What You Need to Know:
If you’re eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but still need additional funding, you might already be aware of the advantages of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
For the 2022-2023 school year, these benefits have expanded to offer additional coverage to active-duty service members and spouses using transferred benefits of an active-duty service member.
What you should know:
What is the maximum amount covered by the GI Bill?
For the 2022-2023 school year (August 31, 2022‑July 1, 2023) the maximum amount is $26,361.37.
I wasn’t eligible last year, am I eligible now?
Besides meeting the maximum benefits requirements under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must identify with one of the following to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program:
- Served an aggregate period of at least 36 months on active duty and were honorably discharged
- You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service
- You served at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability
- You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a veteran
- You’re a Fry Scholar
As of August 1, 2022, active-duty service members and spouses using transferred benefits may now partake in the Yellow Ribbon program, as long as they identify with one of the two situations:
- You’re an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service)
- You’re a spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty
How do I transfer my benefits to my spouse?
If you have already transferred your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to your spouse/dependent and they meet the necessary qualifications for the Yellow Ribbon program, then they should already be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program as of August 2022.
What is the application process?
If you submit an application for the Post-9/11 GI Bill to VA and are eligible at the 100 percent benefit level, VA will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility advising that you are potentially eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. You should provide your Certificate of Eligibility to your school which, in turn, will determine if there are slots available for the Yellow Ribbon Program (based on its agreement with the VA).
If your school has already sent us an enrollment certification, and it is processed at the same time as your application, your award letter will also display your benefit level. The school is responsible for notifying you whether or not you are accepted and approved for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The school then submits an enrollment form to VA, certifying information that is used to make payment to the school for tuition and fees and for Yellow Ribbon Program payments.
What fees will be covered?
All mandatory fees for a student’s program of education may be included. Any fees that are not mandatory, such as room and board, study abroad (unless the study abroad course is a requirement for the degree program) and penalty fees (such as late registration, return check fees and parking fines) cannot be included. These fees are not payable under the Yellow Ribbon Program or under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program and how to apply, visit benefits.va.gov.
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs
