WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to inform veterans of recent changes made by Congress to the Post 9/11 GI Bill that take effect in 2011.
"The Post 9/11 GI Bill is incredibly important because it reduces the financial burdens of higher education so that veterans have an opportunity to achieve their education goals," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Allison Hickey, under secretary for Benefits. "The VA believes it is important for veterans to be aware of changes to the GI Bill this year and learn more about how these changes may affect them."
Upcoming changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, effective Aug. 1, include paying the actual net cost of all public in-state tuition and fees, rather than basing payments upon the highest in-state tuition and fee rates for every state.
Another change involves capping private and foreign tuition at $17,500 per academic year, as well as ending payments during certain school breaks to preserve veterans' entitlement for future academic semesters.
Additionally, certain students attending private schools in select states can now continue to receive benefits at the same rate payable during the previous academic year.
Beginning Oct. 1, eligible individuals will be able to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for programs such as non-college degrees, on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. They will also be eligible to receive a portion of the national monthly housing allowance rate when enrolled only in distance learning courses.
The VA is implementing the latest round of changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill and has already begun processing fall 2011 enrollment certifications.
Outreach by VA has helped to increase participation by colleges and universities in the Yellow Ribbon program, which helps students avoid out-of-pocket costs that may exceed the benefit. Today, more than 2,600 schools are participating in the Yellow Ribbon program.
"VA is committed to ensuring veterans have the information and tools they need to succeed," Hickey said.