My husband retired and is enrolled in college. Will he receive compensation from VA?

Alice San — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 10:28:08 -0500

We heard that if he is enrolled in college ( he s using the GI bill) as a full time student ( he also got 100 percent disability from VA) he will receive BAH from the VA. Is this true ?

Response by TSgt David Holman made Feb 1 at 2020 10:30 AM

TSgt David Holman — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 10:30:11 -0500

Yes and no. He will get BAH from the VA, but through the Post 9-11. This program is run through the VA. He will not get additional BAH from the VA for being 100%.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 1 at 2020 10:34 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 10:34:03 -0500

You have to apply for and draw the post 9-11 GI Bill benefits. https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp

Your husband had to be briefed on this as part of his outprocessing from the post at the Ed Center.

100% VA Disability rating doesn't have anything to do with this education benefit.

As a SSG How are you counseling your soldiers on the use of their Gi Bill? This is a pretty elementary aspect of the program.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 1 at 2020 12:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 12:45:02 -0500

Just out of curiosity what is the status of SS and Caregiver funds?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 1 at 2020 12:46 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 12:46:05 -0500

He is authorized many benefits. However, he needs to contact the VA. Their are separate rules for the VA benefit and what he earned I. The military.

Response by SPC William Carter made Feb 1 at 2020 1:38 PM

SPC William Carter — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 13:38:13 -0500

One thing to remember is if he is 100% your children go to college for free.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 2:36 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:36:55 -0500

He's eligible for a free ride under VA Vocational Rehab, but has to apply. You can apply online. It covers all fees, books, and necessary admin supplies. It's not confined to college either. VA.gov and go from there.

Response by CPT Daniel Cox made Feb 1 at 2020 4:51 PM

CPT Daniel Cox — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 16:51:08 -0500

There is a VA educational program (I used it in 1996-1999 to get an MS in Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville) separate from the GI Bill. VA Vocational Rehabilitation is a training/educational program to prepare the disabled veteran for a career path that will let them continue to be productive members of society. I doubt the VA will grant VocRehab while he has his GI Bill but it never hurts to ask. It is also something to think about for the future.
VocRehab is not just for 100% disabled vets. Under the Voc Rehab program, VA will pay training costs, tuition and fees, books, supplies, equipment, and special services needed by the veteran. While in training, VA will also pay a monthly "subsistence allowance" to help with living expenses.

Response by SPC Timothy Bequette made Feb 1 at 2020 9:45 PM

SPC Timothy Bequette — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 21:45:46 -0500

Just as an FYI, just because he is 100% through the VA doesn’t automatically entitle him to 100% education benefits. Applying for the education benefits is just like applying for VA disability. It’s all a waiting game and don’t bet on his enrollment to guarantee his BAH payout. Even if he ends up entitled to it, every school has a hiccup in the start of a semester. In laimence terms, he will have to make sure sure his schools VA Certifying official submits his verification in time. Have him apply for the FAFSA as well, always worth a shot.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Feb 2 at 2020 12:52 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 12:52:33 -0500

I am in the same boat.. yes my wife gets my GI Bill BAH.... I hope you didn't think the husband gets the money.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Feb 2 at 2020 11:23 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 23:23:56 -0500

It depends on the 100% disability because the VA will look at like why should we pay you for school if your 100% disabiled? If you are getting better and expect your compensation to decrese then you may qualify but if your disbility is like mine TDIU then NO that stands for totally and permantly disabled due to individuale unemployability meaning you are not expected to ever recover from your injuries. If you have a local government VA office they could assisit you much better. Sorry but my eye sight is terrible tonight and I can barley see what I'm typing but good luck to ya.

Response by CPL Sarah Stilwell made Feb 3 at 2020 12:14 PM

CPL Sarah Stilwell — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 12:14:22 -0500

I'm 100% permanent ant total and in full time school (with accommodations by the disability office). I recieve the pell grant, my post 9/11 gi bill with housing allowance and my full va disability check. I didn't qualify for voc rehab because my arm was to severely damaged.

Response by SPC William Carter made Feb 6 at 2020 2:33 PM

SPC William Carter — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 14:33:45 -0500

Once starting college the G.I. Bill will cover housing in a dorm but it will not pay your rent for an apartment or house. However, some universities have housing accommodations for married students. Tell him to ask the VA representative on campus where he is planning to go to school.