WASHINGTON, D.C., August 3, 2009: U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced that veterans can now take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit program. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has begun processing benefit payments for eligible applicants.

Last year, Stabenow and her colleagues passed the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act to increase educational benefits to members of the military who have served on active duty for at least three months since September 11, 2001.   

“By implementing the Post-9/11 GI Bill, we honor the over 760,000 brave Michigan men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of our country, and the thousands more who are currently serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Stabenow. “Michigan’s veterans have served our country proudly, and we are forever in their debt.  I was proud to help pass this important new program, and I am very pleased Michigan veterans across the state can access these benefits.” 

The Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit program offers educational assistance in proportion to the total length of active duty service on or after 9/11, from three to 36 months, to provide maximum benefit of the cost of any in-state public school’s tuition and fees for four academic years.

Under the new program, the government would match any additional contributions to veterans from colleges and universities whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum assistance provided. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty.

For more information regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit program please visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

Important features of the new program include: Payment of tuition and fees directly to the school are not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning; monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school; annual books and supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment; benefit transferable to qualified spouse and/or child; & a one-time rural benefit payment for certain eligible individuals.