Since the newest version of the GI Bill was implemented in 2009, it has helped provide educational benefits to around 800,000 veterans — worth more than $12 billion.
This life-changing bill has helped millions of veterans get an education since its inception after World War II. However, the bill’s details have been continually updated over the years.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the GI Bill benefits in 2023.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Is the GI Bill?
The GI Bill was enacted after World War II. GI Bill education benefits can help military members pay for the tuition, housing, and supplies associated with college, graduate school, and training programs.
To apply for GI Bill Benefits, you need to complete the VA Form 22-1990 called “Application for VA Education Benefits.” You can do this online.
Although there have been several different iterations of the GI bill since its inception in 1944, there are two main ones used today: the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.
Let’s cover the details of each of these bills.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Those who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill get full tuition covered at a public university. It can also cover the tuition for foreign and private schools with certain restrictions. To be eligible for tuition coverage, you need to have done at least one of the following since September 11, 2001: either serve 90 days of active service altogether or 30 continuous days of service if you were discharged due to a disability.
However, to get the full, 100% coverage, you need to have served at least 36 months or more. Reaching 90 days of service qualifies you for only 40% coverage.
This bill is unique in that it is the only benefit that will pay the tuition directly to the education establishment. Those covered under this bill will also receive a stipend for housing as well as money for books and other required supplies.
Montgomery GI Bill: Active Duty and Selected Reserve
Two versions of the Montgomery GI Bill are available to service members: active duty and selected reserve.
To qualify for the Active Duty version of this bill, you have to have contributed at least $100 per month for your first 12 months of active duty service. This service needs to be served for two years continuously and must be completed with an honorable discharge.
This bill can pay out a maximum of $1,994 per month and can pay around $72,000 in total over 36 months for a person’s college education. These benefits are available for up to 10 years after completion of service.
The version of this bill works differently for Selected Reserve. This offers up to $11,000 over 36 months for Selected Reserve or Guard members. To qualify, they need to have committed to at least six years of service, completed initial active duty for training, and must be in good standing with their unit.
To learn more and compare how GI bill benefits can help you, use a GI Bill benefits calculator to see how you can get the most out of it.
GI Bill Benefits 2023
It’s important to note that rates change every year. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced the Post-9/11 GI Bill rates for the 2022 to 2023 school year beginning on August 1, 2022. The Montgomery GI Bill rate changes will begin on October 1, 2022.
The increases in the GI Bill rate are directly tied to the average cost increase for undergraduate tuition in the United States. For the 2022-2023 year, this increase is 1.3%.
Let’s take a look at the specific rate increases.
Private and Foreign School GI Bill Rates
Starting on August 1, those that qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and are attending a private or foreign school will see an increase in their maximum yearly GI Bill rate. It will increase from $26,042.81 to $26,381.37.
Flight Training
For those enrolled in a flight school, there is a change to the annual maximum. It will increase from $14,881.59 to $15,075.05.
Licensing, Certification, and National Testing
Qualified members can be reimbursed for up to $2,000 per test for certification and licensing tests. There is no maximum amount for reimbursement when it comes to national testing programs.
Correspondence Courses
If you’re taking correspondence courses, you can be reimbursed for actual net costs. This cannot go over $12,813.78 annually. This has increased from $12,649.34.
Monthly Housing Allowance
Beginning August 1, the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) has also changed. For students that are attending classroom sessions, your housing allowance will vary widely, depending on the location of the campus where most of your classes take place.
The MHA is prorated depending on how long you have been an active duty service member as well as how many classes you enroll in. If you’re in a foreign school, you can get an MHA of $1,833. This is the average amount for a U.S. national. However, if all of your classes take place online, the maximum housing allowance is $915.50.
Keep in mind that different tier levels are depending on how long a military member was in service. These tiers are as follows:
- 90 days to six months: 50% of GI Bill benefits
- 6 to 18 months: 60% of GI Bill benefits
- 18 to 24 months: 70% of GI Bill benefits
- 24 to 30 months: 80% of GI Bill benefits
- 30 to 36 months: 90% of GI Bill benefits
- Longer than 36 months: 100% of GI Bill benefits
To get more information on your specific situation, use your GI Bill benefits login to learn more.
Take Advantage of the GI Bill For Your Education
That’s everything you need to know about GI Bill Benefits in 2023.
Joining the military has a wide range of life-changing benefits that can help support your goals and dreams in life. It’s crucial to take advantage of these programs to get the most out of your time in the military.
If you want more information about joining the military to receive these benefits, find a recruiter near you today!
