Please consider the following factors before switching from the MGIB and irrevocably electing Post-9/11 (Chapter 33):
- Which benefit pays me more? (MGIB Chapter 30, 1606, 1607, or Post-9/11)
- What is the training rate of pursuit?
- Course load at 50% or less = no BAH
- Course load at 60% - 90% = BAH will be prorated
- Course load at 100% = BAH paid based on E-5 w/ Dependents rate & the JMU zipcode
- Am I receiving aid, such as free tuition and fees from other sources?
- Under Post-9/11, JMU must report the "net cost" of tuition and fees to VA.
- Will entitlement to this aid change?
- At what Post-9/11 benefit level tier am I eligible?
- How much, if any, of the training will be online/distance learning?
- Is the delimiting date (the timeframe to utilize benefits) important?
- 10 yrs vs. 15 yrs
- Do I have remaining entitlement under MGIB Chapters 30, 1606, or 1607?
- Do I plan to exhaust that MGIB entitlement before electing Post-9/11 GI Bill?
- Am I eligible for Transfer of Entitlement? Do I want to transfer entitlement?
- Will I pursue a graduate degree?
Note: Eligibility for transfer of entitlement is determined by the military branches of service with final approval made by DoD/DHS and VA.
Please refer to the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) "What's Covered" section for answers to some of the questions above.
This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.