New G.I. Bill benefits begin August 2009 Published Aug. 22, 2008 By Senior Airman James Bolinger 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DEL. -- Recently, President George W. Bush signed a new education bill, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, to replace the Montgomery G.I. Bill which was signed into law in 1984. Members of Pope and the entire U.S. military could have this new bill affect their educational benefits as early as August 2009. The President signed the new bill into law June 30, but before the new benefits can be used, military education offices need time to adapt the current policy, said Mr. Robert King, 436th Airlift Wing education services officer. "News reports and excited speculation have created an onslaught of premature business for Dover's Education Services Office," said Mr. King. "However, at this time we are not authorized to allow transfer of any benefits to the new bill." This includes refund of the initial $1,200 investment and addition of any stipends for current Montgomery G.I. Bill users. "The new program will not be implemented until Aug. 1 2009," said Mr. King. "DoD and Air Staff must establish policy and procedures, configure computers, design forms, and provide guidance and training to customer service personnel. The new bill will not pay for any courses taken before July 31, 2009." Benefits of the new G.I. Bill include: - Higher tuition rates equal to the most expensive in-state public institution of higher education. - A monthly housing stipend equal to the monthly Base Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents in the same zip code as the school. - A $1,000 per year book and supply stipend which is paid each quarter, semester or term. - Up to $2,000 to cover the cost of one licensing or certification test. This is not charged against the 36 month entitlement. - A longer period to use the benefits -- 15 years instead of the current 10 years after retirement or separation. - No enrollment fee. Please remember, there are no policies or procedures, at this time, for reimbursing members who have already paid in their $1,200, said Mr. King. Members who are already enrolled in the MGIB and also meet the criteria for the new G.I. Bill have the option to transfer their remaining MGIB to the new program. However, due to tuition limits set by the new G.I. Bill, many veterans who are pursuing a post-graduate degree may find the MGIB better suited to their need, said. Mr. King. This is also true for students pursuing an online degree since the new G.I. Bill won't pay a housing stipend for students enrolled in distance learning programs. Finally, the new G.I. Bill benefits will be transferable to a spouse or dependent child for servicemembers who have served at least 10 years on active duty or who have served six years and reenlisted for an additional four. The transferred benefit will only cover the cost of tuition, not books and supplies, or housing. Information on The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill can be found at www.GIBill.va.gov.