Veterans

21st Century GI Bill

In April 2009, Rep. Holt visited New Jersey National Guardsmen at Fort Sill, Oklahoma before their deployment to Iraq. During the visit, Holt heard their concerns and offered his assistance before, during, and after their deployment. In 2008, Rep. Holt helped Congress pass a GI Bill for the 21 st Century. The original GI bill of 1944 launched millions of families on a course to achieving the American dream – and set the American economy on the right course after a draining war.  However, over time the GI Bill educational benefits diminished and paid only about 70 percent of a public college education and 30 percent of a private college education. 

Under the updated GI Bill, those who have served on active-duty for three years or more would qualify for a full educational benefit including the costs of a four-year education at the level of the most expensive in-state public school.  Those who have served between three months and three years of active duty would qualify for a proportion of that full benefit. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began accepting online applications in May for the program, which officially started on August 1, 2009. Due to the large number of GI Bill applications being processed, some veterans who have enrolled in college have not yet received the benefits that they deserve. To ensure that they get the benefits that they need now, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki has authorized a $3,000 emergency advance for those students who have applied for benefits but are still waiting to receive them. Students may obtain these advances, on-the-spot, by visiting regional VA benefits office or by applying online at www.va.org.