How do I Enroll My Children So They Can Use The GI Bill?
Q: To whom it may concern: I am a National Guard Soldier who has just re-deployed from Iraq. I served on active duty prior to entry into the Guard and I paid into the GI Bill. I really need the GI Bill to benefit my children, as I am most likely finished with my education. How can I get them enrolled so that when they are ready, than can take advantage of the program? Thanks.
A: When you were on active duty the first time, you had the Montgomery GI Bill. If you served out your enlistment, then you had 36 months of the GI Bill available, however, from your question, I can’t tell if you used any or not. Having the MGIB, won’t do your children any good, due to the fact that it does not have a transfer option.
If you had a one-year deployment with the National Guard, then, you are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the 60% level. If you never used your any of your MGIB, you would have 36 months available that you could transfer to your children. If you use some of your MGIB, then you will only get the same number of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits as you had left with the MGIB.
To make a transfer, go to the TEB website. Your children have to be listed correctly in DEERS. If you are not able to indicate how many months you want to transfer to each child, then either their record is not right in DEERS or you are not showing as being eligible to make a transfer.
If you can enter months in each record, once you submit the request, watch for the status to change to “Approved”. Once that happens, and it will take up to a few weeks for that to happen, each child needs to submit VA Form 22-1990e to get his/her Certificate of Enrollment. They will need the certificate when enrolling in school. Keep in mind, each child’s payment will be at the 60% level because that is the level you are at.