Some Vets May Qualify for Extension of GI Benefits

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) February 18, 2022 – The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit for service members and veterans. It provides for the payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for textbooks and supplies for up to 36 months. Anyone who served on active duty for at least 90 days since September 10, 2001, is eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, regardless of whether they are still in the military or honorably discharged. The amount of time a service member spends on active duty determines their total benefits. However, if someone was discharged before January 1, 2013, their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after their discharge date (for those eligible for Montgomery GI Bill benefits, the benefits expire just ten years after their discharge date). However, there are ways for service members to request an extension of these important benefits.

To be eligible for a GI Bill benefit extension, a service member must show that one of the following applied to their situation:

1.) They served at least 90 days of consecutive active duty after applying for GI Bill benefits

To obtain an extension for subsequent service, a service member must send a letter of request to the VA, including either a copy of their orders to report for active duty or a copy of their DD214. Applications must be sent to the regional processing office.

2.) They have an illness or disability that prevented them from attending school

To obtain an extension for an illness or disability, a service member must send a letter of request to the VA, including the type of illness or disability, their period of disability, and the reasons why they could not attend school. Applicants must also list all jobs they held during their period of disability and a statement from their doctor confirming their illness or disability.

3.) They were held by a foreign government or power after their last discharge.

To obtain an extension after being held by a foreign government or power, a service member must submit a letter of request outlining the dates during which they were held.

Florida veterans’ benefits lawyer David W. Magann explains, “The GI Bill benefits are one of the most generous and important benefits the government provides to service members. It is essential that veterans preserve their eligibility for GI Benefits, as there is no telling what the future may hold. While obtaining an extension of benefits can be challenging, it is possible with the proper documentation.”

Attorney David Magann is a Florida Veterans’ benefits lawyer with extensive experience helping veterans, service members, and their family members obtain the benefits they are entitled to. Attorney Magann also helps veterans deal with the unique legal issues they face after leaving the service. As a proud Marine Corps veteran, Attorney Magann has overcome many of those issues himself and takes pride in helping fellow veterans. Attorney Magann handles social security disability, estate planning, veterans’ law and personal injury law out of his Brandon and Tampa offices. He can be reached at http://www.tampaveteranslawyer.com/.

Learn more at http://www.tampaveteranslawyer.com/ David W. Magann, P.A. Main Office: 156 West Robertson Street Brandon, FL 33511 Call: (813) 657-9175 Tampa Office: 18715 N Dale Mabry Hwy Lutz, FL 33548