Why Am I Not Getting the Post 9/11 GI Bill Book Stipend?
Q: I am still active duty, and have enrolled in a graduate course utilizing my Post 9/11 GI Bill. The course is with AMU (with more to come in the near future), and costs $900. I had to pay $93 out-of-pocket, in addition to two books, which had a combined cost of about $120. I realize the $93 likely ends up remaining out of pocket, but how do I go about getting reimbursed for books with that $1000 stipend? Is there a required number of classes before I get reimbursed? Does it not cover online classes? Or do I not get it because I’m still active duty? Please help in any way you can. Thank you.
A: Right now, you would not get the book stipend because you are on active duty, however, that will change starting on October 1st with the implementation of the GI Bill 2.0. Part of that change was allowing active duty members and their spouses using Post 9/11 GI Bill transferred benefits, to receive the book stipend.
Online-only students do get the book stipend paid at the same rate as traditional classroom students – $41.67 per credit. There is not a minimum number of credits you must take to get the book stipend. Again, you being on active duty precludes you from getting it which in my estimation is stupid. What does being on active duty have to do with you getting or not getting the book stipend? I can see the housing allowance issue because you are getting paid BAH, but you are not getting paid anything for books.
It is as ludicrous as online-only students not getting the housing allowance. Don’t online students have to eat and have a place to live? Again, what does the learning venue they use to attend class have to do with denying them the housing allowance. OK, I have that out of my system.
Another change that could affect you is the Post 9/11 GI Bill will start paying for non-degree producing courses, including certifications and licensure programs. These courses pay a book stipend of $83 per month for non-degree courses.
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