Maximize GI Bill options before retirement

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Airmen who plan to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to family members should be aware of some upcoming changes.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, service members with at least six years of service may transfer education benefits to immediate family members as long as they commit to an additional four years of service. When the bill was introduced in 2009, Airmen nearing retirement were given a temporary exception to the four-year commitment. Starting Aug.1, this exception will expire.

"Once members retire or are discharged, they will not be able to apply for transferability or add dependents to receive the benefits," said Senior Master Sgt. Sal Valeo, 514th Air Mobility Wing's chief of education and training.

After retirement, adjustments can only be made to the amount of benefits to those dependent that were identified prior to retirement. Valeo recommends that Airmen allocate at least one month of benefits to each of their eligible dependents to ensure the greatest flexibility going forward.

In order to receive benefits, family members must be registered in the defense eligibility enrollment reporting system, commonly referred to as DEERS.

Another significant factor retirees should consider is the certificate of eligibility, which is processed by the Department of Veterans Affairs when an Airman applies for transfer benefits. The certificate lists the number of months the member is authorized.

"It important for eligible reservists to make copies and keep this form in a safe place," Valeo said.

To help Airmen maximize the flexibility of their GI Bill benefits, the education and training office is sending certified letters to Airmen who are six months out from retirement. These Airmen should ensure their address is updated in DEERS so they can receive the information.

"The application process is fairly simple and the benefits are well worth it," said recently retired Master Sgt. Agustin Rivera Jr., who ensured his dependents could receive the benefits of his Post-9/11 GI Bill. "The wing education and training office was extremely instrumental in assisting me with the whole application process, from start to finish," he said. "I left there with the feeling of being treated with genuine concern for my family's well-being. To all of the wing education and training office members, you rock!"