Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility

In general, veterans will receive 36 months of education benefits. They have 15 years from the date of their last separation from active duty to use the benefit.

The following types of veterans are eligible for benefits:

• Veterans who served at least 90 days active-duty after September 10, 2001
  • Those who served at least 36 months active-duty are entitled to the maximum benefit
  • Those who served less time are eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit, based on length of service; the minimum benefit is 40 percent of the maximum benefit
• National Guard and Reserve members who served pursuant to a federal call to active duty
• Veterans who served at least 30 continuous days and sustained a service-connected disability
• Veterans discharged in some circumstances
• Active-duty service members
• In some circumstances, spouses and children of service members

Service periods already pledged to satisfy a service academy active-duty obligation, and service periods pledged for education loan repayment purposes, do not count as active-duty service to establish eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits.