GI Bill Benefits for Military Spouses and Dependents

How the Post-9/11 GI Bill Helps Military Families: Benefits and Transfer Options

Service in the U.S. Military offers a wide range of benefits, from professional development to financial support. Among the most valuable of these benefits is the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act – more commonly known as the GI Bill – which provides education-related funds for tuition, housing and books.

Established in 1944, the GI Bill has provided millions of beneficiaries with educational aid. In 2024, total GI Bill payments exceeded $12 billion, helping more than 900,000 people across various programs. If trends continue, the GI Bill will assist over one million people annually in the coming years.

GI Bill benefits are not limited to a qualifying service member. Some veterans may choose to transfer their benefits to support a spouse’s or child’s education. In these situations, eligible dependents may receive some or all of the qualified member’s available funds.

Understanding how your benefits work, navigating the application process, and transferring benefits can be complex. This article will explain how the GI Bill can help family members, how to determine if they’re eligible, and the specifics of transferring your benefits.     

How the GI Bill Can Help Dependents and Spouses

If a service member has already completed their education, they might not need the funds available to them through the GI Bill. Maybe their career doesn’t require further schooling, or they believe their spouse can better leverage the benefits. They may simply wish to transfer their GI Bill benefits to support their child’s future education. In these circumstances, transferring the benefits can be a strategic, financially savvy move.

Finishing college can be tough. Switching schools because of frequent changes in duty stations can get hectic and expensive. Nonresident tuition is often two to three times higher than the in-state rate for a public college education, according to Forbes. Those expenses, combined with issues like academic credits that don’t transfer from one college to another, can make earning a college degree more difficult for military family members.

For a young person, especially a juvenile dependent, having the financial means to attend college can be life-changing. According to BankRate.com, students are paying $11,610 per year on average in tuition and fees at public, in-state schools, and $30,780 for out-of-state undergraduates. Over four years, these costs can add up, especially if student loans and interest payments are included.

Omar Nurse, a First Command Financial Advisor, says the GI Bill and its transferability changed his family’s economic trajectory. After completing his degree in information systems, he transferred his remaining benefits to his three children, two of whom have already graduated. “If you’re eligible, you should be using the GI Bill,” Nurse said. “I’ve had great experiences with the VA, and being free of student debt has given my whole family peace of mind.”

For dependents who may be interested in an educational program outside of a four-year institution, GI Bill benefits can also be used for a vocational school, trade school, or certification program. These career paths are generally more flexible than traditional college, have lower costs, and offer a faster workforce entry.

Requirements to Transfer Your Benefits

According to va.gov, a service member must satisfy all of the following requirements before transferring GI Bill benefits to a dependent:

• Completed at least six years of service on the date your request is approved
• Agree to add four more years of service
• The person receiving benefits is enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

Please note—benefits must be transferred while the service member is on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. Once they leave active service, they cannot initiate a transfer.

If you received a Purple Heart, you don’t need to meet any of the above criteria to transfer GI Bill benefits to a dependent.

GI Bill Eligibility for Spouses

If you receive transferred benefits as a spouse, you can use the benefits right away. The funds are available while the service member is on active duty or after they’ve separated  from service. Keep in mind, spouses don’t qualify for the monthly housing allowance while the service member is on active duty.

The time limit for GI Bill benefits depends on when the service member separated: 

• If the service member separated before Jan. 1, 2013, you can use these benefits for up to 15 years after their separation from active duty, as long as the service member doesn’t cancel the transfer of benefits.
• If the service member separated on or after Jan. 1, 2013, you can use these benefits at any time. There’s no time limit if the service member doesn’t cancel the transfer of benefits.

GI Bill Eligibility for Dependent Children

For dependents under 18 years old, the service member must apply on their behalf through va.gov.

If you received transferred benefits as a dependent child, you can start to use your benefits only after the service member finishes at least 10 years of service. You can use them while the service member is on active duty or after they’ve separated from service.

You must meet these requirements to use the benefits:

• Have a high school diploma (or a certificate that’s equivalent) 
• Be 18 years or older
• Use the benefits before you turn 26 years old

Dependent children may qualify for the monthly housing allowance, even when the service member is on active duty. Check the VA’s official GI Bill page for more information.

How to Transfer Your GI Bill Benefits

Before applying for a benefits transfer, the service member should first ensure their dependent is eligible.

To initiate a transfer, the service member must take these steps:

1. Submit a transfer request through milConnect.
2. After the request is approved by the Department of Defense, the service member will receive a confirmation.
3. Once confirmation is received, each dependent must apply online, through Login.gov or ID.me. They can also download VA Form 22-1990E, fill it out, and send the application by mail to the VA Regional Processing Office.

GI Bill Benefits for Retired and Deceased Service Members

After a service member has retired, or passed away, their GI Bill benefits cannot be transferred to a dependent.

If the transfer occurred before the service member’s retirement or death, the dependent may continue to use the benefits.

Grandchildren are not considered direct dependents under the current GI Bill transfer rules. They may qualify for other VA education benefits, however, such as scholarships or programs for survivors of deceased veterans.

Take the Next Step: Talk to a Financial Advisor

For more guidance on making the most of your GI Bill benefits and planning for your family’s education needs, speak with a knowledgeable First Command Financial Advisor.

Please note, military benefits like the GI Bill are subject to frequent updates due to legislative changes, funding adjustments, and evolving policies. Be sure to check www.va.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions About GI Bill Transfers

Can My Spouse Use My GI Bill and Get BAH?

Yes, a spouse can use transferred GI Bill benefits and receive BAH, but it depends on the program and their enrollment status. Generally, for a housing allowance, the veteran must no longer be active, the spouse must be using the Fry scholarship, or the service member must have passed away.

Can a Veteran Cancel a Transfer of Benefits?

Yes, a service member can cancel or modify the transfer of benefits, up until the funds are disbursed.

Can You Transfer Your GI Bill to Your Child After You Retire?

A dependent child may use a veteran’s GI Bill benefits after the veteran’s retirement. However, the transfer initiation, and approval, must occur while the service member is on active duty.

What’s The Difference Between the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Enrollment in the Post-9/11 GI Bill is automatic, and available to those who served on active duty for at least 90 days after Sept 10, 2001. It covers full tuition and fees, or a set amount for private institutions, and a monthly housing allowance, plus $1,000 yearly for books and supplies. The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after discharge if your service ended before January 1, 2013. If your service ended after that date, your benefits won’t expire.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is not automatic. It is an opt-in program that requires a single payment of $1,200, or $100 per month for one year, while serving. It provides a monthly flat rate for tuition, but does not cover housing or books. MGIB benefits expire 10 years after discharge.

Is There a Cap or Maximum Amount of GI Bill Benefits a Service Member Can Accrue?

For public institutions of higher learning, the GI Bill will fully cover tuition and mandatory fees until the benefits are exhausted (usually 36-48 months). Other guidelines for schools and training programs can be found here.