Transferring Your GI Bill to Family While You Serve

What it is

The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays tuition, a housing allowance and money for books. Most members use it after they leave the military, which is covered in our VA benefits section. But there is one step that must happen while you are still serving: transferring the benefit to your spouse or children. This is called Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB).

Who gets it

To transfer, you generally must:

• Be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• Have at least 6 years of service (active duty or Selected Reserve).
• Agree to serve 4 more years.
• Have the family member enrolled in DEERS.

Some members cannot transfer because of service rules or because they cannot take on the extra service commitment. Rules can differ by branch, so check with your career counselor.

How to use it

1. Log in to milConnect and find the Transfer of Education Benefits section.
2. Add each family member you might want to give months to. You can give as little as one month each.
3. Submit the request and sign the new service agreement your branch requires.
4. Wait for approval. Your branch must approve before it counts.
5. After approval, each family member applies to the VA to use the benefit.

What people miss

• You cannot transfer after you leave. This is the biggest mistake. If you separate or retire without an approved transfer, the option is gone.
• Give every child at least one month. You can move months around between family members later, even after you leave, but only among people who already got some months. Adding a family member later is generally not allowed once you are out. Giving each child one month now keeps your options open.
• Watch the service commitment. If you do not finish the extra time, the VA may take back benefits already used.
• Kids and spouses use it differently. Children usually can use it after you reach 10 years of service and must finish by age 26. Spouses can use it right away. A spouse using it while you are on active duty does not get the housing allowance.
• Timing near retirement. If you are near your retirement date and cannot add 4 years, ask about rules for members who are retirement-eligible. Policies change, so get it in writing.
• Tuition Assistance first. Use TA while you serve so you save your GI Bill for later or for your family.
• Keep proof. Save a copy of your approved transfer from milConnect. If records are lost later, that screenshot or printout can save your family months of hassle.

Related

See our VA benefits section for how the GI Bill works after service, including the Yellow Ribbon program. See Tuition Assistance, Credentials, CLEP and SkillBridge for education you can use now.