The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, As Enacted

Cassandria Dortch
Analyst in Education Policy

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Title 38 U.S.C., Chapter 33), commonly called the Post-9/11 GI Bill, was enacted as Title V of P.L. 110-252. It became effective August 1, 2009. Following enactment, concerns were raised about several aspects of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and calls were made for the program to be amended. These included proposals to expand eligibility and to improve the program’s implementation, administration, and benefits. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-377) was enacted on January 4, 2011. It amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other veterans educational assistance programs. Major amendments made by P.L. 111-377 to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other veterans educational assistance programs include the following: 

• Certain full-time duty by National Guard members under Title 32 is included in the qualifying active duty service period. 
• Active duty service obligations based on an appointment at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) are excluded from the qualifying active duty service period. 
• Up to full in-state tuition and fees less certain waivers, reductions, scholarships, and assistance to degree-seeking individuals will be available to those who attend public institutions of higher learning (IHLs) more than half-time. 
• Up to $17,500 in tuition and fees will be available to degree-seeking individuals who attend private or foreign IHLs more than half-time. 
• A reduced monthly housing allowance will be provided to degree-seeking individuals who attend IHLs more than half-time but less than full-time. 
• Degree-seeking individuals who attend IHLs more than half-time exclusively through distance learning will be eligible for a monthly housing allowance. 
• Degree-seeking individuals on active duty who are enrolled more than half-time will be eligible for a books and supplies stipend, but the tuition and fees benefit will be limited. 
• The approved programs of education will be expanded to include on-the-job, apprenticeship, flight, and correspondence training and programs at non-IHLs. 
• The number of licensing and certification tests eligible for reimbursement will be unlimited as long as the individual has sufficient entitlement remaining. 
• The transfer of benefits to dependents will be authorized for commissioned officers in the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 
• Reporting fees to training establishments and educational institutions for administering veterans educational assistance programs will be increased. 
• Individuals eligible for both Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E; Title 38 U.S.C., Chapter 31) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be eligible for an increased housing allowance. 
• Most payments between academic terms for all the veterans educational assistance programs will be eliminated.

Date of Report: August 17, 2011
Number of Pages: 35
Order Number: R41620
Price: $29.95

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