U.S. Air Force Airman Wilkins engages with a UCLA representative during an education fair at Vandenberg Space Force, 2023. (Photo: U.S. Space Force Airman 1st Class Ryan Quijas)
On January 3, the VA announced an update to its G.I. Bill benefits policy, granting Veterans with multiple periods of service access to an additional 12 months of education benefits. This change, prompted by a 2024 Supreme Court decision, removes the previous 36-month cap on combined benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, potentially impacting over one million Veterans and their families.
Expanded Eligibility for Veterans
Under the prior policy, Veterans who qualified for both the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill were limited to a total of 36 months of education benefits. The updated policy now allows eligible Veterans with at least two qualifying periods of service to receive up to 48 months of combined G.I. Bill benefits. This includes retroactive benefits for those who have already used their G.I. Bill entitlements.
Veterans who reenlisted or served multiple periods of service—one qualifying under the Montgomery G.I. Bill and another under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill—may now apply for the additional 12 months of benefits. Of the 1.04 million Veterans potentially eligible, approximately 660,000 claims will be automatically processed by the VA. Remaining Veterans will be contacted directly and encouraged to file claims to ensure they receive the benefits they have earned.
Extended Expiration Dates
The policy also reinstates and extends the expiration dates for G.I. Bill benefits for Veterans who chose the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill over the Montgomery G.I. Bill. These Veterans will regain the time they had left under the Montgomery G.I. Bill at the time of their election, plus an additional 90 days. Applications for benefit extensions must be submitted by October 1, 2030.
Supreme Court’s Role in the Decision
The Supreme Court’s April 2024 decision stemmed from a case, Rudisill v. McDonough, involving Army Veteran Jim Rudisill, who had been denied access to full education benefits for his service before and after September 11, 2001. The Court ruled that Veterans with multiple enlistments qualifying them for both G.I. Bill programs are entitled to use up to 48 months of benefits in any order, as long as the benefits are not used simultaneously.
Related Article: SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE ON INCREASED GI BILL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS
Impact on Veterans’ Education
Since its inception, the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill has provided over $143 billion to more than 2.7 million beneficiaries, significantly reducing out-of-pocket education costs for Veterans and their dependents. In 2024 alone, the VA supported over 900,000 Veterans and their families in pursuing educational and vocational training opportunities.
“This policy will not only help Veterans applying for G.I. Bill benefits in the future but also provide additional support to those who used their benefits in the past,” said Joshua Jacobs, VA Under Secretary for Benefits. “Every Veteran deserves access to a quality, affordable education, and this expansion ensures many will receive the support they need.”
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the VA’s official G.I. Bill benefits webpage.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
