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Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- With GI Bill rates going up on Oct. 1, now is a perfect time to review your basic education benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides three main sources of education benefits: - The Montgomery GI Bill for Veterans and Servicemembers - The Reserve GI Bill for today’s Reserve and National Guard members - The Veteran’s Education Assistance Program (VEAP) for those who enlisted between 1977 and 1985 What is the GI Bill? The Montgomery GI Bill gives active duty and veterans over $36,000 (tax free) that can be used for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses while you earn your degree, certification or attend trade school. Here are the Basic Monthly Rates effective October 1, 2004, for those completing an enlistment of more than three years or more years: If you go to school, each month you’ll get: Full time (usually 12 or more credits) - $1004 Three-quarter time (usually 9-12 credits) - $753 Half-time time (usually 4-9 credits) - $502 Quarter-time or less (usually 3 or less credits) - $251 Different rates apply for 2-year enlistments, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, flight training and cooperative or correspondence courses.  See your education office or visit http://www.military.com for additional information. Am I eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill? You qualify if: - You contributed $100 a month for the first 12 months you were on active duty, or you elected to convert from VEAP; - You were Honorably Discharged with 3 or more years of service (if you are a Veteran); - You have completed High School or have an equivalency certificate before you apply for benefits; - You have served at least 2 years on active duty prior to using this benefit. What about the Reserve GI Bill? The Reserve GI Bill is for Reserve & Guard Members. Through this program you can get over $10,000 (tax free) to help with college tuition, books, fees and vocational training or certification expenses. Here are the Basic Monthly Rates effective Oct. 1, 2004, for selected Reserve and Guard: If you go to school, each month you will get: Full time (usually 12 or more credits) - $288.00 Three-quarter time (usually 9-12 credits) - $216.00 Half-time (usually 4-9 credits) - $143.00 Quarter-time or less (usually 3 or less credits) - $71.75 Different rates apply for apprenticeships, on-the-job training, flight training and cooperative or correspondence courses are lower. See your education office or visit http://www.military.com for additional information. Am I eligible for the Reserve GI Bill? You qualify if: - You have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985; - You have completed your Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT); - You have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT; - You remain in good standing while serving in an active selected Reserve unit. What is the Veteran’s Education Assistance Program (VEAP)? VEAP is VA educational benefit that matches your contributions on a $2 for $1 basis. This benefit may be used for: - Degree and certificate programs. - Flight training. - Apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. - Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Am I eligible for VEAP? You qualify if: - You entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985; - You opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987; - You voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700; - You completed your first period of service; - You were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable. How do I apply for my GI Bill benefits? Follow these steps to apply for all GI Bill programs: 1. Verify the school and the program are covered. 2. Complete VA Form 22-1990, and submit it to the school’s VA certifying official (usually the registrar) for verification. 3. The school official will complete VA Form 1999 and submit both VA 1990 and VA 1999 forms to the applicable VA Regional office. If you have not yet selected a school: Simply complete VA form 1990 and submit your application to your VA regional office. Contact the VA directly to determine if a school, university, trade school or certificate program is approved for the GI Bill. When do my benefits expire? All GI Bill programs expire 10 years after your date of last discharge. This means that any active duty service (90 days or more) during that 10-year period will reset your 10-year limit. For more information on education programs including “Top-Up” and “Buy-Up,” visit your education office as well as http://www.military.com/education{{PERIOD}} http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/the_abcs_of_va_education_benefits/