FORT HOOD, TX — The bill that helps spouses and children of service members will soon see changes.
"It is definitely going to be a change and it very well may unfortunately hurt some soldiers as well,” Fort Hood Education Center Guidance Counselor Kiersten Shaehan said.
As it stands now, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is able to be transferred to family members of those who have served at least six years and agree to serve another 10.
"It didn’t matter if the soldier had been in for six years or 26 years, as long as they were able to serve the additional years they can transfer,” said Shaehan.
But, starting in July, anyone who has served for more than 16 years will no longer be able to transfer those benefits.
"Soldiers have to transfer that benefit between year 6 and 16,” Shaehan said. “So, if we have any soldiers who are currently interested in transferring the benefit, and have 16 or more years of time in service, we are encouraging everyone to come to the education center and make that transfer before July 12.”
That is why service members are being encouraged to take action immediately.
“Soldiers who are at 16 years or more, you really have a couple of months to make the decision of whether or not you want to transfer the benefit or not to make sure that it is still something that is available,” said Shaehan.
This is not the first change to the bill. Within the last few years, President Trump eliminated the 15-year time restraint on when a service member can use their benefits.
Anyone who has questions about their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is urged to make an appointment with the Fort Hood Education Center at their website.
