Grijalva Highlights New Education and Career Opportunities for Veterans, Soldiers Under Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and Recent Amendments

October 11th, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today highlighted newly enforced elements of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill that help veterans pursue higher education or vocational training.Among other provisions, the Restoring G.I. Bill Fairness Act of 2011 – signed by President Obama in August to improve the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill – authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover more than the previous $17,500 cap on tuition and fees under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill for some students attending private colleges and universities in Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.

At the same time, effective Oct. 1, veterans are eligible for Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to cover non-college degree programs, on-the-job and apprenticeship training, flight schools, and correspondence programs.Active duty members now receive a stipend for books and supplies, and National Guard members mobilized on or after September 11, 2001 are now eligible for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.For more information on reimbursement, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/documents/factsheets/PL1383_Q&A.pdf.

Expanded benefits include:

· Expanded education opportunity for veterans:Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill will now be able to use benefits to participate in the following programs, effective Oct. 1:

o Non-college degree programs: Will cover the actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees at public, non-college degree institutions. For foreign or private institutions, the program will pay the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees or $17,500, whichever is less. The benefits will also cover a limited stipend for books and supplies.

o On-the-job and apprenticeship training: The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill will pay a monthly benefit, based on time in the program, to supplement the salaries of certain veterans engaged in apprenticeships or on the job training. In conjunction with the national “Helmets to Hardhats” program, this provision of the G.I. Bill aims to connect veterans with quality construction jobs.

o Flight programs: The new programs will cover the net cost for in-state tuition and fees assessed by a flight school, up to $10,000.

o Distance Learning: Under the new programs, the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees for correspondence training (up to $8,500) are covered.

· National Guard eligibility:The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill recognizes the sacrifices made by National Guard members, as well as active duty service members, who were mobilized on Title 32 orders onorafter Sept. 11, 2001 by increasing their eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

· Housing allowance for distance learners:The new benefits include a housing allowance for students enrolled solely in distance learning or online education, based on the number of credit hours they undertake.

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