Noteboom The Law Firm

Breaking Down GI Bill 2.0 Benefits for Soldiers and Veterans

President Obama signed the GI Bill 2.0 this past January and in doing so, changed benefits for many of the veterans using the bill's educational benefits. Since that signing, the GI Bill has undergone additional changes, which have left many confused as to just what benefits the bill provides, and if the changes will affect veterans' disability.

The bill President Obama signed improved the benefits provided veterans via the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The changes came on many fronts and provided better possible futures for more veterans.

Some of the more notable improvements included:
 

• expanding the number of programs education benefits cover;
• offering National Guard Members more benefits; and
• providing online students with housing allowances.

 

Benefits for many veterans already enrolled in school were threatened because of a provision under the new GI Bill. That problem was remedied by Congress, however, when they passed H.R. 1383, the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011. Veterans paying out-of-state tuition at state school with more expensive programs were not saved by the changes, however, and could still face having to pay higher tuition out-of-pocket.

The changes to GI Bill 2.0 take effect Oct. 1. Veterans will now be able to use their earned benefits for educational programs outside of college degree programs.

Veterans will now be able to use their GI Bill 2.0 benefits for:

 

• ·      apprenticeship trainings;
• ·      correspondence training;
• ·      flight programs; and
• ·      on-the-job training programs.

 

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.