How Much Money Does It Cost to Get the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
Q: How much more money can I pay into the Post 9/11 G.I Bill to get the addition benefits with the Post 9/11 G.I Bill Benefits?
A: The Post 9/11 GI Bill is not something you pay into to get. The only way to get the benefits is to put in the time on active duty. For minimum benefits, you need 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001. This will put you at the 40% tier. For maximum benefits, you need at least 36 months of active duty time after the same date. If you anticipate transferring any of your education benefits to your spouse or children, then you need at least six years of active duty and agree to extend for at least four more years. You can’t transfer benefits after you are out.
However, depending on when and how long you served, you may in fact be eligible for two GI Bills. If you paid into the Montgomery GI Bill, but have the required time after September 10, 2001, you can get a maximum combined benefit up to 48 months. The best way to do it is to exhaust your Montgomery GI Bill education benefits and then switch over to the Post 9/11 GI Bill to get the additional time. If you did have the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you will get a portion of your Montgomery GI Bill contribution back after you exhaust your Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits.