Rep. Loretta Sanchez Announces Start Of Post-9/11 GI Bill Application Process

Press Release

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (the "Post-9/11 GI Bill") to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The measure takes effect on August 1st, and starting today, veterans can begin to apply for a certificate of eligibility for the new college benefits at the VA website http://www.gibill.va.gov/.

"The benefits made available in the Post-9/11 GI Bill will help ensure our veterans are equipped with the skills they need to be successful in a civilian workforce," said Sanchez. "This is an important opportunity to give back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed greatly on behalf of our country, and I encourage all eligible members to apply."

Generally, the measure provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001 who have been honorably discharged from service. The benefits are correlated on a sliding scale to years served and to receive full benefits, you must have served on active duty for three years. The program will pay for:

Tuition and fees up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in California;
A monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents; and
An annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.

These benefits are generally payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty.

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