Servicemembers who are enrolled in the Post 9/11 GI Bill program are able to transfer unused education benefits to their spouses or children.
Spouses may start to use the benefit immediately; however they are not eligible for the monthly stipend or books and supplies stipend while the servicemember is on active duty. Spouses can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the servicemember’s last separation from active duty.
Children can use the benefit after the servicemember has served at least 10 years in the military, but may not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age. Children are eligible for the monthly stipend and books and supplies stipend. Children may not use the benefit after their 26th birthday.
Am I Eligible?
In order to transfer your GI Bill benefits to your spouse or child, you must be eligible for the benefit yourself. You must also have served at least 6 years on Active Duty ,or in the National Guard or Select Reserves, and agree to commit at least 4 more years of service. However, if you are eligible to retire between August 1, 2009 and July 1, 2010 you do not need to serve the additional time.
Your GI Bill benefits may be transferred to:
- Your spouse
- One of more of your children
How to Apply
Both spouses and children need to be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) to receive transferred educational benefits. You will need to apply through Transferability of Educational Benefits (TEB) website.
