My good friend over at the Paycheck Chronicles recently posted an article on transferring GI Bill benefits. Kate points out five things you really need to know about the program. I have summarized them here:
1. “All transfers of benefits must be done before you begin your terminal leave.”
2. “You must have at least six years of eligible service, and agree to serve an additional four years, unless precluded by policy or statute.”
3. “Transfers of eligibility are done via the MilConnect website.”
4. “Select an amount of benefit to transfer to each person, from a minimum of one month per person up to a total of 36 months of benefits.”
5. You MUST return to the TEB website at a later time to ensure that your transfer was accepted.
Kate also gives some great advice, explanations, and resources for getting through the process. I won’t steal her thunder, so visit the Paycheck Chronicles to learn more.
Is there any way to transfer benefits after seperation?
No, if you do not set up at least one month of eligibility to a dependant before separation or retirement, you can never establish a transfer to them. If you give them at least one month, then after separation or retirement, you can then increase or decrease their allowance. Bottom line is give all dependants one month eligibility and decide later how to allocate the eligible months.
Post 9/11 was approved after I retired…I still have 1 year of VEAP then switched to post 9/11 GI bill…which in my case get only 70%…I can not transfer that to my dependent?
No. As a fellow retiree I amalso disappointed that I cannot. But we have to remember that trnsferrability was designed for retention.
My husband was just enlightened by the VA unemployment adviser he could transfer his GI Bill to his wife. Is he still eligible for his GI Bill if he was honorably discharged on 7/20/00? Does he have any options at all for himself or spouse?
My husband was denied VA Education benefits due to missing filing deadline. He appealed and lost. Contacted State Senators and they were unable to help. He was basically told that in this Economy it was highly unlikely that anything could be done to change the decision. We really need help. My husband served his country with pride and this is a disgrace..