[Coach]

It's 10 years. The pamphlet Sealord refers to can be viewed at www.gibill.va.gov.

[EasyRolln]

Originally Posted by Coach

It's 10 years. The pamphlet Sealord refers to can be viewed at www.gibill.va.gov.

10 years is not long enough at all. I have to admit that I wasted mine - I was working too much in order to have a work/school balance. On top of that, in Illinois we have the added benefit of the Illinois Veterans Grant, which pays 100% of our schooling at any state school. It's the private institutions that you need the G.I. Bill for.

[Coach]

I agree. I wish it was longer than 10 years. I have 7 years remaining on mine. You have a great deal in Illinois though. I wish Virginia was more veteran/military retiree friendly. The state has more vets and retired personnel than any other state. They tax my retirement pay where some states don't. Maybe I should move to one of those.

[Trucker4Life]

There are several states which will help out veterans with educational benefits. I know Texas will pay 100% to state schools AFTER all of your in place benefits (GI Bill) have been exhausted. Still a good deal. God Bless Texas.

[Frogman]

Originally Posted by devildice

Just went through what we call TAP class as I am about to retire and the VA rep stated 30 years. I will have to double check on it as I may have made a mistake in my notes. The 36 months is correct to the best of my knowledge and my notes( ).

Check with the VA. You call, give them your Social Security Number and they'll tell you exactly how many months you have and when it expires.

It depends on when you entered service. I came in 09/74 which qualifies me for the Vietnam Era GI Bil. But I think that ended about a year later and was replaced by a different program. There have been several programs since.

At one time they actually had me listed as receiving benefits under two different programs (Vietnam Era and Montgomery). There was a three-month difference between the two (one had me with 21 months remaining, the other with 18).

It's a mess. Retirement counselors and VA counselors can only talk in generalities.

That's why you have to call and ask specifically about you.

[Ian Williams]

Originally Posted by devildice

As a Vet myself, I have looked into the program.

Now some will say why waste your G.I. in that manner?? It's very simple.....NOT EVERYONE has plans to further their education and therefore that benefit will be eventually be wasted in the long run.

The Gov. actually MAKES money on the GI bill from all the people who "buy-in" at the beginning of their enlistment and never use their benefits.

[devildice]

Originally Posted by devildice

Just went through what we call TAP class as I am about to retire and the VA rep stated 30 years. I will have to double check on it as I may have made a mistake in my notes. The 36 months is correct to the best of my knowledge and my notes( ).

Sealord,
you are correct, it is 10 years and 36 months.....my bad!! :wink: