The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the “Forever GI Bill®,” was signed into law on August 17, 2017, and brings significant changes to veterans’ education benefits over the next few years. Most enhance or expand education benefits for veterans, servicemembers, families, and survivors. Sections noted with ** denote changes to the existing Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and you are still on active duty or were honorably discharged from active duty, or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
**Effective August 1, 2018, servicemembers and honorably discharged veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, will be entitled to Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits at the 100% benefit level for up to 36 months.
**Effective August 1, 2018, VA began paying benefits to members of the Armed Forces called or ordered to active duty from a reserve component under Section 12301(h), 12304A, and 12304B of Title 10. Benefits CANNOT be paid retroactively with this service.
The amount of benefit you can receive is based on your level of service as shown below.
Under the traditional Post 9/11 GI Bill®, members have 15 years to use their benefit from the time they leave service. The benefits are paid for 36 months.
**Effective immediately, the law removes the 15-year time limit for the use of Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits for those whose last discharge or release from active duty was on or after January 1, 2013, children of deceased servicemembers who became entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits on or after January 1, 2013, and all spouses using Fry Scholarship.
Active Duty Service / Maximum Benefit
- At least 36 months / 100%
- At least 30 months < 36 months / 90%
- At least 24 months < 30 months / 80%
- At least 18 months < 24 months / 70%
- At least 6 months < 18 months / 60%
- At least 90 days < 6 months / 50%
For additional information, please visit https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/. You should also contact the VA to determine your eligibility and benefit level.