NEW UPDATE FROM Veterans Affairs
Post 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33
Last week the Veterans Administration reported that veterans eligible for Chapter 33 should pay close attention to their usage of any previous G.I. Bill chapters, as this will effect the veterans eligibility for the new benefit. Veterans with fewer than twelve months remaining on their previous G.I. Bill entitlements should completely use their old benefits before enrolling in Chapter 33. Veterans who have any time remaining on their old benefits will only be eligible for that limited amount of time under the new benefit. However, if a veteran has completely exhausted their previous G.I. Bill benefits, they will automatically be eligible for an additional 12 months of Chapter 33.
For example, I have only three months remaining of my Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) G.I. Bill benefits. If I chose to enroll in Chapter 33 today, I would only be eligible to receive three months worth of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. However, if I use my remaining three months of Chapter 1607, I will then be eligible for another 12 months of Chapter 33 benefits.
The decision to enroll in Chapter 33 is IRREVOCABLE, so be sure to understand your personal entitlements before filing for the new benefit.
