There is good news for those of you out there who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill — you may be eligible to transfer your GI Bill to a spouse or child if you meet the minimum service requirements and agree to extend your military service obligation.
There are certain limitations, and new rules passed in July, 2018 (effective starting July 12, 2019) require members to transfer their GI bill no later than the end of their 16th year of service. Additionally, all members must be eligible to serve an additional four years in order to transfer their GI Bill benefits to a family member.
More information on GI Bill transfer eligibility is found below.
Update: Additional changes may be coming soon to transferred GI Bill benefits. Recent legislation would cut the Monthly Housing Allowance in half if the benefit is transferred to children (those who have already made the transfer will be grandfathered into the current system with a 100% housing allowance for children). Those who are thinking about transferring this benefit should do so ASAP to avoid reduced benefits for their children. Read more about the GI Bill transfer changes.
Who Can Transfer GI Bill Benefits
The GI Bill benefits transfer policy is designed as a retention tool to entice mid-career service members to commit to additional military service. Because of this, eligibility rules target those members based on their service time and eligibility to serve an additional four-year service commitment.
New military rules, passed in 2018, require eligible members to transfer their GI Bill no later than the end of their 16th year of service. This goes into effect starting July 12, 2019 and applies to all current military members and their families.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer Eligibility Rules:
You can only transfer GI Bill benefits if you are eligible for the Post 9-11 GI Bill and you meet one of the following criteria:
- Have at least 6 years of service on date of GI Bill transfer request, and you agree to serve 4 more years.
- Are eligible to serve an additional 4 years of military service.
- Have not yet completed your 16th year of military service (beginning July 12, 2019).
Note: Each branch can implement the transfer rules based on DoD policy. Please see your Human Resources or personnel office for more information or to start your benefits transfer. Your branch will be able to help you start the transfer process, ensure you are eligible to serve an additional 4 years, and help you extend your service commitment.
Members Who Are No Longer Eligible to Transfer the GI Bill
Changes to the DoD GI Bill Transfer policy have removed the ability for some service members to transfer their GI Bill to family members. These changes have been made in keeping with the intent of the GI Bill transfer policy, which is to serve as a retention tool.
No Longer Eligible – Retirement Eligible Service Members:
The original law grandfathered in certain service members near retirement if they were not able to serve an additional 4-year service commitment. The original bill allowed those who
- “Are retirement eligible from August 1, 2009 through August 1, 2012 to transfer their GI Bill, provided the member agreed to serve one more year of service starting from the date the GI Bill benefits are transferred.”
Why this provision was removed: This provision was included in the original law to give all current service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to family members. This eligibility option has been removed because the GI Bill transfer benefit is a retention tool and all currently serving members will have had the option to transfer their benefits leading up to their retirement eligibility. This provision is no longer necessary. Retirement eligible members can still transfer GI Bill benefits through July 11, 2019, provided they are eligible to extend their service commitment an additional 4 years.
No Longer Eligible – 10+ Years of Service, but Ineligible to Extend 4 More Years:
The first version of the law allowed members to transfer their GI Bill if they
- “Have at least 10 years service and cannot serve 4 more years because of policy or law, but you agree to serve as long as you are able by law or policy.”
Why this provision was removed: This provision was removed with the 2018 policy update. The new policy removed the ability for members to transfer benefits if they cannot extend 4 more years of service. This most frequently impacts those who run into High Year Tenure rules, Time in Grade, mandatory retirement laws, or inability to extend due to medical or administrative reasons. The provision was removed in keeping with the intention of the GI Bill transfer policy, which is to serve as a retention tool.
What to Do if the Transfer Changes Impact You
I’m a big believer in taking advantage of benefits as soon as you are able, just in case policies change. The Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer is a prime example of this.
If you are eligible to transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill to your family members and are planning on staying in another four years, then don’t wait. This is especially true if you are at or near the 16-year mark (or have already surpassed the 16-year service mark). After July 12, 2019, you will no longer be able to transfer your benefits if you have surpassed 16 years of service.
To top it off, there has been a lot of talk of changing the benefits for dependents who receive the transferred GI Bill benefits. Under current law, children are eligible to receive the monthly housing allowance when they attend school using the GI Bill. There has been discussion of removing that benefit, as it was intended to help the veteran obtain housing after separating from the military; it was not originally intended to pay for housing for dependents. The proposal would eliminate the housing allowance for dependents.
If you are considering transferring the GI Bill to your family members, please do it now.
Remember, you choose how to allocate how your GI Bill benefits are disbursed among your family members and you can revoke or change the allocation at any time. You can even make changes after you separate or retire from the military. You can always change your mind regarding how you will distribute the months of benefits you transfer.
Who Can Receive Transferred GI Bill Benefits
GI Bill benefits can only be transferred to eligible spouses or children, who must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS).
Spouses.
- Can receive benefits immediately (starting August 1, 2009).
- Can use GI Bill benefits for up to 15 years after the service member separates from active duty.
- May still use the benefits after a divorce if the military member agrees.
- Spouses will not receive a monthly housing or book stipend while member is on active duty.
Children.
- Can use benefits after the service member completes at least 10 years of service.
- Can use the benefits while the service member remains on active duty or after the member separates.
- Is eligible to receive a monthly housing or book stipend while member is on active duty.
- May receive benefits after marriage.
- Cannot use benefits unless they have a high school diploma or equivalent, or reach age 18.
- Cannot receive benefits after age 26.
Other Important GI Bill Transfer Notes
This only applies to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This does not apply to the Montgomery GI Bill program.
Transfers must be made while the member is still serving. Members are not eligible to transfer benefits once they have already retired or separated from the military.
What if You Are Unable to Complete 4 Years After You Transfer the GI Bill?
Members who transfer their benefits and extend 4 years, but are not able to complete 4 years of service, need to seek guidance from the VA. Policy allows the member to keep their benefits if they are separated due to a medical retirement, disability, or Force Shaping. However, there may be some instances in which the member may no longer be eligible to transfer the benefits if they are not able to complete 4 years of service. It is recommended each member consult with their Human Resources, Personnel office, or the VA for more information.
How Much of the GI Bill Benefits Can I Transfer?
The military member can transfer up to 36 months of GI Bill benefits and can allocate them among eligible recipients at any time (but only once per month). The service member may also cancel a family member’s use of the benefits at any time. The benefits belong to the service member, and the intent of the GI Bill transfer program is not to change that.
Transfers Are Revocable and Allocations Can be Changed at Any Time
Members are encouraged to transfer benefits if they are eligible to do so because they can always change their mind. The minimum transfer is one month of benefits.
For example, I am eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. I have 36 months of benefits. I am married with two children. To begin with, I transferred 1 month of GI Bill benefits to each of my dependents, and still have 33 months to use for myself. I can change this allocation of benefits at any time.
To make changes, log into your MilConnect account and update the number of months you are transferring to each individual (up to the maximum allowed). This can be found under:
- MilConnect Home –> Benefits –> Transfer of Education Benefits
Remember, there is no downside to transferring your benefits because you can always go back and change how the transferred benefits are allocated.
Changes Are Limited Once You Separate or Retire
You can add and remove dependents to your GI Bill benefits transfer while you are still serving in the military. However, you can no longer add dependents to your transfer once you have retired. You can only remove benefits or change the allocation between them. Keep this in mind before you separate or retire from the military.
The Purpose of the GI Bill Transfer Program
The goal of the GI Bill transfer program is to keep mid-career military members in uniform, which is why there are minimum service requirements and why the GI Bill transfer program requires military members to incur more service time.
This is part of the reason why the new law was passed which limits members to transferring their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits no later than their 16th year of service. Once they reach 16 years of service, an additional 4 years will bring them to retirement eligibility and there is no longer a need to entice the members to continue their military service.
These GI Bill transfer rules will not apply military members who are eligible for the Post 9-11 GI Bill, but who have already separated or retired from active duty – all transfers must be made while the member is still in military service.
Hat tip to MOAA for the 2018 policy update.
Quentin Randolph says
Can I transfer my Montgomery GI bill to daughter who is 17. I retired March 31 2008.
Ryan says
Quentin, Unfortunately, not under the current system. You would still need to be on active duty and commit to extending your service time. Thanks for your service, and best of luck!
Benjamin Wesley PayneIII says
How do i apply for my refund on my G.I. Bill?
ROBERT GREGG JR says
how do i find out if my gi bill got transferd over to my wife
Jim M says
28 OCT 2010
I want to know if I can transfer my 9/11 GI Bill to a biological daughter that is now 19 and a sophomore in college, was never enrolled in DEERS and was adopted by her step-father years ago and no longer my dependent?
I’m willing to transfer the benefit since I have no other children or spouse who could possibly take advantage of this.
BACKGROUND
I recently received an e-mail from my ex who I haven’t heard from but once in the last 15 years that she expects me to transfer my 9/11 GI Bill benefits to my biological daughter.
I can’t get HRC’s DEERS office to respond to several vm that I’ve left the past couple of weeks.
According to the 9/11 GI Bill website she has to be in DEERS and a dependent.
I’m not sure if I can enroll her now at this point since she was never enrolled in DEERS and my ex left when she was 2 years old [1993] and had her adopted by her new husband when she was 4 or 5 and therefore she’s no longer my dependent.
If anyone can point me to a specific section of the Bill/Law that covers this unique instance that would be great or a POC; e-mail address or phone number so that I can discuss in person vs. autoresponse websites which do nothing except send me back to the GI Bill website video.
Ryan says
Jim, I’m not the final authority – I recommend contacting the VA for more information. But it seems to me like it just isn’t possible if she isn’t your dependent in DEERS and has been adopted. I recommend contacting the VA and getting the rule in writing so you can forward it to your ex – that way she can’t reasonably place the blame on you.
Jim says
Thanks Ryan – the VA told me to contact DEERS first – which has been a black hole so far. I’ll go online and find the nearest DEERS facility and show up to hopefully work w/someone face-to-face.
I appreciate your reply.
RANDOLPH JONES says
I cant understand the fact that your exwife left you when your daughter was 2 years old just like what I went threw same thing to but my wife left me to be with my bestfriend AND DANG DO I MISS MY BESTFRIEND oh yeah and she also left taking my dog has qnyone seen my at all? Dang I sure miss my dog lol but your exwife had her new husband adopted your daughter and then after 15 years later is asking you to transfer your 9-11 GI bill over to your daughter now sounds like your exwife is after your 9-11 GI BILL sounds like to me SIR just be careful if thats whats really going on ok.you can can search online with your military branch you served in to find out alot more info on what all your needing info on your needing info about your 9-11 GI BILL info and I HOPE THIS WILL HELP AT ALL SIR AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT SERVICES SERVING IN THE MILITARY TO BE UPHOLDING OUR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY
Amy Hoggard says
I wanted to find out if I can use the GI BIll that my husband already transferred to me on a certificate program…mainly a paramedic certification, or is it strictly for asscociates degrees.
Jose S says
I have been in the service for 2 years and I was wondering if there was any way of transferring my GI bill to my wife for school before I hit 6 years in the service.
Ryan Guina says
Jose, unfortunately, I am not aware of a way to do so.
Shannon Nabors says
Hi, Is the Post 9/11 GI Bill the only one you can transfer? My husband has been in Army Reserve for 20 years but no active duty so would he even be eligible for this?
Ryan Guina says
Shannon, Based on the information I have, the only GI Bill benefits that can be transferred are the Post-9-11 GI Bill benefits. If your husband has spent time on Active Duty since the 9-11 attacks, he may qualify for the Post-9-11 GI Bill. I recommend he look into it by contacting his education or personnel department. Best of luck!
Joseph Hals says
I completed 20 years of service on April 31st of 1998. I originally entered the service on July 31 of 1974, My child is i her second year of college. Can I transfer my GI Bill to her? V/R Joseph Hals
Ryan Guina says
Joseph, Most likely not, as you need to be active duty to be able to transfer your GI Bill. Additionally, if you fall under the Montgomery GI Bill, you would need to use your benefit within 10 years of separation from the service. You may contact the VA if you need more information or clarification. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Sara says
Hello,
My husband only has 6 months left of benefits from his active duty Gi bill. Does he get more money for his reserve gi bill? How does that work?
Ryan Guina says
Sara, Active Duty GI Bill and Reserve GI Bill are very different benefits. It also depends on whether he is using the Montgomery GI Bill, or the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If he is using the Montgomery GI Bill, he may be able to switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill to gain several more months of benefits. My recommendation is to have him call a GI Bill representative at the VA so they can access his records and give him specific information to his situation.
johnny jett sr says
after marriage can childern use gi bill for nursing school was in army from 69 to 71
Ryan Guina says
Johnny, There is a time limit to use the GI Bill, and in most cases it expires within 10 years of separating from the service. I recommend contacting the VA if you believe you have benefits which you may still be eligible for. The VA can look up your specific case and give you the relevant information you need.
Thanks for your service.
amber lynch says
Need to update information or atleast put everything on here it says can’t receive after 26. That is false because you can’t receive the day you are 23.unless already enrolled. Sucks for people that just found it can be transferred and my 23rd birthday was in Nov.
Jennifer says
My husband is getting ready to transfer more of his GI Bill to me so I can finish my degree. What happens to the months he transfers me that I do not use/won’t need? Does he have to transfer them back to himself, cancel what I have left so they go back to him, or what? Thanks!
Jeff Lagasse says
I was active duty army from 1992-2003. Can i transfer my GI Bill to my son. He was born while i was on active duty therefore enrolled in DEERS.
Ryan Guina says
Jeff, Based on the information I have, GI bill transfers are only available as a retention tool and can only be transferred when the military members is still serving. Service members generally have to reenlist for a certain amount of time to be eligible to transfer benefits. I don’t believe it is possible to transfer your benefits after you have separated from the service. It may be possible to join the Guard or Reserves and transfer your benefits through your service commitment with the Reserve Corps.
You may also wish to contact the VA for more information about your options. Best of luck, and thanks for your service.
Lauren says
What happens when you are medically retired due to a disability and are unable to either go to school due to that disability or re-enlist? This is the case with my husband, he was temporarily retired in 2008 and that temporary retirement became permanent during 2012. Are there options for him to transfer his GI Bill benefits at this time?
Octavia says
I have always wanted to transfer my Montgomery Bill over to my daughter for when it came time for her collage needs. MY estimated ETS date is in 2016 and I found out very recently she is graduating a year early from high school. How do I do this? If I have to enlist a few more years to do so then I will her collage education is very important to me. I look forward to your response.
Thank you.
Ryan Guina says
Octavia, Currently only the Post-9/11 GI Bill is eligible to be transferred, but you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, depending on your service dates. Each branch has different rules regarding GI Bill transfers, so you will need to contact your education office for specific information.
Jacob says
My fiance’s has been using the G.I bill that her mom transferred to her. her mom just retired. My question is can she keep using the G.I bill if we get married since its already been transferred to her. I am also in the military.
Ryan Guina says
Jacob, If the GI Bill was transferred to her in full, then being married shouldn’t prohibit her from using the benefit. She should be able to continue using it. If you have specific questions, I recommend contacting the VA so they can look into her account and give you answers tailored to her specific situation.
Dee says
My Daughter had recently gotten a transfer from her father of benefits but what surprised us was it says she is entitled to a stipend for books and housing etc.. When asked for account number for direct deposit her father demanded his account be used .. Is this how it’s works our daughter goes to school but the stipend is the service members .. I know it’s revocable and it is the service members GI Bill .. But how does this help her with books and such if he receives the stipend and is in full control .. Confused on my end .. Please help .
Shelby Jones says
I am engaged to a Sailor. my dad transferred his GI Bill to Me. I Start college August 26th . Will I lose the BAH if we get Married? we won’t get married till February.
thank you all!
Ryan Guina says
Here is what I read about the BAH eligibility:
“Active duty servicemembers and spouses of active duty servicemembers using transferred entitlement cannot receive BAH, however, Veterans, their spouses and dependents can receive BAH.”
I take this to mean that you can receive BAH benefits until you become married to an active duty service member, at which point the BAH would stop. However, I recommend contacting the VA to verify.
Jasmine McGraw says
My dad did 20 years in the navy, I was wondering since I’ve gotten married am I still eligible to use my military benefits or am I cut off now. I’m 21 years old.
Ryan Guina says
Jasmine, Thank you for contacting me. Typically the military benefits eligibility for dependent children are cut off when the child marries. There may be some exceptions, such as if your father transferred GI Bill benefits to you before he retired and before you were married. Otherwise, it is unlikely you are eligible for benefits. Thanks, and best wishes to you and your family!
Amy says
Hello,
My daughters biological father served for 20 years and retired in aug 2013.
My daughter is going to graduate June 2016. Can she use his GI bill for college?
Ryan Guina says
Amy, The GI Bill can be transferred, but this benefit is used as a retention tool. The benefit must be done while the servicemember is still on active duty, or in the Guard or Reserves. If the servicemember didn’t transfer his benefits while he was still in the military, then he can no longer do so.
Joseph says
I have over 10 years in. Do I have to tranfer my GI BILL to my kids while on active duty if I will go into the National Guard once I ETS from active duty? In addition I will have a GS job, if that counts for anything.
Ryan Guina says
Joseph, Thank you for contacting me. If you transfer your GI Bill while on active duty, you will incur an additional service commitment – so you would be required to remain on active duty. You can transfer the GI Bill after you join the Guard. You will still incur a service commitment, but it will be in the Guard, not for active duty. Since you will likely be serving that amount of time anyway, you won’t have to add much, if anything to your Guard contract. Just be sure to do the transfer as soon as you can. That way you won’t have to extend your initial Guard contract. Hope that helps. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
H. Morgan says
My son’s father spent 20+ years in the Air Force and still has $ left under his Montgomery GI Bill; I am trying to figure out if he is eligible to transfer it to our son? His father retired in Aug 2009 and our son is going into his 3rd year of college. Can you lead me in the right direction of what entity of the VA I should be contacting to find out if it is possible?
Ryan Guina says
H. Morgan, Thank you for contacting me. Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer the Montgomery GI Bill to a family member. the only GI Bill that can be transferred is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and it can only be transferred while the member is still serving. Sorry to be the bearer or bad news.
M. Gray says
My husband retired national guard in 2012. I dont believe he transfered the bill to our children prior to retiring though. He says the question never came up? What is the process to get this fixed? Otherwise, this benefit will go to waste because he doesnt plan on using it.
Scott says
Hello Ryan, I Retired ARNG 2006 and Iraq Veteran with the post 911 certificate in hand for myself only. In 2008 post 911 G.I. bill was extended to family member. Do you if any changes where made? I have been trying to get hold of the VA and my eBenefits page is giving a hard time getting in. Thank-You.
Ryan Guina says
Scott, the ability to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to family members is a retention tool, and requires the servicemember to sign on for additional years of service before he or she can transfer the benefits. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if you have already retired.
Chuck says
I transferred my 9/11 GI Bill benefits to my kids before I retired on 2007. Twin girls and gave each 18 months of benefit. They’re high school sophomores this year and looks like one of them will not attend college.
Is it possible to transfer the unused benefit from one girl to the other or is my only option to revoke the benefit and use it myself? Thanks.
Ryan Guina says
Chuck, Thank you for contacting me. Yes, I believe you can transfer the benefits between your children. Contact the VA for more information on how to do this. Best of luck, and thank you for your service!
Greg says
I plan to transfer the GI Bill to my wife at year 6, and serve the additional 4 years. We currently have no kids. If I have a child later on (say year 8 for example), can I transfer the GI Bill benefits to him/her without incurring any additional service commitment (meaning could I separate at 10 years instead of 12)?
Ryan Guina says
Greg, To be honest, I’m not sure how it works in this instance. I recommend asking your education office or career retention counselor. They should be able to give you a reference in writing. Best of luck, and thank you for your service!
Brent Tyler Kazee says
My father is a veteran and had mentioned the GI bill to me. Before i had a chance to talk to him about it he passed away. He was shot and killed by his father. Now i need to see if i can still get the GI bill he was talking about to go to school.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Brent, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. unfortunately, the GI Bill can only be transferred if it is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the military member is still in the service. It is not otherwise transferable. I don’t believe you will be eligible to use your father’s GI Bill under these circumstances.
Ethan says
Medically retired 80% from the Army in 2014, with 15 years active duty. Before my retirement date, I transferred my Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to my 15 year old daughter. I received confirmation of the transfer, and it seems all is well. Just checking to see if this is still legit. Thanks.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Ethan, Thank you for contacting me. I don’t know how the process works if you transfer your GI Bill benefits before leaving the military, but don’t complete the required years of service. I believe the transfer is still considered to be complete under your circumstances. But I would contact the VA to verify everything is as it should be.
Aric says
If I transfer my benefits, will my service commitment be concurrent or consecutive with regards to any current service commitment? (For example, I currently owe six years.)
Also, my wife and I are planning on having more children, can I transfer my education benefits to any future children without incurring additional service commitment if I have previously transferred education benefits to my current children?
Ryan Guina says
Aric, Great questions. Unfortunately, I’m not sure of the specific answers. You should contact your education or retention office for further information. They can help you with the process. Best of luck!
Briana says
Hello,
If I am prior Army and have already used my 36 months of 9/11 gi bill can I use my current husbands gi Bill who is an active duty sailor? He would like to transfer his gi Bill to me but we are wondering can I use his now after having used all of mine.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Briana, Thank you for contacting me. I am not aware of any prohibitions that would prevent you from using your husband’s GI Bill. But I would contact the VA to be certain. Best of luck, and thank you for your service!
Teresa says
My husband retired in 98 after 20 years of service in the Navy. I found out we do not have education benefits for our daughter but he is 30% disabled. Are there benefits ther to use?
Is the Mongomery GI bill the only option?
Thank you
Ryan Guina says
Hello Teresa, Thank you for contacting me. The GI Bill cannot be transferred and expires 10 years after leaving the military, so that wouldn’t be an option. There may be benefits available for children of disabled veterans, but in many situations, they are case specific, or the benefits may be available from an an agency other than the VA. For example, many states have certain provisions for children of disabled veterans, and many colleges may offer scholarships or grants. I would start by contacting a trained benefits counselor to help understand which benefits may be available. You might also try your state Veterans Affairs office or website. I hope this points you in the right direction.
Mariah says
Hi! My dad has recently transferred me his GI bill benefits to me and I was wondering if once its transferred to me is he allowed to stop or take it back?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Mariah, Thank you for contacting me. Yes, your father is able to transfer some, all, or none of the GI Bill to you. The decision to transfer the benefit is revocable, which means it can be withdrawn. I do not know if it can be withdrawn in the middle of a school term, but it would be worth looking into. You could contact the VA to learn more about how this benefit could change. Here is the VA’s contact number: 1-800-827-1000. I wish you the best with your studies!
Monica says
My husband served 4 years active duty post 9/11. He went enlisted as an army reservist a few months after his 4 years of service. He is still enlisted as a reservist. Would he be able to transfer his GI Bill to me?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Monica, Thank you for contacting me. I he is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and he is still serving, then he should be able to transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit, provided he is willing to extend his contract to continue serving for at least 4 more years. I hope this is helpful.
Tarra says
My son received 18 months of education benefits transferred from his father, who is an active duty Marine. Recently his benefit letter came in the mail describing his benefits. At this point he has 1 day and 0 months remaining, but the letter stated that he would be receiving a housing stipend of $1500 a month and a book stipend of $666 a month. The check for books has already arrived in the mail. My question is, did the government make a mistake and send that check?? I do not want him to cash it and have to repay it. His father is stationed in Bosnia and I can’t get a hold of him. Thank you for you help!!!
Ryan Guina says
Hello Tarra, Thank you for contacting me. I don’t have a good answer for you. I would contact the VA and inquire about the benefits and ask them if they can review the benefit and whether or not this is correct.
David says
Hello Ryan,
You may have answered my question above. I transferred my Post 9/11 to my son and daughter Feb 2014 and had 4 years left in the Navy. I had totally planned on completing the 4 years. I was not due to transfer back to Sea Duty until Dec 15. With the medical issues I had accrued I could not return back to a ship or the special programs duty station I had came from. So I made the decision that after 22 years of service I would go ahead and retire.
Like Ethan above I had transferred the benefits and received the transfer completion verification letter. My son applied for his benefits and a letter was received from the VA saying they could not give him the benefit. I called the VA and was told that DOD had denied the benefit since I did not complete the full 4 years. My question would be is there anything in the instruction that if medically a service member can not complete the 4 years and has successfully transferred the benefit in the past that a dependent would still receive the benefit?
Thanks in advance.
David Lee says
Ryan,
Update on my situation above. I was able to get in touch with the DOD side that disapproved my son for his GI Bill benefits that I transferred to him. Luckily I live near the Naval Base where the Naval Personnel Command is located. After talking with the GI Bill folks I was forwarded to another office that takes care of medical type situations(Limdu, Medically down/retirement orders etc..) to see if they had any medical information on me in the system. Unfortunately since I had chosen to do a regular retirement instead of going through the medical retirement process there was no info in the system on me for medical. Fortunately though I had brought my copy of my medical record that showed all the medical issues I was going through and where I was no longer able to maintain my flight status and where I would not screen for sea duty. These folks are amazingly helpful. Even though I had elected to do a regular retirement, with all that medical information I was able to provide them to show that I was no longer able to transfer back to SEA Duty, it looks like they are going to waive the additional 24 months I had left to complete the additional 4 years. So it looks like my Son and Daughter will be able to use the benefits now.
For anyone that reads this and may be in the same situation I am in. Always and I mean Always go the medical route if given the option. Not only would this GI BILL been and issue but your Disability through the VA is expedited doing a medical retirement.
I have been rated finally at 100% and will receive my first check in Sept. 6 months of the VA process is not bad and could be worse but if I had done the Medical Retirement route it would have been allot faster.
Thanks for all your help Ryan.
David
Nancy says
My husband wants to transfer 18 months of his post 9-11 GI to me for school. My question is about the enlistment commitment of 4 years. His actual commitment will be fulfilled in about 1.5 years, can he finish his commitment out in the reserves? He’s currently an active duty naval physician. He’s not sure he wants to commit to 4 more years active duty. What happens to people who do not finish the commitment? Is it a simple overpay charged?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Nancy, Thank you for contacting me. The GI Bill transfer is a retention tool, meaning it was created to entice servicemembers to extend their commitment by another 4 years of service. Servicemembers can transfer their benefit while in the Guard or Reserves, however, I am unaware if they can transfer the benefit while on active duty and finish their commitment in the Guard or Reserves.
In other words, he can transfer the GI Bill to you and do 4 more years of active duty service to complete the obligation. The same would apply if he was already in the Reserves. He could do the transfer, extended 4 years, and complete his Reserve obligation. I am unaware if he can transfer the benefit, complete 1.5 more years of active duty service, then finish the remaining time in the Reserves. He should contact his education, personnel, or retention office for further guidance.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you both the best in figuring out the best way to transfer these benefits!
TGeller says
My husband transferred all 36 months of 9/11 to me and our children and have been used. He just retired. Can he use Montgomery or any other benefits for him now if he decides to take some classes?
Ryan Guina says
Hello TGelleer, Thank you for contacting me. No, that is not allowed. Montgomery GI Bill benefits are gone once they have been converted to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In this case, he used his GI Bill to provide education for his dependents. There may be other education opportunities, but they would fall under a different program. Here is an article which may be helpful – how to pay for school after using your GI Bill benefits. I hope this points you in the right direction!
Rob Davis says
I retired in 2009, before doing so I signed over my 36 months to my son. He only used 20 months (Culinary School). My daughter is getting ready to go to college in 2017. I am curious if there is a way we can transfer the remaining 16 months to her.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Rob, Thank you for contacting me. If you had previously transferred some of the benefit to her, then yes, you should be able to change the allocation to transfer the remaining benefit to her. If you have never transferred any of the benefit to her, I am not sure if you will be able to do so now. You can no longer add dependents to transfer your benefits once you have separated or retired from active duty. You will need to contact the VA to verify. I wish you the best and thank you for your service!
Cory Perkins says
My wife is a veteran and has used her Post 9-11 GI bill benefits to finish her bachelors degree. I have served 10 years and just re-enlisted for an additional 6, Can I transfer my wife some of MY benefits so she can go through her masters program?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Cory, Thank you for contacting me. I am not aware of any reason why you wouldn’t be able to transfer your benefits to your wife. But I would double-check with your education and training office, retention office, or the agency that handles GI Bill transfers. Best of luck, and thank you for your service!
DeAngela says
Hello Ryan,
My mom transferred me a year worth of benefits for school. I just got approved to use them except all the allowances are being deposited into my mother’s bank account, and she refuses to let me switch the account information on file and she is not giving me the money each month. Is this ‘legal’ if the benefits were transferred to me or does she still have all the right to do that?
A response would greatly be appreciative.
Thank you
Ryan Guina says
Hello DeAngela, Thank you for contacting me. To be honest, I don’t have an answer here. I’m not sure how the law is written and I’m not sure if there is a clause that states the benefit must go to the student receiving the GI Bill benefits, or if it is something that needs to be worked out between the family members. I would contact the VA for an official response. However, I will also let you know that the person who earned the GI Bill benefit can change the transferred amount at any time. So before raising any serious complaints, it’s important to know that the benefit can also be transferred back to the person who earned it, or transferred to another individual. I would try to work this out with your mother. And at the end of the day, a year of free college is till incredibly valuable, even if there is no cash stipend that goes with it. I wish you the best.
Josephine says
My husband transferred his GI bill months to our children and I before he retired. 12 months each for the 3 of us. Our daughter went to college on and off for a year, she is soon to be 23 yrs. I heard theres some sort of rule about her using hers by that age also, i think? And our son is attending a trade school, but sometimes the classes are only for 2 or 3 weeks out of a month, he’s been there for 6 months but not consistent classes that takes up a whole month.
How do we find out how much time is left on each of their 12 months that he allacoated for them? And If i don’t use mine can he decrease my months left and can he give it to them in stead?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Josephine, Thank you for contacting me. You can contact the VA to determine how much of each benefit is left over. And yes, your husband should be able to transfer the benefit between any of the three of you. The VA can help him do this, or he can do it online.
John says
Hello Ryan,
I have a semi-unique situation that I’m not finding addressed and wanted to get your thoughts. I had over 5 years on active duty, then transferred to the USAR, From 2009 to 2012, I was on one year at a time active duty orders and on 1 April 2010, my Post 9/11 GI Bill transfer was approved. My active duty orders covered me until 4 January 2012, but then funding for orders dried up and I was also retirement eligible (22 good years), so I got out then. At the time I was never told about service obligations and didn’t have a lot of options as the orders ended. When I recently printed a transfer letter, it states an “obligation end date” of 31 March 2012. My son (transferred to him) has several years until college, but I want to better understand my situation. Thanks.
Beth says
Dear Ryan,
My husband was injured in country. He returned to the US injured and was placed on MedHold. He was held for nearly two years on med hold. He then Med boarded out of the Navy. Due to to the types of injuries my husband sustained, unfortunately he was not in the frame of mind to understand or comply with the TEB requirements prior to Disability Exit.
That brings me to now…we have our daughter, a junior in High School, ready to utilize the benefits her father secured for her by nearly losing his life for her and our country, and now we find out that the benefits are not there.
As you state, he would have had to transfer them prior to exiting the Navy. Unfortunate, since this was not done.
Who can we speak to about this? When I called education, I was told that I would need to speak to my congressman. Do you have an resources or a point of contact that could help me with this? I am the caregiver for my disabled husband and now I have to try to find money for college after I thought all this time that college was secured….please help!
Alex says
I transferred 1 year of benefits to my now ex-wife in 2010, who is also a veteran. At the time, she had used up her 4 years of post-9/11 GI bill, so I transferred 1 year of the benefit to her so that she could finish her graduate education. Well come to find out, one can only use a maximum of 4 years of GI bill benefits regardless of which source it came from. So eventually I revoked the benefit since she couldn’t use it anyways. I completed my 4 years of obligation in 2014 and I’m still on active duty. I have 3 children, so at the time I didn’t think about transferring any of my benefit to them as they were real little but now I’m thinking it might be a good idea before I retire. My question is this: If I transfer some months to them (currently they have zero months), would I have to stay for another 4 years? Or is the requirement only one 4-year term? I’m coming up on 19 years if that makes any difference. I have called the VA and other sources and no one seems to know the answer. Thank you in advance for any and all information you can provide.
Kevin says
I am in the USAR. I completed the request to transfer my Post 911 GI Bill to my children in 2014. It was not approved until 2015. My approval letter states that I have an obligation until 2019. I was already retirement eligible at that point. I was told at the time by a supposed career counselor that if I was eligible to retire I could without issue. The question is can I transfer to the Retired Reserve or IRR and continue my obligation or do I have to continue as a TPU or IMA? Unfortunately, no one seems to know the correct answer and I have heard several answers. What is correct?
Eric says
I transferred my Post 9/11 benefits a few years ago to my family members. Am I no longer allowed to use those benefits if I choose to take a class or two? or did I just give up all of my months of benefits away
Ryan Guina says
Hello Eric, You are able to use the benefits. You can log into your account and transfer benefits to and from yourself or any of the members you transferred benefits to at any time. You can transfer as much or as little benefits you wish, as long as it is in one month increments. I hope this is helpful.
Adam says
I am active duty. At 6 yrs of service I transferred my G.I. bill to my dependents (as long as I serve 4 additional years). I am now considering changing to the reserves or to a different branch of service when I get to 8 years. Will this affect my transfer of G.I. bill? I will still serve the required additional 4 yrs, just not all with my current branch of service. Thanks
Ryan Guina says
Hello Adam, Thank you for your question. This is a great question, and I’m not 100% certain. The GI Bill transfer is a retention tool, so the odds are low. You generally have to reenlist or sign a contract that takes you through to the end of your 4-year service commitment that you incurred when you transferred the benefits to your dependents. It may be possible to transfer to the Guard or Reserves, but I do not know how this would impact the benefits you transferred, or if you would incur an additional service commitment on top of what you originally agreed to.
The best thing to do is contact your education office, retention office, or the office in charge of handling the GI Bill benefits transfer. One of them should be able to answer the question and point you in the right direction. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Shar Jordan says
I was wondering if I can take back my GI Bill that was given to my son prior to being medically retired in 2014 and transfer it to my daughter.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Shar, Thank you for your question. If you have transferred your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to both children before your retirement date, then you should be able to adjust the amounts transferred at any time after your retirement. However, if you transferred the full amount to your son before your retirement, and none to your daughter, it may not be possible to change the allocation. You should be able to make the transfer online. You will need to contact the VA if you are unable to access the online portal, or if you have additional questions. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
jenn says
My ex has about 13yrs in, switched to national guard 2yrs ago, plans on leaving the NG next year. He only used a little of his GI BILL. Our daughter is enrolled in DEERS, she is now 10. I left him almost 6yrs ago due to him abusing me and our daughter. After leaving him, he barely had anything to do with our daughter although he was good about paying support without involving the courts for a good amount of years. Once he decided he wanted to sign his rights away, he has barely been giving any money, so I filed for Child Support. Our court date is next month.
My question is: Can he transfer the rest of his GI BILL to her before he signs his rights away? I’m getting remarried in a year, and my fiance will be adopting her after that. If he can, does anyone know if I can ask the child support judge to order him to do it?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Jenn, The GI Bill Transfer requires the member to extend his or her military service obligation for an additional 4 years. I am not aware of a judge being authorized to order a military member to extend his or her military service obligation, since military service is voluntary.
This is something you would need to take up with the service member, or ask a lawyer about. I wish you and your family the best.