Who qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill
- At least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001 (all at once or with breaks), or
- A Purple Heart for service on or after 9/11 and an honorable discharge, or
- At least 30 continuous days of active duty on or after 9/11 and an honorable discharge for a service-connected disability, or
- A spouse or child using transferred benefits.
Step by step
- Gather your info: Social Security number, bank account for direct deposit, your education and military history, and basic info about the school you want to attend.
- Apply online at VA.gov with VA Form 22-1990. It covers the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. You can also mail it to your regional processing office, or get free help from an accredited VSO.
- Wait for your decision. VA's average is about 30 days. You'll get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by mail, and Post-9/11 users can usually download it from VA.gov.
- Take your COE to the school's VA certifying official and ask them to submit your enrollment to VA. VA won't pay until your school certifies you.
- Get paid: VA sends tuition and fees to the school, and your housing allowance and book stipend to you.
What the GI Bill pays in 2026–27
| Public school tuition & fees | Full in-state cost |
| Private or foreign school cap | $30,908.34 / yr |
| Monthly housing allowance | E-5 with-dependents BAH for the school's ZIP |
| Online-only housing allowance | Up to $1,261 / mo |
| Books & supplies | Up to $1,000 / yr |
Rates effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. Housing requires more than half-time enrollment. Estimate yours with our GI Bill housing allowance calculator.
Your percentage is based on active-duty time
| Active-duty service after 9/11 | Benefit level |
|---|---|
| 36 months or more (or Purple Heart / 30-day disability discharge) | 100% |
| 910–1,094 days | 90% |
| 730–909 days | 80% |
| 545–729 days | 70% |
| 180–544 days | 60% |
| 90–179 days | 50% |
How long you have, and the 48-month rule
- You get 36 months of benefits.
- Left service on or after January 1, 2013? Your benefits never expire (the "Forever GI Bill"). Before 2013, you have 15 years from your last separation.
- Rudisill: if you have service that qualifies for both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills, you may get up to 48 months combined. VA now reviews files automatically and there's no deadline to ask.
Yellow Ribbon for private schools
At the 100% level, the Yellow Ribbon Program can cover private or out-of-state costs above the cap. The school chooses how much to contribute and VA matches it. Spots are first-come, first-served, so ask the school early.
Mistakes that cost you money
- Not giving your COE to the certifying official (no certification means no payment).
- Taking only online classes and expecting the full local housing rate.
- Missing the 15-year deadline if you separated before 2013.
Sources: VA: How to apply · VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill · VA: 2026–27 rates · VA: Rudisill. Rules and amounts change; always confirm on the official site. Veteran Mortgage Guys is not a government agency or a VSO.
Common questions
How long does it take to get approved for the GI Bill?
VA's average processing time is about 30 days. You'll get a Certificate of Eligibility when you're approved.
What form do I use to apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
VA Form 22-1990, which you can complete online at VA.gov. Family members using transferred benefits use VA Form 22-1990e.
Does the GI Bill pay a housing allowance for online classes?
Yes, but at a lower rate: up to $1,261 a month for 2026–27 if all your classes are online.
Can I use the GI Bill and still buy a house with a VA loan?
Yes. They're separate benefits, and using your GI Bill doesn't use up any of your VA home loan entitlement.
See your real numbers
Our free calculator uses 2026 pay tables, BAH by ZIP and VA residual income standards. About 2 minutes, no credit pull.
Educational information only, not a commitment to lend or a loan approval. VA guidelines and lender requirements change; your eligibility and terms depend on your full application, credit, income and VA entitlement.