The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that it has updated the process for awarding GI Bill benefits following the 2024 Supreme Court decision. This change provides Veterans who served multiple periods of military service, such as those who reenlisted, the opportunity to receive up to an additional 12 months of education benefits.
Previously, Veterans with at least two periods of service were capped at 36 months of GI Bill benefits between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the updated policy, that cap has been removed, allowing eligible Veterans to qualify for up to 48 months of total GI Bill benefits.
This change significantly impacts Veterans who were previously limited to 36 months of benefits. Specifically, those who served at least two qualifying periods of service — one qualifying them for the Montgomery GI Bill and the other for the Post-9/11 GI Bill — may now be eligible for an additional 12 months of benefits. This policy could benefit as many as 1.04 million Veterans and their families. To ensure all eligible Veterans receive their benefits, VA is launching a targeted outreach campaign.
Supporting Veterans and their families remains a cornerstone of President Biden’s Unity Agenda. In 2024 alone, VA helped more than 900,000 Veterans and their families pay for school and cover job training expenses.
“This policy will not only benefit future applicants but will also allow VA to provide additional benefits to Veterans who have previously used GI Bill benefits,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. “Every Veteran deserves access to a quality, affordable education. This policy ensures many Veterans can receive an additional 12 months of GI Bill benefits.”
Of the 1.04 million potentially eligible Veterans, VA can automatically process claims for approximately 660,000 without requiring further action. For others, VA will reach out directly to encourage them to file claims.
As part of the new policy, VA is also extending the expiration dates for using GI Bill benefits for eligible Veterans. Veterans with multiple periods of service who chose the Post-9/11 GI Bill over the Montgomery GI Bill will have their remaining eligibility reinstated, plus an additional 90 days. For instance, if a Veteran had five years of eligibility left under the Montgomery GI Bill when transitioning to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, they would now have five years and 90 days to use any additional Montgomery GI Bill benefits. Veterans must apply for this extension by October 1, 2030.
Since its creation, the Post-9/11 GI Bill has provided over $143 billion to more than 2.7 million beneficiaries, serving as a vital recruitment and retention tool for the military. Through the Department of Defense’s Transfer of Education Benefits program, it has also helped eligible dependents pursue education and training while significantly reducing costs.
To learn more about this policy change and how to apply, visit GI Bill VA Benefits here.
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