Can my dependents use the new 911 GI Bill if I am not dead or disabled? - James B

You do not need to be deceased or disabled for your dependents to use the educational benefits you have earned under the Post 911 GI Bill.

However; there are a few stipulations under the Post 911 Gi Bill that you need to be aware of as you consider making the transfer to your dependents.  They are:

• You can only transfer this educational benefit while you are serving as a member of the Armed Forces.
• You can transfer up to 36 months of this educational benefit to a dependent after you have served 6 years and reenlisted for at least 4 more years.
• You can transfer the total amount of your benefits after you have completed 10 years of service.
• You may modify or revoke this decision at any time.

There is a chart at www.gibill.va.gov/documents/Benefit_Comparison_Charts.pdf that compares all of the GI Bills incase you may be eligible for a different Gi Bill.  Also, you want to look at additional benefits that are available from Institutions of Higher Learning that have joined the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program.  There are also numerous military scholarships and state programs.  More information can be found on these benefits by going to www.gibill.va.gov.