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WASHINGTON, July 13, 1998 – Veterans enrolled in the active duty or reserve component versions of the Montgomery GI Bill will see a 20 percent increase in monthly education payments beginning Oct. 1.
The president signed the legislation June 9, approving the increase in benefits. The benefit to full-time students will increase from $439.85 monthly to $528 for active duty enrollees with three years service. Total payments for the 36-month maximum will increase from $15,834 to $19,008. The rate for enrollees with two years service goes from $357.38 monthly to $429, or an increase from $12.865.68 to $15,444. Vietnam-era GI Bill enrollees who converted to the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty Program will see their monthly rates increase to $251, or to a maximum total of $9,036. Other veterans benefits improved under the law taking effect Oct. 1 include: - A one-time allowance for disabled veterans needing modified controls or wheelchair lifts for an automobile increases to a maximum of $8,000.
- A one-time specialty adapted housing grant for disabled veterans who have lost, or lost the use of, both lower extremities increased to $43,000.
- The special housing adaptation grant for veterans who are blind, or have lost or lost the use of both hands increases to $8,250.
- A $50 monthly increase in pensions paid to low income veterans in need of regular aid and attendance.##
The law also repeals a 1990 law that permanently ended eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation for a veterans survivor who remarries. The pre-1990 policy will allow survivor benefits to be restored if the survivors remarriage ends. (From a Department of Veterans Affairs release)
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