Benefits Go Into Effect Beginning August 1, 2009

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) announces that starting today, veterans can begin to apply for a certificate of eligibility for the new college benefits included in the New G.I. Bill for the 21st Century that Congress enacted last year.  That legislation restored the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.  Post 9/11 veterans can apply for the new college benefits – which go into effect August 1, 2009 – at the VA website, https://www.gibill.va.gov/.

“As a veteran myself, I understand the sacrifices our brave service men and women have made to keep us safe,” said Rep. Baca.  “I am proud of this Congressional action, which ensures the availability of quality care and educational benefits for America’s returning soldiers.  I encourage all our eligible service members and veterans to apply for these critical education benefits.”  

Generally, the measure provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001 who have been honorably discharged from service. The benefits are correlated on a sliding scale to years served and to receive full benefits, you must have served on active duty for three years. This program will pay for:

• tuition and fees of up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in your state;
• a monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents; and 
• an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.

These benefits are generally payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty.

“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “This national investment restores the promise of a four-year college education so that when they return home, we will pledge to leave no veteran behind either.”

Rep. Baca is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with both the 101st and the 82nd Airborne Divisions from 1966-68.