How does a parent transfer their GI Bill to their child?

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 28 May 2024 22:18:37 -0400

My wife served from 1996 - 2004, 4 years active Army and 4 years National Guard. She does not plan on going to college and wants to transfer her GI Bill to my son. How does she go about doing that?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 28 at 2024 11:28 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 28 May 2024 23:28:30 -0400

My wife says to google "VA Education Benefits". Hope this is some help.

Response by COL Randall C. made May 28 at 2024 11:38 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 28 May 2024 23:38:03 -0400

Roger, unfortunately I don't believe she'll be able.

The ability to transfer the G.I. Bill to dependents is something that can be done with the Post 9/11 GI Bill. From the data you mention you're likely referring to the Montgomery GI Bill, which isn't transferable.

Theoretical, if she did have the Post 9/11 GI Bill, she wouldn't have met the requirements for transfer. The are a number of reasons I can identify, but probably the 'low-hanging fruit' of reasons is the request must have been made while she was on active duty and the Post 9/11 GI Bill didn't come into effect until 2009 (your wife left the service in 2004).
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https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/

Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits | Veterans Affairs

Find out if you can transfer any of your unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse or dependent children.Note: The DefenseDepartment (DOD) decides whether you can transfer GI Bill benefits to your family.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2024 3:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:02:06 -0400

I've been researching the same thing. A part of it involves signing another four-year contract. =\