Post-9/11 GI Bill Explained

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33, is the main education benefit for anyone who served after September 10, 2001. It pays your school directly for tuition and fees, and pays you a monthly housing allowance while you're enrolled.

At a public school it covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees. At a private or foreign school it's capped at a national maximum, and the Yellow Ribbon Program can cover part of what's left if your school takes part.

The housing allowance is based on the ZIP code of where you attend, not where you live, and you need to be enrolled more than half-time to get it. There's also a books and supplies stipend each school year.

Most people get 36 months of entitlement. Some qualify for up to 48 under the Rudisill decision, which matters if you have entitlement under more than one GI Bill program.

Who is eligible?

You qualify with at least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001. You also qualify with 30 continuous days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability, or with a Purple Heart awarded on or after that date and an honorable discharge.

How much you get is tiered by how long you served. Full benefit needs 36 months of qualifying service, or 30 continuous days ending in a disability discharge.

The deadline depends on when you left. Discharged before January 1, 2013, you have 15 years from your last separation. Discharged on or after that date, there's no expiration at all — that's the Forever GI Bill, and it's the single most useful thing to know about this benefit.

Dependents using transferred entitlement have their own rules, so check those separately rather than assuming yours apply.

How do I apply?

  • Check which program pays you more: If you're eligible for both this and the Montgomery GI Bill, you have to choose, and the choice is irrevocable. Compare them before you apply.
  • Get your Certificate of Eligibility: Apply online at va.gov/education/how-to-apply. The COE is what your school's certifying official needs.
  • Pick an approved program: Use the VA's Comparison Tool to check the school and the specific program are approved, and to see what the housing allowance would be for that location.
  • Talk to the school certifying official: Every school has one. They report your enrollment to the VA, and nothing gets paid until they do.
  • Ask about Yellow Ribbon if you're going private: It only helps at participating schools, and places can be limited per year.
  • Re-certify each term: Payment follows enrollment, so a dropped class or a change in credit load changes what you're paid.

Common questions

How much does the Post-9/11 GI Bill pay?

At a public school, full in-state tuition and fees. At a private or foreign school, a capped national maximum. Plus a monthly housing allowance based on your school's location and a yearly books and supplies stipend.

Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill expire?

Not if you were discharged on or after January 1, 2013. If you were discharged before that, you have 15 years from your last separation date.

How many months of Post-9/11 GI Bill do you get?

36 months for most people, and up to 48 in some cases where you hold entitlement under more than one program.

How long do you have to serve to get the full Post-9/11 GI Bill?

36 months of qualifying active duty for the full benefit, with lower tiers below that. 90 days is the minimum to qualify at all.

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