Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB), or Chapter 33, is a federal education benefit program that helps eligible veterans and service members pay for school or cover expenses while training for a job. The program provides comprehensive education benefits for those who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Benefits include full coverage of public in-state tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance based on the cost of living where your school is located, money for books and supplies, tutorial assistance, and coverage for national exams, licensing and certification tests, and preparatory courses. Eligibility requires at least 90 days of active duty service (either continuously or with breaks) on or after September 11, 2001, or receiving a Purple Heart on or after that date with honorable discharge, or serving at least 30 continuous days with honorable discharge due to a service-connected disability. Dependent children may also use benefits transferred by a qualifying veteran or service member. Under the Rudisill decision, veterans with 2 or more qualifying periods of active duty may now qualify for up to 48 months of entitlement when eligible for both Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty benefits. For those discharged on or after January 1, 2013, benefits do not expire under the Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act. Additional benefits may include the Yellow Ribbon Program for higher private-school or out-of-state tuition, ability to transfer benefits to spouse or child, and the Fry Scholarship for children or surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty.