How Can Those of Us Who Retired Prior to 1 Aug 09 Keep An Eye on Your Petition?
Q: How can those of us who retired prior to 1 Aug 09 keep an eye on your petition to allow us a one-time opportunity to transfer our benefits to one of our children? Does the Post 9/11 GI Bill have the same 10-years from retirement restriction as the Montgomery GI Bill? Thank you!
A: As far as my petition, I want to gather as many signatures as possible before submitting it to the President. The more signatures we have, the stronger the voice. So I don’t plan on submitting it until around the June time-frame, so that everyone that wants to support it can have a chance to read and sign it. Once submitted, I’ll keep everyone informed through this blog as to the progress of it.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill has a different delimitation date than does the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). As you stated, MGIB benefits expire 10 years from your last date of discharge. Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the delimitation date is 15 years from your last date of discharge.
The last date of discharge means that your delimitation start date is reset if you were in the military, got out and then went back in for at least 90 days or more. That scenario happened more frequently because of Iraq and Afghanistan where former servicemembers were recalled to serve on active duty.
For those with unused benefits left and approaching their delimitation date, switching to the Post 9/11 GI Bill can be a real boon for them. Now they have more time to use up their benefits and either finish that degree started so long ago or train for something entirely new.