Understanding the GI Bill – A Guide for Veterans

The GI Bill is a valuable benefit to veterans who are interested in earning a degree. However, it is also complicated and can be difficult to understand.

Congress created the GI Bill to help service members and their families make education more attainable after military service. The articles in this section will explore the various programs that comprise the GI Bill, and how to use them.

What is the GI Bill?

The GI Bill is a law passed in 1944 that revolutionized veterans’ readjustment to civilian life. The legislation brought college education and vocational training within reach of millions of World War II veterans.

The government guaranty for home and business loans also prompted an economic boom, financing the construction of thousands of new homes, such as those in suburban areas like Levittown, New York. The GI Bill was one of the major driving forces behind postwar America’s unprecedented prosperity.

While the GI Bill has changed and grown over time, its original goal remains the same. Today, GI Bill benefits are still helping veterans reach their educational and professional goals, even after decades of use. Learn more about the GI Bill and how to take advantage of it here or contact a Zero8hundred Resource Specialist.

How do I apply for the GI Bill?

The GI Bill offers several programs that help pay for college, certificate programs or job training. The most familiar program is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and veterans with more recent service will likely receive benefits under this program.

The VA has a GI Bill Comparison Tool that can help you explore your options and find out what your eligibility is for each. You’ll also want to review your Statement of Benefits to see how much of your GI Bill you’ve used so far.

The GI Bill can be applied to many different types of education, beyond traditional colleges and universities. It can help with apprenticeships, flight school, certification tests, even tutoring or entrance exams like the SAT or LSAT. And it’s flexible enough that you can freeze unused benefits until you need them again.

What are the GI Bill benefits?

The GI Bill helps qualifying service members, veterans and their family pay for college, graduate school, or training programs. It has been helping people get education and training since 1944, empowering many to reach career goals they would not have otherwise achieved.

The new Forever GI Bill includes enhancements to existing GI Bill programs, such as Post-9/11, Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve. The benefits can be used for a wide range of educational programs, including on-campus or online college courses. GI Bill benefits can also be used for certificate or correspondence courses, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, flight training, and tutoring.

If you have questions about the GI Bill, there are many resources available to help you understand your options and use your benefits. Contact Zero8hundred to speak with a Resource Specialist about how to navigate the educational process.

How do I change schools?

During WWII, Congress debated how to best help veterans as they returned to civilian life. President Roosevelt’s signature activated the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, which made higher education possible and stimulated the economy through home ownership and low-interest mortgages.

Currently, the GI Bill pays a housing allowance that is based on the zip code of the school where you are taking most of your classes. This new change under the Forever GI Bill will better match your living expenses to your actual cost of tuition.

You can use the College Navigator tool to estimate your benefits at different schools. It takes your military history, GI Bill eligibility, potential school location, and education preferences into account. You can also check with your school’s VA Certifying Official to make sure you know what to expect.

How do I check my GI Bill status?

After World War II, Congress sought ways to better help veterans assimilate back into civilian life and stimulate the economy. As a result, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 was introduced and became known as the “GI Bill.” The GI Bill provided education funding, government guaranty for home loans, job-finding assistance, and unemployment benefits.

Once the VA approves your GI Bill application they will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. This is the document you present to your school as proof of eligibility and to register for classes.

Today, the GI Bill remains the most important tool for veterans to gain an education and start their journey into the middle class. It’s an enduring symbol of America’s gratitude for their sacrifice and commitment. Learn more about the history of the GI Bill here.