WASHINGTON – Veterans eligible for education benefits under the Webb-Mitchell GI Bill can begin applying for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs online today. Members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, receive up to four academic years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books. Veterans will have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits.
Applicants can apply through an online form at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
“When veterans return from active duty, we need to do everything we can to help them start this new, civilian phase of their lives,” said Congressman Himes. “Our newest veterans—and those we will ask to serve in the coming years— need to know we will do everything we can to make sure these important benefits they have earned are accessible to them. This investment will open doors for our veterans, strengthen our economy, and help military recruitment.”
Details of the Program Include:
- Service members, including those returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, can receive up to 36 months of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books.
- Veterans would have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits.
- Veterans would have the ability to use their benefits for program fees, tuition, books and housing.
- Veterans would be able to use the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, in which the federal government will match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum educational assistance provided under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
- Benefits are applicable for apprenticeships, vocational schools, and other non-traditional post-secondary educational settings.
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Congressman Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District, which includes the communities of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Oxford, Redding, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stamford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.