Rogers-Lowell Area News

GI Bill Available for Military Members Receiving Higher Education

Current or former military service members should not fall prey to unnecessary high-interest education loan offers. Instead, America’s brave men and women can take advantage of the Forever GI Bill.

“The Forever GI Bill helps veterans and active duty service members continue their education and learn new skills for job opportunities,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Many of these men and women put their education on hold to serve our country, and this GI Bill ensures that educational opportunities are available when the time is right.”

Attorney General Rutledge has announced that there are many types of programs available under the GI Bill, such as:

• Undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Vocational/technical training
• On-the-job/apprenticeship
• Licensing and certification reimbursement
• National testing reimbursement
• Entrepreneurship training
• Flight training
• Correspondence training
• Work-study programs
• Tuition assistance
• Tutorial assistance

Active duty service members can additionally receive tiered amounts of benefit payments. Those who have served a minimum of 36 months after Sept. 10, 2001 are eligible for 100 percent tuition coverage or up to $21,970.46 per year at a private or foreign school. In addition, the Yellow Ribbon Program is available to service members to make up any difference in cost.

Members must have served at least 30 days of continuous active duty and be discharged due to a service connected disability or served an aggregate of 90 days of active duty and received honorable discharge to be eligible for the GI Bill. Service members who meet the criteria for this benefit have 15 years to use the aid. Reservists and Guard member are also eligible for the GI Bill and its recent amendments.

Benefits are also transferable to family members, including a spouse or child. If the service member has died in the line of duty on or after Sept. 10, 2001, his or her children may be eligible for additional benefits under the Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship Program.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit www.ArkansasAG.gov or www.facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.