New Educational Benefits for Veterans

"Support our troops," should amount to more than just a slogan. Given the monumental sacrifices veterans make on our behalf, we owe our servicemen and women real thanks and substantive recognition. Last summer, Congress made strides towards tangible troop support, with a piece of legislation that amped up military members' educational benefits.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill, sponsored by Virginia Senator Jim Webb, is now effective. For some servicemen, the New GI Bill coverage will amount to a full college scholarship! And, to help offset discrepancies for veterans who didn't serve after 9/11, or for those who prefer the terms of the preexisting program, Montgomery Bill benefits have been upped by 20 percent.This is all great news for veterans who are heading back to school. It's also great news for our e Learner service members, because both plans can be applied to accredited online schools.and their unique appreciation for nontraditional students.At the same time, some veterans are voicing concern about the overall complexity that characterizes these new bills. Variables including school choice, length of service, and transferability all make a big difference in determining which benefit best applies. The following outline offers a brief comparison on some key points.

• Montgomery Bill: Under the newly revised terms of the Montgomery Bill, veterans could receive approximately $1,300 - $1,800 per month — a sum dispersed directly to the individual, and to be put towards any aspect of an educational budget.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: This new option provides full tuition (up to the amount of the most expensive school in the veteran's state), plus stipends for housing and books. This plan delineates its payouts, and subtracts for any potential overlaps (e.g. active duty members who already receive a housing allowance, or veterans whose states already waive tuition costs.)
• Montgomery Bill: Almost any type of educational program or vocational training is covered. Veterans are also free to choose whichever academic institution they prefer. Again, the funding is a blanket amount, regardless of school choice. That means veterans who elect to study at a community college might be fully covered, while those who opt for pricier schools would be left footing a remainder of the bill.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: Veterans must select a program from a degree-granting institution. Organizations that only offer certifications for apprenticeship or job training do not qualify. Accredited online schools are acceptable, but if selected, would preclude veterans from the housing stipend portion, which averages about $1,200 per month. (Many advocates are contesting the equity of this preclusion. And since so many veterans do prefer online schools, it's a stipulation that may have to be revisited.)