Government agencies are still in the implementation phase of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33 as the August 1, 2009 implementation date approaches. Below is the update provided by OhMyGov! military readers:

CHAPTER 33, POST 9/11

1.  Elimination of Delimit Date for Chapter 1606 (Reserve GI Bill).  As of 30 June 2008, individuals with remaining entitlement (unused months of benefits under 1606) will remain eligible until the date they separate from the Selected Reserve.  Individuals who have remaining months of entitlement but reached their delimiting date may receive benefits for training pursued on or after June 30, 2008.  The individuals will not receive benefits for training pursued between their original delimiting date and June 30, 2008.

Example:  A member's original delimit date is 15 January 2000.  Any classes taken between 15 January 2000 and 30 June 2008 will not be covered.

Per the VA:  If the member hits their delimiting date and would like their case reopened for continuation of benefits, the member should send copies of their most recent enlistment papers or orders with a short memo stating this is a request to reinstate Chapter 1606 benefits based on the Post 9/11 bill signed 30 June 2008.

2.  Yellow Ribbon GI Enhancement.  The school enters into an agreement to pay the portion of the tuition that the VA won't pay.  VA currently working with schools to find out which schools will be players in the Yellow Ribbon program.  Any school who participates in Yellow Ribbon must offer it to all Veterans.  Visit the VA website for details.

3.  Different Types of Education Programs.  Chapter 33 is oriented toward study at Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) or degree granting institutions (four year universities, community colleges, advanced degrees).

Chapters 30 and 1607 offer Vocational-Technical Training (i.e., OJT, apprentice training, correspondence courses, independent study, cooperative study, flight training and other vocational and/or technical training at a non-college degree facility).

If a member converts over to the Chapter 33 program from the Chapter 30 or 1607, the member brings with them the additional education programs (vocational-technical training).

If a member has declined the Chapter 30 benefit previously, they will not be entitled to the additional education programs.  These members will only be entitled to payment at IHLs working toward their degree.

Members only have to elect Chapter 30 and pay some of the $1200 contribution to be eligible to convert over to the Chapter 33.

Chapter 1606 (Reserve GI Bill) will not be allowed to convert over to Chapter 33.

4.  Refund of $1200 Contribution.  Members will receive a partial refund of the $1200 with their last Chapter 33 payment.  The member must exhaust all of their Chapter 33 benefit to receive the refund.  There will be NO refund for the $600 Additional Contribution.  The additional contribution (buy-up) does not apply to the Chapter 33 benefit.

5.  What time counts toward Chapter 33.  Reservists can qualify for the Chapter 33 if they have served 90 aggregate days on Active Duty.  The days must be after 9/11/01.  (Members are eligible after serving at least 30 continuous days on Active Duty with a discharge or release from Active Duty with a service-connected disability).

The term 'entry level and skill training' means:  In the case of members of the Air Force, Basic Military Training and Technical Training.

IADT and skill training at the beginning of a member's AF career do not count toward Chapter 33.

ROTC members cannot use the ROTC time to count toward Chapter 33.  The 1st day of the 5th year begins their 90 day period of service.

AF Academy members cannot use the academy time to count toward Chapter 33.  The 1st day of the 5th year begins their 90 day period of service.

6.  Average Pay Outs.  Pay outs will vary according to the highest paid state school tuition in each state.  Rates are paid using a sliding scale. 

• 40% for 3 months AD time
• 60% for 6 months AD time
• 80% for 2 years AD time
• 100 % for 36 months AD time
• $1,000 book stipend (if applicable)

Monthly stipend equal to BAH for E-5.  The BAH is figured at the location of the school (zip code of school determines the rate of BAH).

7.  Chapter 33 and Kickers.  The Chapter 1606 kicker does not move over to the Chapter 33 program.  More details on Chapter 30 kickers as they apply to Chapter 33 will follow.

8.  Transferability.  Transferability is funded by the VA.  DoD will determine eligibility for transferability.

A/O 1 Aug, '09, members with six years in the armed forces who have at least 90 aggregate days of A/D since 9/11 can transfer MGIB benefits to their spouse.

Members with 10 years in the armed forces and at least 90 aggregate days on A/D since 9/11 can also transfer benefits to dependent children, but must commit to an additional 4 years in the Armed Forces - A/D or Selected Reserve.  The 4 year enlistment must be after 1 August 2009.

• The spouse/child must be in DEERS.
• Spouse or child can get the living stipend when member is NOT on AD
• Child can get the living stipend when member is AD
• Election for transferability must be done while member is participating.
• While service member is participating, the member can add, change, or revoke transferability.
• When service member is no longer in Armed Forces, member can NOT make changes to the transferability.
• Member can transfer benefits to their young child but benefit can NOT be used till dependent is 18 years old.
• Example:  Transfer can be done when child is 6 years old.  Child cannot use the benefit till they are 18 year old.

9.  How Transferability will be done.  DefenseManpower Data Center is currently developing a Web Portal to be used by the member when electing transferability of the Post 9/11.

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