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GI Bill Transferability Has Arrived

For the first time in history, servicemembers enrolled in the Post-9/11
GI Bill program will be able to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children starting Aug. 1, 2009.

New Department of Defense guidance, issued June 23, 2009, establishes the criteria for eligibility and transfer of those education benefits.

The new GI Bill, signed into law June 20, 2008, provides the most comprehensive educational benefit package since the original bill, officially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, was signed into law.

For more information on eligibility and application procedures,
see the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs Web site.

Top Stories

President Favors Inclusive Approach to GI Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2009 – As the administration works with Congress to shore up gaps in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, President Barack Obama said he wants to be inclusive in extending those entitlements. Story»

VA, Tricare Recipients Not Impacted

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2009 – In ongoing discussions about health-care reform, President Barack Obama offered assurance to those receiving medical care through Tricare or the Department of Veterans Affairs: Your benefits are safe. Story»

Obama: New GI Bill Renews
Commitment to U.S. Troops

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2009 – President Barack Obama saluted the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill during a ceremony at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Story»

GI Bill Transferability Set to Begin

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2009 – More than 25,000 servicemembers have pre-applied for the Post-9/11 GI Bill's option to transfer unused educational benefits to eligible family members. Story»

New GI Bill Options Take Effect Aug. 1

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2009 – The Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect Aug. 1, but in the meantime, servicemembers may submit a request to transfer benefits to their spouses and children now. Story»

1,100 Schools Sign New
GI Bill 'Yellow Ribbon' Pact

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2009 – Vets to Get Better Financial Aid for School More than 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into "Yellow Ribbon" program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve financial aid for veterans participating in Post-9/11 GI Bill. Story»

Troops Urged to Apply Soon for Benefits

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2009 – Servicemembers interested in using the new Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits this fall are encouraged to contact the Veterans Affairs Department soon to determine their eligibility, the VA’s director of education said. Story»

Troops to Use Web Site
To Transfer GI Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2009 – The Defense Department has signed off on policies and procedures servicemembers will use to transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouses or children. Story»

DoD Announces Transferability
Options For “Post 9/11 GI Bill”

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2009 – The Defense Department has announced the criteria that will allow career active duty troops, or servicemembers in the selected reserve, to transfer all or part of their GI Bill education benefit to family members. Story»

Program Makes High-Cost Schooling Accessible to Troops, Vets

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2009 – Servicemembers and veterans who enroll in the new Post-9/11 GI Bill will be able to attend some of the country’s most prestigious – and high-cost –universities, thanks to a new program that’s gaining momentum in academic circles. Story»

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More Top Stories

VA Emphasizes Education
Before Post-9/11 GI Bill Switch

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2009 – As the Department of Veterans Affairs begins accepting sign-ups for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, officials are encouraging veterans considering a shift to the new program to get the facts first so they can make a sound decision. Story»

VA Emphasizes Education
Before Post-9/11 GI Bill Switch

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2009 – As the Department of Veterans Affairs begins accepting sign-ups for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, officials are encouraging veterans considering a shift to the new program to get the facts first so they can make a sound decision. Story»

Official Explains Proposed Post-9/11
GI Bill Transferability Rules

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 – With the Department of Veterans Affairs ready to begin accepting sign-ups for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Defense Department is working to get word out on its proposed policy regarding the bill’s transferability provisions to help servicemembers decide if the new benefit is right for them. Story»

Back From Baghdad, Obama Vows
More Support to Troops, Families

CARLISLE BARRACKS, Pa., April 16, 2009 – Back from visiting troops deployed to Iraq, President Barack Obama has vowed to ensure the programs that support troops get proper funding. Story»

VA Secretary Expects Big Impact

ARLINGTON, Va., April 16, 2009 – All systems are on track for this summer’s rollout of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, which Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said he expects to have as monumental an impact as the original World War II-era GI Bill of Rights. Story»

Program Helps Veterans Transition
From War Zone to Campus

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala., April 15, 2009 – A Cleveland State University professor has launched a program to help veterans move more easily into academic life.Story»

More to Qualify for GI Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2009 - Troops nearing retirement eligibility may be able to tap into the transferability benefits provided in the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, even if they’re unable to serve four more years of duty due to service policies. Story»

New GI Bill Carries Different Eligibility

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2009 – The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Bill, a new educational assistance program administered by the Veterans Affairs Department, will be available to qualified individuals Aug. 1. Story»

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