Vet News: Education Benefits Run Out For Too Many, Too Often

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFPN) -- Education benefits are still among the top reasons many individuals join the military. Despite this fact, more than 40 percent of Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits go unused each year, according to officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

One major cause: Time.

"Unfortunately, G.I. bill benefits have an expiration date," said Tan Johnson, VA representative. "Once (people) separate from active-duty, they have up to 10 years to use all their G.I. Bill benefits."

This means an individual who starts attending college eight years after leaving the service will have only two years to complete a degree.

"That's why we strongly encourage people to use this entitlement because you've earned it, you've paid into it, and you don't want to lose your money," Mrs. Johnson said.

Currently, the program pays more than $1,000 a month for 36 months to eligible candidates. This money can be used to cover the cost of tuition and to buy text books and other school supplies while attending a regionally or nationally accredited educational institution.

The new G.I. Bill buy-up program offers an additional incentive. Individuals pay an extra $600 to receive an additional $5,400 in education benefits.

"Get in contact with the VA, they will let you know if the school is accredited by their terms," Mrs. Johnson said. "Then you’ll get in contact with the certifying official at that school and provide documents showing you’ve paid into the G.I. Bill and that you'd like to use it."

Still, VA officials are quick to point out that getting started is the easy part. Actually using G.I. Bill benefits before they run out is where many people fall short.

More information about the G.I. Bill is available online.

SOURCE: VNIS