How Do I Convert My Current GI Bill over to the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
Q: how do I convert my GI Bill over to the Post 9/11 GI Bill? I enlisted in 2001 right after the attacks.
A: It’s easy – all you have to do is submit one form. Go to the eBenefits website and submit VA Form 22-1990. In return you will get an updated Certificate of Eligibility showing the months of benefits you have left to use.
If you have not used any of your Chapter 30 benefits, then you would have 36 months to switch over. If you previously used some of your Chapter 30, then you will get the same number of Post 9/11 GI Bill months of benefits as you had left under Chapter 30.
One other perk to this New GI Bill; if you switch over all 36 months to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you get your $1,200 Chapter 30 contribution fee back as part of your last housing allowance. Pretty cool huh!
Also, I want to make you aware that if you use up all of your Chapter 30 benefits first, and then switch to the New GI Bill, you can get an additional 12 months of benefits. Under the Rule of 48, if you qualify for two or more GI Bills, the maximum combined months of benefits is capped at 48.
So it can come down to choosing between the higher payout under the Post 9/11 GI Bill or the additional months of benefits, but you can’t get both.