G.I. Bill

The G.I. Bill refers to any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefit earned by veterans and their families.  

The G.I. Bill in its original official was the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. It provided benefits to veterans following WWII and has since been updated. The G.I. Bill is considered one of the most significant pieces of 20th century legislation passed by the U.S. Congress. Much of the impetus for the bill’s passage stemmed from experience of veterans after WWI, when returning service members were not aided in re-entering civilian life and the workforce. The lack of support and the advent of the Great Depression led to public protests, including the Bonus Army marchers in 1932. The G.I. Bill increased the number of college educated Americans following the war, as many veterans who would have rejoined the workforce instead opted for degrees. In 1947, considered the peak of the Bill’s use, roughly 49 percent of college admissions were for veterans. The original G.I. Bill ended in 1956, at which point more than half of veterans had opted to receive technical training or attend college.

Many types of training are covered under G.I. Bill benefits. College programs include associate, bachelor and advanced degrees. Vocational and technical training including non-college degree programs also are covered. On-the-job training and apprenticeships as well as licensing and certification reimbursement are included. Flight training, correspondence training, work-study programs, tuition and tutorial assistance also are covered. Survivors and Dependents Assistance provides education and job training for spouses and children of veterans. The Yellow Ribbon Program can pay tuition costs not covered in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Tuition Assistance Top-Up provides additional assistance with education costs. The $600 Buy-Up Program provides more money for monthly G.I. Bill payments. Tutorial Assistance will help pay for a tutor for those using VA educational benefits.