Benefits: Comparing your Post 9/11 GI Bill© Options

We have discussed where to start, finding the right GI Bill©, and determining your specific eligibility. Now, it’s time to consider how to best use your Post 9/11 GI Bill©.* This boils down to four possible pathways:

• working toward a degree,

• training for a specific job,

• work-study,

• and general self-study.

I’ve broken down all your options within these categories in the table below. Each benefit is also hyperlinked to the official VA website. As far as I can tell, the VA measures benefits in units of time, not money. This means that if you use the GI Bill© for licensing and certification fees when you separate, it will shrink your total pool of benefits in terms of “months remaining”.

Ultimately, your percent eligibility determines how much money hits your bank account. Figuring this out can get complicated, so if you’re ready to talk numbers, click this link, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the green button that says “Find your education benefits form." It seems backwards, but the VA requires you to apply for benefits before receiving a statement of benefits. Alternately, you can use this tool, to find certified institutions in a targeted zip code.

On a personal note, most veterans I’ve spoken to are frustrated by the red tape. I felt the same way and that’s part of the reason I started this company. We can help you navigate the system, but there is some legwork you must do on your own. First and foremost, ensure you can log into eBenefits and the VA’s system with a “DS Login Account.” This is a username and password that is either created during your transition assistance program, or created on your own. Regardless how you create your accounts, it’s important to save these credentials—it will save unnecessary frustration in the future.

*Most veterans we serve use the Post 9/11 GI Bill©, so that’s our focus. As always, we will work with anyone, regardless of their eligibility.