Top 10 Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your GI Education Benefits
Once you have decided to get the education you deserve, it is time to figure out how to maximize your benefits. Here are some tips that will help you take full advantage of what you have earned:
- Buy Up: Under the Montgomery GI Bill, you may be able to participate in the Buy Up program. You can pay in up to $600 (on top of your initial $1,200) and get up to $5,400 in additional benefits. This option may still be available to you if you are called up again for active duty and you originally qualified to participate in the MGIB.
- Top Up: You can use the Top Up program to help pay for classes you take while on active duty. Along with Tuition Assistance, this can pay up to 100% of your tuition. Participating in these programs will reduce your remaining benefit under the MGIB, but they are still a good option for some service members.
- Yellow Ribbon: Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may be able to get your college to pay for costs above and beyond what the VA usually reimburses. They will split these additional costs 50/50 with the VA. Look into this option if you qualify for the maximum GI benefit and you want to go to a university that is more expensive than the VA will usually pay for.
- Dependents: If you are not going to be able to use your benefits before they expire, you don't have to let them go to waste. Under some circumstances you may transfer them to a qualifying dependent. This can allow you to send your daughter or son to college.
- Assistance: There are many resources available to help you with questions. These include the VA, your education officer, admissions counselors, etc. Don't be afraid to ask for help in understanding your benefits and how to use them. The process can be confusing and you deserve to know what all your options are before you make a final decision.
- Advocacy: There is no way to tell what you can get unless you ask. The VA is not likely to change any of its rules for you. However, colleges make exceptions for people on a regular basis. Don't hesitate to ask a university to work with you so you can get the education you really want. Be your own advocate. You will be surprised at how well it works.
- Responsibility: Filling out all your forms and getting them turned in on time is ultimately your responsibility. Always follow up if someone else has promised to do something for you (like mailing your eligibility form to the VA). Missed deadlines can create problems in the college admissions process. It can also make it difficult for you to access your GI benefits. If you are being reimbursed directly by the VA, you need to make sure you pay your tuition on time too.
- Security: Make sure all requirements for enrollment are completed before attending any classes. Sometimes colleges will allow you to start classes before this is done in an attempt to get you 'hooked' into their program. You will not have time during school to mess with extra paperwork. You also don't need uncertainties about your finances and benefits eligibility hanging over your head while you are concentrating on exams.
- Career: If you want to attend school and get started on a career too, consider a work-study program or co-op training. These allow you to hold down a job and go to school at the same time. Unlike an apprenticeship, qualifying programs can be paid for under both versions of the GI Bill.
- Business: Do you want to start your own business? Entrepreneurship training is one of the benefits available to help you learn how to be successful. Look for SBDC (Small Business Development Center) or Veterans Corporation programs. These qualify for reimbursement under the GI Bill.