Rep. Lujan Reminds Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to Apply for New GI Bill Benefits Beginning Today

May 1 is the First Day for Veterans to Apply for New College Benefits

Washington, DC - Rep. Ben Ray Luján is urging Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to apply for New GI Bill Benefits. May 1 is the first day that veterans can sign up for new college benefits under the new GI Bill for the 21st Century that take effect on August 1. Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Veterans can sign up for benefits by visiting: gibill.va.gov. Rep. Luján is making his offices available to veterans who do not have a reliable internet connection.

"Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have an opportunity to receive significant education benefits under the new GI Bill," said Rep. Luján. "I encourage Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to apply for this program, and I am offering them the opportunity to visit one of my district offices to sign up for the program if they do not have a reliable internet connection."

Members of the military--including activated reservists and members of the National Guard-- who have been honorably discharged from service with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001 could receive up to four academic years of education benefits.  These benefits include stipends for housing and books, and are correlated on a sliding scale relative to years served. To receive full benefits you must have served on active duty for three years. Veterans will have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits.

The new college benefit program will pay for:

• tuition and fees up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in your state;
• a monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents; and
• an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.

Veterans can visit any of Rep. Luján's district offices to sign up for benefits.

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