Now may be the time for advancing your education

As you navigate the employment world, you may want to consider boosting your education while you consider your career options. Now may be a good time, especially with the availability of The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program for individuals who served at least 90 days on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. It is also for individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009.

This program will pay eligible individuals:

-- Tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning. see chart listing 2008 - 2009 maximum rates

-- A monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school. To determine the BAH for your school's ZIP code click here (link goes to a non-VA website) an annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment

-- A one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals see comparison chart for more information.

This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) (See comparison chart for more information). If you are enrolled exclusively in online training you will not receive the housing allowance. If you are on active duty you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.