Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Program FAQs
The newest VA education benefit, the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, offers the most comprehensive educational benefits to veterans who served at least 90 aggregate days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001, or served 30 continuous days and were discharged with a service-connected disability.
The Yellow Ribbon program is an extension of the Post 9/11 Bill. It enables the VA and private, degree-granting institutions like the New York Medical College to cover the tuition balance not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefit.
Can this bill help pay for me to go back to school?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education to individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-related disability after 30 days.
Does my family have access to the educational benefits?
For the first time in history, active duty service members may transfer all or a portion of their unused benefits to spouses and children.
Is the Post 9/11 GI Bill® the right choice for me?
The benefits program is complex and impacts each service member differently. Those thinking of applying for benefits should consult with the VA before making a final decision.
What are some of the benefits?
The VA makes payments directly to the school based on eligibility for tuition, registration, and fees. For most eligible veterans this will mean that they will be free of any tuition costs.
The cost for books and supplies is paid directly to the veteran. Active duty service members cannot receive this stipend.
Students with active duty status receive full tuition and fee coverage as long as the service member remains on active duty.
What happens if I have already used some of my GI Bill® benefits?
You will only be able to carry over your remaining months into the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. If you used all of your GI Bill® eligibility, you may be able to receive additional months under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. When you apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits, you surrender your ability to receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill®.
Will I receive the maximum benefits?
Benefit eligibility is determined by the amount of time a service member has of active duty since September 11, 2001. If you have served the specified months of total active duty service, you will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.
How do I determine my eligibility?
Contact the VA directly at 1-888-GI-BILL (442-4551) for more information.
What is the first step to applying for benefits?
The first step is to apply for and receive a Certificate of Eligibility (form 22-0557). In order to receive this certificate, you must submit your application for VA benefits on the website.
Once you have been approved and received the certificate, submit it to New York Medical College in order for our VA Certifying Official to report your enrollment to the VA.
How does the Yellow Ribbon program cover my tuition?
Under the Yellow Ribbon program agreement with New York Medical College, the VA will share tuition costs with the school above the maximum VA contribution (see Where to Begin for the Yellow Ribbon Program).
How do I know if I qualify for the Yellow Ribbon program?
Determine your eligibility:
Go to the VA website to get detailed information and determine your eligibility.
