WEBB-HAGEL ‘POST-9/11’ GI BILL: HOW IT IMPACTS YOU

                                    By Tom Philpott

With the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 signed into law June 30, military members and veterans crave information on whether, when and how they will gain access to the richer education package, known also as the Webb GI Bill or the Webb-Hagel GI Bill.

Keith M. Wilson, director of education service for the Veterans Benefits Administration, gave refreshingly direct and detailed answers during a Military Update interview July 2.

Wilson said the VA also has a pamphlet on the new GI Bill posted at its website, www.gibill.va.gov, and a toll free number, 1-888-GIBILL1, for follow-up questions.  Here are highlights of his comments:

Post-9/11 Benefits -- The first thing active members, reservists and veterans should know is that, to qualify for the new GI Bill, they must have served at least 90 consecutive days on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.  “Whenever you stand up a program like this, Congress draws the line somewhere.  They drew it at 9/11 for this one,” Wilson said.

Active service of 90 days to six months since 9/11 entitles a member to 40 percent of the new benefit.  Longer service delivers a larger percentage.  And those with at least 36 months’ active duty since 9/11, or those who have been separated since then for disability after serving at least 30 consecutive days, earn full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

One Benefit, Three Payments -- Under Webb-Hagel, the VA will pay a qualified student’s tuition and fees directly to any college or university, up to a maximum amount which is equal to the cost of attending their state’s most expensive public college or university.

This is very different than payments under the Montgomery GI Bill which go directly to students and stay level across the country.  A fulltime MGIB student draws the same $1101 a month whether attending a junior college, where he or she might be able to pocket some benefits, or a high-priced private school where MGIB covers only a fraction of actual costs...