What would be valuable information to you getting ready to transition or retire?

SPC Kent Tilley — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 07:39:35 -0400

I have recently transitioned and am in a position of giving back. I would like to discuss the many topics of getting out, be it transition or retire. I also work closely with service disabled veterans and have been introduced to whole new world that I didn't even know existed. What can I do to help?
First things first, there are 56 pages in the information pamphlet. Where do you go from here? I’m going to break it down.
Most people are entitled to 36 months of eligibility under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). There are many variables for National Guard, Reserves, early release, and it depends on the type of discharge you got. Each and every situation is different and needs to be taken up with an Education Services Officer at the VA or your individual school will have an expert in the area.
Your 36 months of eligibility are determined by the amount of money it costs per month (pg. 20-21 GIB pamphlet). The eligibility is based on a monthly cost of $1,034. “If you receive an accelerated payment of $4,136 for a high-cost, high technology course, and your full-time MGIB rate is $1,034, divide $4,136 by $1,034. Your entitlement charge is four months. If you receive $517 for a test for a license, and your full-time rate is $1,034, divide $517 by $1,034. Your entitlement charge is one-half month.” It’s based on the dollar amount and not the time. Take this into consideration when making your decision on which program to accomplish.
Some of the approved training includes undergrad or grad degrees, certificates or diplomas, accredited independent study courses, OJT, prep courses, and flight training, if you already have your private pilot’s license. See http://www.gibill.va.gov for rates based on training times (pg. 23 GIB pamphlet). You can also receive benefits to renew licenses and receive tutorial help (pg. 24 GIB pamphlet).
You can also receive benefits while in prison, but “only the cost of tuition, fees, necessary books, equipment, and supplies.” (pg. 29 GIB pamphlet). If you are on “fugitive felon” status by any state or federal agency, you are ineligible to receive benefits. You must also maintain satisfactory attendance and grades to continue to receive benefits.
If you are on active duty, you can receive “top-up” which is Tuition Assistance plus MGIB. It is only used if Military TA doesn’t cover the cost of your program. You must also certify enrollment and verify attendance to receive payments (pg. 41-42 GIB pamphlet).
The Montgomery GI Bill/Post 9-11 benefits are a little/lot confusing, but if you go over the pamphlets that I have referenced and then talk to your programs enrollment specialist, it’s less confusing. Take the time to read through the material provided by the VA and then ask questions. There are so many variables to different programs that there can’t be a one source to answer all questions. These are your benefits and they do run out so use them when you can; they’re yours!

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/docs/pamphlets/ch30_pamphlet.pdf
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/docs/pamphlets/ch33_pamphlet.pdf
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/handouts_forms.asp

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The GI Bill provides educational assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents.

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jun 19 at 2015 7:42 AM

SPC Thomas Baldwin — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 07:42:47 -0400

Have a plan for the transition based on the field you want to peruse once you ETS. Start now and move to your goal. Don't procrastinate.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 19 at 2015 7:43 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 07:43:34 -0400

getting updated information from the TAP classes. Knowing that I had to designate an individual to transfer my GI Bill prior to retiring.

Response by SPC Kent Tilley made Jun 19 at 2015 8:24 AM

SPC Kent Tilley — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 08:24:05 -0400

Those of you that have transitioned or retired, what do you wish you would have known?