🎓 Education
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Tuition, housing, and books for eligible post-9/11 service members and veterans.
Official sourceU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Official website Last verified 2026-07-13·Effective 2009-08-01
What it is
Pays full in-state tuition & fees at public schools, a national cap at private/foreign schools, a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) tied to E-5 with dependents at the school's ZIP, and up to $1,000/yr for books and supplies. Benefit tier is scaled by qualifying active-duty time (40% to 100%).
How much it pays
Up to 100% tuition at public in-state schools + MHA (E-5 with dependents rate) + $1,000/yr books stipend.
Who qualifies
- At least 90 aggregate days of active duty on or after Sept 11, 2001, or
- 30 continuous days of active duty and discharged for a service-connected disability, or
- Purple Heart recipients (100% tier regardless of time in service).
- Generally 36 months of benefits, usable up to 15 years after separation (no expiration if last discharge was on/after Jan 1, 2013 — Forever GI Bill).
How to apply
- 1Confirm eligibility on VA.gov and choose an approved school (see the GI Bill Comparison Tool).
- 2Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with VA Form 22-1990 online at VA.gov.
- 3Submit your COE to the school's certifying official.
- 4The school certifies your enrollment; VA pays tuition to the school and MHA/books to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to my spouse or children?
Yes, if approved by your Service while still serving. Requires at least 6 years of service and a commitment to serve 4 more. Managed via milConnect.
Does it expire?
For last discharges on or after Jan 1, 2013, benefits do not expire (Forever GI Bill). Earlier discharges keep the 15-year delimiting date.
Can I use it while on active duty?
Yes, but you won't receive MHA or the books stipend while on active duty.