money for school many surviving spouses and their families overlook the over $300 million of military – and veteran – related scholarships and grants. These scholarships often go unclaimed due to the following misconceptions:
• VA education benefits eliminate the need for scholarships and grants.
• False – The truth is that the Survivor and Dependent Education Assistance program offers great benefits it may not cover everything. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants specifically designed to help cover education related costs, so you don’t have to.
• Scholarships are too difficult to win and applying requires too much work.
• It is true that some scholarships require a written essay. But, it is important to remember that scholarship and grant applications vary widely, and some require nothing more than a short application. Besides you should think of it this way: It may be the only essay you ever get paid to write.
• Scholarships are too difficult to find.
• False – Many scholarships go unclaimed because students don’t know where to look. Fortunately, there is a great online resource to help servicemembers find the scholarship and learn how, where, and when to apply. Visit the Military.com’s Scholarship Finder today and get started on your way to finding free money for school.