New GI bill education options announced

WASHNGTON - The Defense Department announced Tuesday its policy for transferring educational benefits to the spouses and children of service members under the "Post 9/11 GI Bill," which takes effect August 1, 2009.

"This is as it should be in a volunteer force where families also serve," said Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy Bill Carr in a statement released by the Defense Department. "Transferability of GI Bill benefits is the most requested initiative we receive from our service members, and we believe it will assist us in retaining highly qualified military personnel."

According to the military, career service members on active duty or in the selected reserve on August 1, 2009, and who are eligible for the "Post 9/11 GI Bill," may be entitled to transfer all or a portion of their education entitlement to one or more family members. To be eligible, service members must have served in the Armed Forces for at least six years, and agree to serve four additional years, from the date of election to transfer.

Service members with at least 10 years of service, who by the Defense Department or service policy are prevented from committing to four additional years, may transfer their benefits provided they commit for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.

Additionally, the military has established temporary rules for service members eligible to retire between August 1, 2009 and August 1, 2012. Depending on their retirement eligibility date, the Defense Departments says these service members will commit to one to three additional years, from the date of election to transfer.

Beginning June 29, 2009, eligible service members may make transfer designations by visiting https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB. The site will be accessible using a common access card, Defense Department self-service user identification or a Defense Finance and Accounting Service personal identification number.

The full transferability policy is available at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/DTM 09-003 Post 9-11 GI Bill.pdf

Service members may be eligible for the "Post 9/11 GI Bill" if they served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged.

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the "Post 9/11 GI Bill," and determines eligibility for education benefits. Further information on eligibility, benefit levels, and application procedures can be found at http://www.gibill.va.gov .