JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - -- Eligible service members and dependents have numerous educational benefits available to them. The last Friday of each month, the JBER-Richardson Community Education Center offers a Veterans Affairs Education Benefits class.
If you are unsure as to which GI Bill and other VA education benefits are best suited for you, the briefing will provide information.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
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Montgomery GI Bill, or Chapter 30, has two main programs for active duty and some Reserve service members. Active duty members who enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service. Reservists must have a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve.
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Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 31, assists veterans with service-connected handicaps and service members who are in the process of transitioning o civilian employment prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs.
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The Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Chapter 33, requirement is to serve on active duty for at least 90 days after Sept. 11, 2001, of if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or was discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays your tuition and fees to the school on your behalf. The service member will also receive a monthly housing allowance and a book-and-supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year. For more up-to-date information about the benefits, please check the Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://www.gibill.va.gov.
“The Montgomery GI Bill is an educational [benefit],” said Gregory Wilkie, an education services specialist. “It’s paid to the service members. The service member then has to decide how much money they will give to what source, but if they go to states that offer free tuition, this is the best way to go.”
Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, New York, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, offer free tuition for veterans, Wilkie said.
“Each benefit has different rules, and certain advantages may not be available to every veteran,” said Jacqueline Derocco, 673rd Force Support Squadron education and training chief. “It’s hard to plan for the future if you don’t know what your choices are, and this briefing will point members in the right direction.”
Derocco encourages every service member to attend this briefing before making any decisions.
“Everyone has different needs, and each VA education program has different rules,” Derocco said. “Don’t take chances with your benefits; don’t let anyone else make a life-changing decision for you, and get all the information need before committing to anything.”
Depending on which GI Bill -- whether it is vocational or academic – the bulk is already paid for by you, Wilkie added.