New VA Rule Grants Eligible Veterans 12 Extra Months of College Benefits

A new policy announced by Veterans Affairs (VA) on Friday allows veterans who have served two or more distinct periods of military service to receive up to 12 additional months of education benefits. The announcement made by VA Secretary Denis McDonough at the Student Veterans of America national convention in Colorado follows a Supreme Court decision in April that found the department’s earlier policies to be excessively restrictive.

The new rule is anticipated to affect over 1 million veterans, with certain legal experts indicating that the figure could rise to 2 million. Veterans who meet the criteria will receive extended benefits through either the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11 GI Bill, programs aimed at facilitating higher education for military service members.

Veterans who qualify must have completed a minimum of two distinct periods of military service, with each period fulfilling the requirements for either program. The Montgomery GI Bill offers veterans who have served a minimum of two years and made financial contributions during their service around $2,400 each month to cover educational expenses.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides extensive assistance, covering full tuition for state universities, housing stipends, and extra payments for individuals who have served a minimum of three years on active duty following September 2001. Individuals with a minimum of 90 days of active-duty service may access partial benefits.

According to the new regulation, veterans are unable to utilize both benefits at the same time; however, they may be eligible for extended access after having fully utilized one program. VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs highlighted the significance of education access, asserting, “Every veteran has earned the right to get a good, affordable education.”

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