Getting the Answers to Your Benefit Questions

If you have questions about how to use your hard earned military education benefits, then you are not alone. Fortunately we have a team of experts who receive and answer educational benefits questions on a daily basis.

Our editors have compiled a list of over 300 questions that have been submitted by our members over the last 6 months. The following is the first of many "Ask the Experts" articles designed to help you understand how to make the most of your benefits.

To get more answers check the "Ask the Experts Archives."

Question:
How long do I have to use my Active Duty GI Bill and can that time be extended?

Answer:
Once you have separated from active duty service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin Active-duty service for more than 90 days during the 10 year period, your 10 year clock is reset. In other words you get 10 years from your last discharge.

In addition the VA will extend your 10 year delimiting date if you were prevented from training during that period because of a disability or because you were held by a foreign government or power.

Question:
How do I use my Army Tuition Assistance?

Answer:
Here are the steps to using your Army Tuition Assistance:

1. Talk with a counselor, at the nearest Education Center, to declare an educational goal and create an educational plan.
2. The counselor will provide you with a DA Form 2171, Request for Tuition Assistance - Army Continuing Education System, for a specific course or courses.
3. The counselor will explain TA procedures, requirement for TA reimbursements, and, if necessary, officer/commissioned warrant officer active duty service obligations.
4. Then the counselor will have you sign a Statement of Understanding for Army Tuition, which verifies that you understand your TA benefits and obligations.
5. In accordance with AR 621-5, you will need to obtain the unit commander's or authorized representative's signature on the DA Form 2171.
6. Return the DA Form 2171 to the Education Center prior to course enrollment for the education services officer's signature.
7. Take the DA Form 2171 to the appropriate college representative for course enrollment.

Question:
Do I have to keep reapplying once I start receiving my GI Bill benefits?

Answer:
Yes and No. You should only have to submit your VA Form 22-1990 once. However while you are attending school, you must report to the VA each month through the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling the VA at 1-888-GIBill-1 to receive you monthly benefits without disruption. In addition the school must submit their VA Form 22-1999 for each new academic semester or quarter. Many schools can do this electronically through the VA-Once program.

Note: If you are taking correspondence courses you may be required to complete and submit your own VA 22-1999c, for each course, to ensure you continue to receive your benefits.

Question:
Does the GI Bill cover Graduate Schools?

Answer:
Yes! The VA will pay for you to take courses ranging from Community Colleges to Universities, including PHD level coursework.

NOTE: These answers are based on the VA's general guidelines. Your personal educational benefits questions can only be answered by one of the friendly people at your regional VA office or your local Education Services Office.

Remember you can get more answers at the "Ask the Experts Archives."

Get Started Today!
If you haven't found a "Military Friendly" school that is VA-approved, then the best way to get started is Military.com's "School Finder", which will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.