The GI Bill, formalized in 1948 as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (GI Bill of Rights), is one of many federal efforts enacted for the benefit of military veterans. Native to American history, the GI Bill was created in response to the needs of service members returning from World War II.

The original GI bill includes four facets of veteran’s benefits: education, home loan guaranties, unemployment compensation, and vocational rehabilitation. The GI Bill allows veterans the opportunity to offset a portion of the cost of college or other technical and vocational program fees in order to gain the necessary training and resources for post-service careers. This version of the GI Bill created a “college for all” mentality, during a time where only a select few could afford tuition at a college or university. The GI Bill also created a pathway to homeownership, offering veterans low-interest loans to purchase a home.

The current version of the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, was enacted in 2008 and is designed to cover the full tuition costs at public universities and colleges, as well as tuition fees at private universities and colleges, for those veterans who served at least 90 cumulative days on active duty, received an honorable discharge, or were discharged due to a service-connected disability.

In addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the overall GI Bill program includes a number of other education benefits. This includes specific programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill, which provides veterans with financial assistance for 36 months for college, business, technical or vocational courses; and Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance Program (DEA), which provides assistance for veterans’ dependents and survivors seeking an undergraduate or technical degree.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is also part of the GI Bill package, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) works with private universities to provide financial assistance that covers the extra costs associated with private institutions. The VA also offers additional assistance through the GI Bill Kicker Program, which helps to bridge the gap between the costs associated with a private and public school.

The GI Bill provides many necessary services and financial assistance to veterans, making it possible for them to transition to civilian life. This helps to create a more positive transition, allowing veterans to gain the skills and qualifications to secure long-term employment and financial stability. In doing so, the GI Bill helps to ensure the ongoing mental, physical and financial health of veterans and their families.

Whether you are a current or former service member, the GI Bill is an incredibly valuable resource. With a Wide range of education benefits, assistance and financial programs, the GI Bill offers assistance to veterans in all their post-service endeavors.