Veterans FAQs

Western International University (WIU) has been designated by G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. This honor ranks WIU among the top 15% of all colleges, universities, and trade schools nationwide in terms of providing the best service and opportunities to embrace U.S. Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and their Dependents as students.

FAQs About The Post-9/11 GI Bill

FAQs About The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

FAQs About Using Your GI Bill Benefits At WIU

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

When can I receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if you:

Served at least 90 aggregate days on Active Duty after September 10, 2001, and you are still on Active Duty or received an Honorable Discharge from Active Duty; or
Were released from Active Duty and placed on the Retired list or Temporary Disability Retired list; or
Were released from Active Duty and transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; or
Were released from Active Duty for further Service in a Reserve component of the Armed Forces.
Received an Honorable Discharge from Active Duty for a Service-connected Disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.

If I am eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve, or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, am I eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

If, on August 1, 2009, you are eligible for one of these programs and you qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may make an irrevocable election to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Note: Once you elect to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will no longer be eligible to receive benefits under the program from which you elected the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has tools to help you determine which GI Bill to use to maximize your benefit based upon your particular circumstances. Please use the VA’s Step-by-Step Guide to help you make an informed decision.

How much will I receive?

Based on your length of Active Duty Service, you are entitled to a percentage of the following:

Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education (paid to school)
Monthly housing allowance* equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a Military E-5 with Dependents, in the same zip code as your school (paid to you)
Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year (paid to you) and a one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.

*Note: The housing allowance and books and supplies stipend are not payable to individuals on Active Duty. The housing allowance is not payable to those pursuing training at half time or less or to individuals enrolled in distance learning.

Example: Tuition and fees for full time enrollment: $6,700. Highest in-state tuition and fees: $7,000.

Scenario 1: If you separated following 3 years on Active Duty and are going to school full time, you would receive $6,700 for tuition and fees, $1,000 for books and supplies, and the monthly housing allowance.

Scenario 2: If you have an aggregate of 12 months of Active Duty in the Guard or Reserves and are going to school full time, you would receive $4,020 (60% of $6,700) for tuition and fees, $600 (60% of $1,000) for books and supplies, and 60% of the monthly housing allowance.

How many months of assistance can I receive?

Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

How long am I eligible?

You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of Active Duty of at least 90 consecutive days. If you were released for a Service-connected Disability after at least 30 days of continuous service, you will also be eligible for benefits for 15 years.

What does the Post- 9/11 GI Bill cover?

You may receive benefits for any approved program offered by a school in the United States that is authorized to grant an associate (or higher) degree. You may also receive benefits for tutorial assistance or up to $2,000 for the reimbursement of one licensing or certification test.

If you transferred to the Post-9/11 GI Bill from the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill–Selected Reserves, or the Reserve Education Assistance Program, you may also receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for flight training, apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs, and correspondence courses.

Can I transfer my entitlement to my dependents?

If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. The rules and requirements are very detailed, so we recommend you visit the VA’s official Web site for the latest information on Transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to Dependents.

The Montgomery GI Bill

How do I qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)?

You must have participated in the MGIB program while on Active Duty, have served at least 2 years, and received an Honorable Discharge.

How long can I use my benefits?

Your eligibility for the MGIB (including the College Fund, if you qualify for the College Fund), generally ends 10 years from the date of your last Separation from Active Duty, or when you use all your months of entitlement, whichever is earlier.

How many months of benefits can I receive?

You may receive up to 36 months of benefits under MGIB (including the College Fund). Your entitlement will be 36 months if the following conditions are met:

You meet the requirements for length of service shown under the Category Requirements that apply to you, or
You separate early, and the Separation Reason is coded as Convenience of the Government, and
You’ve served at least 30 continuous months for an obligation of 3 years or more, or
You’ve served at least 20 continuous months for an obligation of less than 3 years, or
You’re eligible under Category 2 and you served at least 30 continuous months of Active Duty after June 30, 1985, or
You’re eligible under Category 2 based on 2 years of Active Duty after June 30, 1985 and 4 years of Selected Reserve service, and you served at least 20 continuous months of Active Duty after June 30, 1985.

Using Your GI Bill Benefits at WIU

How do I apply for my benefits and use them at WIU?

After you complete your online application for admissions, access the VA Benefits Application Packet forms from the Western International University Web site. Select and complete the correct packet, depending on whether or not you have used your benefits before. Once you’ve filled out the form packet, turn it in directly to the WIU Office of Veterans Services.

Once I’ve enrolled at WIU and applied for my VA Education Benefits, how do you certify my classes for payment?

For each course for which you register, you must complete and submit the WIU Request for Certification Form. This form alerts the WIU Office of Veterans Services to certify your class. After your form is received, registration will be verified and a certification form will be submitted to the VA via secure Internet server.

Is my MGIB Education Benefit a valid payment option at WIU?

No. WIU does not participate in advance pay through the VA, so the MGIB benefit is not a valid form of payment. Your MGIB payment will be sent directly to you, and you will be responsible for tuition payment to WIU.

Is my Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Benefit a valid payment option at WIU?

Yes. Under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA sends payment for tuition and fees directly to WIU.

What must I do if I change my enrollment?

It is very important that you contact the WIU Office of Veterans Services immediately if you drop, add, or change your course after submittal for certification.

Where can I go for more information on the various VA Education Benefits?

Access the VA Web site at www.gibill.va.gov or call them directly at 1-800-GIBILL-1.

More Information

Please visit the following links for additional information for our Military, Veteran, and Dependent students.