Post-9/11 GI Bill for Reservists (Chapter 33)

What the Post-9/11 GI Bill Is

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33 per 10 USC) is the comprehensive education benefit for service members with qualifying active duty service after September 10, 2001. Per MCRAMM Chapter 12, reservists with qualifying active duty service earn Post-9/11 benefits at percentage levels based on aggregate active duty time.

This is generally the largest education benefit available to reservists who have mobilized.

Eligibility for Reservists

A reservist qualifies for Post-9/11 GI Bill when meeting these.

• Aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001
• Service must be qualifying (Title 10 mobilization, ADOS for specific operations, etc.)
• Honorable discharge or current good standing
• Member chose Post-9/11 GI Bill over other available programs (one-time election)

The benefit percentage tiers based on cumulative active duty.

Benefit Tiers

The percentage applies to all benefit categories below.

Three Benefit Categories

The Post-9/11 GI Bill includes three components.

Tuition and Fees

• Public schools: Up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees
• Private schools: Up to a national maximum (varies annually)
• Foreign schools: Specific rates per school

Paid directly to the school.

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)

• Based on the school's zip code (BAH at E-5 with-dependents rate)
• Paid monthly to the student
• Reduces for online-only courses
• Substantial for many beneficiaries

Books and Supplies Stipend

• Annual stipend (currently up to $1000 per academic year)
• Paid in installments (typically two per year)
• For required course materials

Performance Steps for I&I Admin

Step 1 - Verify Member Active Duty Service

When a reservist asks about Post-9/11 eligibility.

• Pull MCTFS for active duty history
• Identify each active duty period (mobilization, ADOS, etc.)
• Calculate aggregate qualifying days
• Determine benefit tier

Step 2 - Provide Eligibility Briefing

Brief the member.

• Their estimated benefit tier
• Three benefit categories (tuition, MHA, books)
• Difference from MGIB-SR (Chapter 1606)
• Application process

Step 3 - Coordinate Documentation

Member needs documentation showing.

• Active duty periods (orders for each mobilization)
• DD-214 for each active duty period
• Discharge characterization (must be Honorable)

Step 4 - Direct to VA Application

Member applies via.

• VA Form 22-1990 (or 22-1995 if changing programs)
• Submit to VA via VA.gov, mail, or fax
• Include all active duty documentation
• Wait for VA Certificate of Eligibility (typically 30 to 60 days)

Step 5 - Coordinate Continuing Eligibility

Track member's status.

• Subsequent mobilizations might increase benefit tier
• VA notification if status changes
• Use within 15-year window after last separation (10-year for some)

Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB)

Post-9/11 GI Bill is uniquely transferable to family members under specific conditions.

TEB Eligibility Requirements

• Member has at least 6 years of service
• Member commits to additional service obligation
• Member is currently serving (does not transfer after separation in most cases)
• Specific service requirements per current DOD policy

What Transfer

• Up to 36 months of benefits
• To spouse and/or children
• Each family member uses independently
• Spouse use immediately
• Children use after age 18 or completion of high school

Performance Steps for TEB

When member wants to transfer.

• Verify member meets TEB requirements (6 years service, additional obligation)
• Member submits TEB request via milConnect
• Service approves with required obligation extension
• Family members apply through VA when ready to use

Common Member Questions

"Should I use MGIB-SR or Post-9/11 GI Bill?"

Generally Post-9/11 provides more total benefit. Counsel member to compare.

• MGIB-SR: Monthly payment to member
• Post-9/11: Tuition + housing + books

For most reservists with qualifying active duty, Post-9/11 is more valuable.

"I use both programs?"

No. Member elects one program. Election is generally one-time.

"How long do I have to use it?"

For most members, 15 years from last separation date. Some members have unlimited time per recent legislation. Verify current rules.

"I take online classes?"

Yes, but online-only enrollment reduces the housing allowance (typically half rate).

"What about graduate school?"

Yes. Post-9/11 covers graduate programs at approved schools.

"I transfer to my children?"

Yes, with TEB requirements. Member must have 6 years service and commit to additional obligation. Transfer must occur while serving.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Some private schools and out-of-state public school costs exceed the Post-9/11 cap. The Yellow Ribbon Program might help.

• Schools voluntarily participate
• Provides additional funding beyond the Post-9/11 cap
• Matched by VA dollar-for-dollar
• Reduces or eliminates the gap between Post-9/11 and total cost

Direct members to school certifying officials for Yellow Ribbon details.

Common I&I Errors on Post-9/11

These hit at the I&I shop.

1. Telling member they qualify with insufficient active duty. 90 days minimum for any benefit. Verify before confirming.
2. Wrong benefit tier estimated. Calculate aggregate active duty carefully. Mobilization periods, ADOS, etc. all count.
3. Telling member to elect MGIB-SR when Post-9/11 better. Counsel member on the comparison. Most reservists with qualifying active duty should choose Post-9/11.
4. TEB requested after separation. TEB requires active service. Does not transfer after separation.
5. Not coordinating Yellow Ribbon for high-cost schools. Members at private schools might need Yellow Ribbon. Direct to school certifying official.

Coordination Touchpoints

Post-9/11 processing touches.

• VA Education Office: Application and Certificate of Eligibility
• School certifying officials: Enrollment verification and Yellow Ribbon
• HQMC for TEB: Transfer of education benefits processing
• MCRSC: For component status verification

Related Roles

Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most valuable education benefit for many reservists.

• Marines (eligible reservists) apply for Post-9/11 benefits and use them while drilling or after separation.
• Leaders counsel members on Post-9/11 vs MGIB-SR election.
• Commanders at I&I support member education planning through career counseling.