Veterans Affairs educational benefits are designed to provide eligible individuals with an opportunity for educational and career growth. The VA certifying Official named by Saint Leo University acts as that institutions liaison with the VA and State approving agency.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
The Post 9/11 GI Bill is an updated version of the original bill from 1944. The original GI bill, passed by Franklin D. Roosevelt was meant to assist veterans in college expenses so that they could get the necessary training for higher level positions in the workforce. The Post 9/11 GI Bill was adopted to accommodate the increasing costs of education and is available to veterans of the military who have served after September 10, 2001. The benefits of the Post 9/11 GI bill began August 1, 2009.
Benefits Available for the Post 9/11 GI Bill
Students receive tuition and fees not to exceed the amount of their in–State public institution of higher education’s expenditure. They also receive a monthly housing allowance based upon the zip code of the school they are attending (Students attending online are not eligible for the housing allowance) and a yearly stipend to supplement the costs of books.
Veteran students eligible for full benefits under the new GI Bill can attend any of our undergraduate locations/programs and their tuition and fees are covered 100%.
Eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill
The prospective student must have served for a minimum of 90 consecutive days after September 10, 20021 to qualify for the Post 9/11 GI bill.
Individuals eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill receives a certain percentage of the benefits available based on the time of service in the military since September 10,.2001.
If the veteran is eligible for the post-9/11 GI Bill and other GI bill benefits they are required to make an irrevocable choice of which benefit they want to receive.
The Post -9/11 GI Bill payment is based on the amount of service completed after September 10, 2001. The tuition and fees payment, housing allowance, and book stipend are all based on this percentage. They will receive a larger benefit if they served more active duty or mobilization.
| Time on Active Duty (Including Reserve and Guard) | Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable |
|---|
| At least 36 months |
100% |
| At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability |
100% |
| 30 months to 36 months |
90% |
| 24 months to 30 months |
80% |
| 18 months to 24 months |
70% |
| 12 months to 18 months |
60% |
| 6 months to 12 months |
50% |
| 90 days to 6 months |
40% |
If you participated in the $600 buy-up under the Montgomery GI Bill or REAP, you will not receive that additional benefit under the Post- 9/11/ GI Bill.
Individuals eligible for a kicker under another benefit may receive the kicker under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. The monthly kicker amount will be prorated based on the individual’s rate of pursuit. Payment will be issued in a lump sum directly to the student. Post – 9/11 GI Bill kickers will be payable only if the individual is entitled to a monthly housing allowance. Payment will be issued with the monthly housing allowance.
Which benefit is right for me?
Listed below are some of the highlights of each educational program.
| | Post – 9/11 GI Bill | Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty | Montgomery GI Bill Reserves | REAP |
| Tuition & Fees |
Paid directly to the school. Not to exceed highest in-state undergraduate rate at a public school. |
Paid directly to the veteran. |
Paid directly to the veteran. |
Paid directly to the veteran. |
| Housing Allowance |
Paid at the E-5 with dependents rate. Based on Zip Code of the center. Not payable for active duty, those attending ½ time or less, or students enrolled entirely in distance learning programs. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Book Stipend |
Receive up to $1,000 per year. Paid at $41.67 per credit hour. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Time Limit to use benefit |
15 years |
10 years |
Eligibility normally ends once you leave the service |
Can be eligible for 10 years after leaving the service |
| 600 Buy-up |
Not payable |
Paid at applicable rate |
Not Payable |
Paid at applicable rate |
| Licensing & Certification Tests |
Reimbursement for ONE. Licensing or certification test may not exceed $2,000 |
Benefit available |
Benefit available |
Benefit available |
| Transfer of Entitlement |
Those eligible may transfer up to 36 months of entitlement to a dependent. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |