November 17, 2016, by Anica Oaks – The first veteran’s program to offer education benefits that could be transferred to a service member’s dependents came with the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. This bill has been used by well over 900,000 service members, their dependents and their spouses between 2000 and 2012.
The G.I. Bill and Education
Some lawmakers are proposing that the regulations should become more stringent, but for the time being, benefits can still be transferred from service members to their families.
There are qualifications and stipulations for both service members and their families before benefits can be transferred, but this new bill has been seen as a welcome change in that it now allows dependents of service members the opportunity to attend college free of debt.
Benefits to Military Families
Dependents covered under the bill may also obtain a housing allowance and a textbooks expense of up to $1,000 per year. Some schools also take part in the Yellow Ribbon program where they contribute toward the expenses of students who are 100% funded by the G.I. Bill. Benefits can be used for one person or split up among different individuals.
Of special interest to military families may be military history graduate programs geared toward training professionals in the armed services. This goes beyond the usual history courses in letting students experience different viewpoints underlying some of the critical engagements of history, while still developing the research and writing skills essential to many career paths.
Conditions of Transfer
Service members are required to serve additional time in the military which on average is four years. If a veteran is unable to extend their term of service, dependents cannot receive the transfer of benefits.
Spouses and other adults may obtain and use the educational funds right away, but children will have to wait until the service member completes 10 full years of service.
The Post-9/11 bill expires fifteen years after a veteran’s date of retirement from service. In the case of a child, these benefits must be claimed before the child reaches the age of 26.
Obtaining Benefits
The process for switching benefits to dependents can be initiated on the military’s benefits website. Each family member for whom the benefits are intended must also enroll in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System before approval. Once benefits are approved, obtaining funds require submitting Form 22-1990-C through the Veterans Administration.
This makes it easier for military families to apply for and use educational benefits than under former processes.
About the Author: Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.