Expansions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Includes benefits for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide up to nine months of additional Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to certain eligible individuals who: have or will soon exhaust entitlement of the Post-9/11 GI Bill program; apply for assistance, and are enrolled in a program of education leading to a post-secondary degree that, in accordance with the guidelines of the applicable regional or national accrediting agency, requires more than the standard 128 semester (or 192 quarter) credit hours for completion in a standard, undergraduate college degree in biological or biomedical science; physical science; science technologies or technicians; computer and information science and support services; mathematics or statistics; engineering; engineering technologies or an engineering-related field; a health profession or related program; a medical residency program; an agriculture science program or natural resources science program; or other subjects and fields identified by VA as meeting national needs.
If the individual has completed at least 60 standard semester (or 90 quarter) credit hours in a field listed above, or has earned a post-secondary degree in one of these fields and is enrolled in a program of education leading to a teaching certification.
Priority will be given to individuals who are entitled to 100 percent of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and to those that require the most credit hours. VA can pay each eligible individual the benefits for up to nine additional months, but the total may not exceed $30,000. VA will not be authorized to issue any Yellow Ribbon payments. These additional benefits cannot be transferred to dependents. This expansion becomes effective on August 1, 2019.
Elimination of 15-year Limitation to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill Program
The law removes the time limitation for the use of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for individuals whose last discharge or release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, children of deceased Service members who first become entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill program benefits on or after January 1, 2013, and all Fry spouses.
All others remain subject to the current 15-year time limitation for using their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
The main objective of the Veterans Service Office is to provide prevention, protection, advocacy and support services to veterans and their families so they can maximize their quality of life, well-being and potential. The La Plata County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) provides information and assistance to veterans and their families. There is a wide range of benefits available for our nation’s veterans. Every veteran is encouraged to contact the CVSO to find out more about their VA benefits. Your CVSO can assist you in any matter pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs. These services are free of charge. Please visit the La Plata County web site at www.co.laplata.co.us for more information about what the La Plata County Veterans Service Office can do for you.
The La Plata County Veterans Service Office is co-located with the Durango VA Clinic at 1970 E. 3rd Avenue, Suite 102, Durango, CO 81301. For clinic appointments, call 970-247-2214. The Veterans Service Office phone number is 970-759-0117. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, except holidays, and appointments are encouraged. Call 970-382-6150 to schedule an appointment with the CVSO.