Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

• First-Time Applicant for Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Transfer or Continuing Students Using Post 9/11 GI Bill

If you are familiar with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, choose one of the links above; if not, please read the information below.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or 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 which will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. This program will

• Pay tuition and fees directly to the school. The amount will not exceed the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution of higher learning
• Pay the individual a monthly housing allowance, which will be based on the basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school
• Pay the individual an annual books and supplies stipend of $1,000, which will be paid proportionately based on enrollment
• Pay the individual a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.

Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are payable only for training at an institution of higher learning (IHL). 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 the books and supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which are generally payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.

More information about the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Things to Consider Before Converting to the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Ch 33)

• If you will be enrolled in an entirely distance or independent study program, CH 33 will not pay the monthly basic housing allowance (BAH). You will be limited to tuition and fees up to the highest undergraduate in-state maximum rate in addition to the books and supplies stipend.
• If you will be enrolled at a rate of pursuit of half time or less, CH 33 will not pay the monthly BAH. You will be limited to tuition and fees up to the highest undergraduate in-state maximum. If you are on active duty CH 33 will pay tuition and fees up to the highest undergraduate in-state maximum rate, but you will not receive BAH or the books and supplies stipend.
• If you did not serve 36 months on active duty after 9/10/2001, your payment rate under CH 33 may be less than your payment rate under other benefit programs.
• If, when you apply for CH 33, you have remaining entitlement under a different program, such as CH 1607 or CH 30, you will be required to make an irrevocable decision to give up one of the other benefits. Special note for those who have remaining Ch 30 benefits: If you are converting to CH 33 from CH 30, in order to receive additional eligibility (up to 12 months) under CH 33, you must exhaust your benefits under CH 30 before applying. If you choose to convert to CH 33 from Ch 30 while you have remaining entitlement, you will be limited to the number of months you have remaining.
  • Example: You have six months of Ch 30 benefits remaining as of 8/1/09. If you switch to CH 33 on 8/1/09, you will receive only six months of ChH 33. If, however, you use all of your CH 30 benefits and then switch to CH 33, you will receive up to 12 months of benefits under CH 33.
• Under CH 33, you can receive only reimbursement for one licensing or certification test. Additionally, certain programs may not be covered, such as On the Job and Apprenticeship Training, Flight Training, Correspondence, National Testing Programs and Entrepreneurship Training. Benefits for non-college degree (NCD) programs can be paid only if you are enrolled in an NCD at an institution that also grants degrees.*

* Individuals electing the Post-9/11 GI Bill by relinquishing eligibility under the MGIB, MGIB-SR or REAP can be paid benefits for these types of training. Entitlement is charged under Post 9/11, paid at the relinquished benefit rate.

We encourage all current and prospective UF students to make an appointment with a UF VA Counselor before applying for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

UF Veterans Affairs Support Services
Mailing address: PO Box 114000 Gainesville, FL 32611-4000
Phone: 352-392-1374, ext. 7413
Fax: 352-846-1126
Coordinator: John Gebhardt
Email: VAcounselor@ufl.edu