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You are here: Home / Military & Veterans Benefits / GI Bill & Education Benefits / GI Bill Transfer Rules – Transfer your GI Bill Benefits to Your Spouse or Children
by Ryan Guina
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GI Bill Transfer Rules – Transfer your GI Bill Benefits to Your Spouse or Children

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.

Update: 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.

GI Bill Transfer Rules

Who Can Transfer GI Bill Benefits

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.
  • 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 (this can come into play for high year tenure rules).
  • Are retirement eligible from August 1, 2009 through August 1, 2012. (Member must sign up for one more year of service starting from the date the GI Bill benefits are transferred).

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 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.

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. I can transfer 1 month worth of 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.

GI Bill Transfer

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.

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 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.

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Date published: May 14, 2009. Last updated: March 1, 2016.
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Article by Ryan Guina

Ryan Guina is the founder and editor of this site. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over 6 years on active duty in the USAF and is currently serving in the IL Air National Guard. He also writes about money management, small business, and career topics at Cash Money Life. You can also see his profile on Google.

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Comments

  1. Quentin Randolph says

    August 20, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    Can I transfer my Montgomery GI bill to daughter who is 17. I retired March 31 2008.

    Reply
  2. Ryan says

    October 3, 2010 at 1:51 am

    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!

    Reply
  3. Benjamin Wesley PayneIII says

    October 13, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    How do i apply for my refund on my G.I. Bill?

    Reply
  4. ROBERT GREGG JR says

    October 20, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    how do i find out if my gi bill got transferd over to my wife

    Reply
  5. Jim M says

    October 28, 2010 at 4:19 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan says

      October 28, 2010 at 11:41 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Jim says

        October 28, 2010 at 7:17 pm

        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

      February 17, 2017 at 9:07 pm

      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

      Reply
  6. Amy Hoggard says

    November 3, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    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.

    Reply
  7. Jose S says

    January 1, 2011 at 2:41 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 1, 2011 at 9:16 am

      Jose, unfortunately, I am not aware of a way to do so.

      Reply
  8. Shannon Nabors says

    January 19, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 20, 2011 at 2:39 pm

      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!

      Reply
  9. Joseph Hals says

    January 20, 2011 at 12:51 am

    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

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 20, 2011 at 2:36 pm

      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!

      Reply
  10. Sara says

    April 4, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      April 5, 2011 at 12:13 pm

      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.

      Reply
  11. johnny jett sr says

    April 21, 2011 at 9:40 am

    after marriage can childern use gi bill for nursing school was in army from 69 to 71

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      April 21, 2011 at 9:42 am

      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.

      Reply
  12. amber lynch says

    January 28, 2012 at 7:57 am

    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.

    Reply
  13. Jennifer says

    January 31, 2012 at 11:29 pm

    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!

    Reply
  14. Jeff Lagasse says

    August 21, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      August 24, 2012 at 3:03 pm

      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.

      Reply
  15. Lauren says

    November 8, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    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?

    Reply
  16. Octavia says

    December 26, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      December 27, 2012 at 9:50 pm

      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.

      Reply
  17. Jacob says

    May 21, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      May 22, 2013 at 7:37 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 4, 2016 at 10:57 am

        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 .

  18. Shelby Jones says

    July 29, 2013 at 12:51 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      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.

      Reply
  19. Jasmine McGraw says

    April 7, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      April 7, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      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!

      Reply
  20. Amy says

    April 23, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      April 24, 2015 at 9:40 am

      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.

      Reply
  21. Joseph says

    June 15, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      June 15, 2015 at 2:44 pm

      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!

      Reply
  22. H. Morgan says

    July 22, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      July 22, 2015 at 8:00 pm

      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.

      Reply
  23. M. Gray says

    August 13, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    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.

    Reply
  24. Scott says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:48 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      September 2, 2015 at 11:12 am

      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.

      Reply
  25. Chuck says

    January 6, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      February 13, 2016 at 1:19 am

      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!

      Reply
  26. Greg says

    January 9, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    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)?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 22, 2016 at 5:06 pm

      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!

      Reply
  27. Brent Tyler Kazee says

    January 19, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 22, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      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.

      Reply
  28. Ethan says

    April 10, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      April 12, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      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.

      Reply
  29. Aric says

    April 27, 2016 at 4:51 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      April 27, 2016 at 5:49 am

      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!

      Reply
  30. Briana says

    April 30, 2016 at 9:23 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      April 30, 2016 at 5:45 pm

      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!

      Reply
  31. Teresa says

    June 11, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      June 15, 2016 at 2:38 am

      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.

      Reply
  32. Mariah says

    July 21, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      July 21, 2016 at 4:19 pm

      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!

      Reply
  33. Monica says

    July 22, 2016 at 6:38 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      July 23, 2016 at 2:06 pm

      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.

      Reply
  34. Tarra says

    August 19, 2016 at 1:59 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      August 22, 2016 at 11:21 am

      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.

      Reply
  35. David says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:06 am

    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.

    Reply
  36. David Lee says

    August 24, 2016 at 11:24 am

    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

    Reply
  37. Nancy says

    August 24, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      August 25, 2016 at 8:05 am

      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!

      Reply
  38. TGeller says

    October 2, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      October 3, 2016 at 10:25 am

      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!

      Reply
  39. Rob Davis says

    October 3, 2016 at 7:10 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      October 3, 2016 at 10:16 am

      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!

      Reply
  40. Cory Perkins says

    December 2, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      December 6, 2016 at 10:34 am

      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!

      Reply
  41. DeAngela says

    January 5, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 6, 2017 at 10:13 am

      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.

      Reply
  42. Josephine says

    January 25, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 25, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      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.

      Reply
  43. John says

    April 11, 2017 at 10:05 am

    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.

    Reply
  44. Beth says

    April 12, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    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!

    Reply
  45. Alex says

    May 11, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    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.

    Reply
  46. Kevin says

    July 16, 2017 at 9:35 am

    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?

    Reply
  47. Eric says

    September 19, 2017 at 1:55 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      November 7, 2017 at 10:19 am

      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.

      Reply
  48. Adam says

    December 16, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      January 31, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      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!

      Reply
  49. Shar Jordan says

    March 27, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ryan Guina says

      March 28, 2018 at 6:39 am

      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!

      Reply

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