Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

The Post 9/11 GI Bill will become effective August 1, 2009.  Applications are now available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) website:  www.gibill.va.gov

If you apply and are approved for Chapter 33 benefits, you will receive a “Certificate of Eligibility” from the DVA.  Please provide a copy of this certificate to Veterans Services in Carrington Hall, room 320, and complete the Veterans Certification Request form.  Please carefully read the information on the DVA’s website before applying.  Minimum eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill is service of at least 90 aggregate days on active duty (excluding entry level and skill training) after September 10, 2001. You may also qualify if you were discharged due to a service-connected disability after serving at least 30 continuous days on active duty after September 10, 2001.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill will pay your tuition and fees (up to $253 per credit hour) directly to Missouri State University, for all classes that apply to your degree program (general elective courses and major elective courses are not included).  If you are enrolled at half-time status or more, you will receive a monthly housing allowance of $910 per month (students currently on active duty do not qualify for this housing allowance).  The benefits will also include a books and supplies stipend up to $1000 per academic year.

All dollar amounts and payment rates listed above are prorated based on your length of active duty service:

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of:	Includes entry level and skill training?	Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months	Yes	100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty (Discharged due to service-connected disability)	Yes	100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months	Yes	90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months	Yes	80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months	No	70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months	No	60
At least 06 months, but less than 12 months	No	50
At least 90 days, but less than 06 months	No	40

Therefore, if you qualify for a maximum benefit of 40% based on your total active duty service, you will have 40% of your tuition and fees paid, you will receive 40% of the total monthly housing allowance, and you will qualify for 40% of the maximum books and supplies amount.

Choosing whether or not to apply for the new chapter of benefits may be a big decision for you, especially since it is irrevocable.  Once you have applied and been approved under the new GI Bill, you cannot change your mind and return to your prior chapter of benefits.  Ask yourself how your tuition is paid now.  Do you have to take out loans to pay for your tuition?  After your tuition and fees are paid, do you currently pocket more than $910 per month (the amount a 100% qualifier will receive for housing allowance)? 

For questions regarding your basic eligibility under this program, you may contact the DVA at:  1-800-827-1000.