If I Switched from the MGIB to the Post 9/11 GI Bill Two Years Ago, Is That Benefit Still Good?
Q: I served in the Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005. I got out with an Honorable discharge and then I was also in the Reserves for a couple years doing drills. I received an Honorable as well. I joined the Army in 2009 and I am being admin separated 06/2013 and receiving an Other Than Honorable. I switched from the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post 9-11 GI Bill two years ago. Will I still receive the benefit? Thank you for your time.
A: Yes you will. Your four years of time in the Marine Corp (2001 – 2005) ending with an Honorable discharge secured your Post 9/11 GI Bill (at the 100% tier, I might add). So you have 36 months of education benefits that you can use.
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the VA would pay your 100% of your public school, resident undergraduate tuition directly to your school. If you are taking at least 51% of the number of credits your school considers to be full-time, then you would receive a percentage (based on your rate of pursuit) of the Monthly Housing Allowance. You would also get the book stipend calculated at $41.67 per credit hour per semester.
However, there is a $1,000 per year cap on it, but it is enough to get you through two full-time semesters per academic year. To start using your benefit, you would have to first get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Go to the eBenefits website and submit VA Form 22-1990. In return, you would receive your COE showing which GI Bill you have, how many months of entitlement and the expiration date.
So if you end up getting an OTH, you have nothing to worry about as far as your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.