Military Benefits http://militarybenefits.info Military Benefits Information for US Military, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Military Spouses and Military Family Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:44:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 Post-9/11 GI Bill 2013-2014 Payment Rates http://militarybenefits.info/post-911-gi-bill-2013-2014-payment-rates/ http://militarybenefits.info/post-911-gi-bill-2013-2014-payment-rates/#comments Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:42:34 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3201 Here are the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) payment rates for the 2013 academic year (August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014).  Maximum amounts are listed with prorated eligibility percentages also listed below.

 

Maximum Tuition & Fee Reimbursement per Academic Year
Type of School Maximum Reimbursement
Public School All Tuition & Fee Payments for an in-State Student
Private or Foreign School Up to $19,198.31 per academic year National Maximum
Non-college Degree Granting Institutions Actual net costs for in-state tuition & fees not to exceed $19,198.31 during the academic year
Vocational Flight Schools The actual net costs not to exceed $10,970.46 per academic year
Correspodence Schools The actual net costs not to exceed $9,324.89 per academic year

 

Type of School Books/Supplies Stipend Eligibility Rural Benefit Eligibility MHA Eligibility
Public School Yes Yes Yes
Private or Foreign School Yes Yes Yes
Online School Yes Yes Yes
Non-college Degree Granting Institutions Yes Yes Yes
Vocational Flight Schools No No No
Correspodence Schools No No No
Apprenticeship/OJT Yes No No

 

Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training
Training Period Monthly rate
First six months of training 100% of your applicable MHA
Second six months of training 80% of your applicable MHA
Third six months of training 60% of your applicable MHA
Fourth six months of training 40% of your applicable MHA
Remaining pursuit of training 20% of your applicable MHA

 

Tiered Prorated Eligibility
 Member Serves
 Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable
At least 36 months 100%
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and must be discharged due to service-connected disability 100%
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months 90%
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months 80%
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months 70%
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months 60%
At least 06 months, but less than 12 months 50%
At least 90 days, but less than 06 months 40%

* Chart applies to those who served on active duty after 9/10/2001 and received an honorable discharge.

* * Full benefit qualification is for a veteran who has served at least 3 years of active duty after September 10, 2001.

 

See here for Monthly Housing Rates (aka BAH).

 

Post 9/11 Books/Supplies Stipend

By Lance Cpl. Courtney White

 

The Books/Supplies Stipend is up to $1,000 annually and is paid proportionately based on enrollment.

 

Rural Benefit

A one time payment of $500 may be payable to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas if they reside in a county with 6 persons or less per square mile (as determined by the most recent decennial census) and either:

1. Physically relocate at least 500 miles to attend an educational institution or

2. travel by air to physically attend an educational institution if no other land-based transportation exists

 

Where Post 9/11 Payments are Sent

Payment Where
Tuition & fees School/Institution
Monthly Housing Allowance (AKA BAH) You
Books/Supplies Stipend You
One-Time Rural Benefit You

 

Post-9/11 GI Bill Payment Schedule

Payments are made and deposited generally at the beginning of the month.  The are no exacts dates and can vary slightly due to weekends and holidays.  Payments are made for the prior month of enrollment so if you’re enrolled in January payment for January will be made at the beginning of February.  There can also be a delay in payments starting but payments should be consistent once the process starts.

 

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/post-911-gi-bill-2013-2014-payment-rates/feed/ 0 Father’s Day Free Meals, Freebies & Discounts 2013 http://militarybenefits.info/fathers-day-free-meals-freebies-discounts/ http://militarybenefits.info/fathers-day-free-meals-freebies-discounts/#comments Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:17:07 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3184 A list of Father’s Day free meals, freebies, discounts and deals for dads.  While the number of restaurants and companies that offer Father’s Day perks isn’t as comprehensive as Veteran’s Day the good thing is you don’t have to worry about bringing along you’re DD214 form along.

Boston Market
Buy any BBQ ribs individual meal and get a meal of equal or lesser value. Valid only on Father’s Day, June 16th.

Buca di BEPPO free Cannoli
Dad’s get a free Cannoli on Father’s Day, June 16.

Buffalo Wild Wings
Buy a $30 gift card and get a $5 bonus card until 6/16/13.

The Counter
Bring your dad into The Counter and say “BFD.” They’ll buy him a burger. Valid only on 6/16/13.

Firehouse Subs
Father’s Day 6/16/13 – Free medium sub when you purchase a combo (sub, chips, & drink). Go to the Firehouse Subs Facebook page to claim.

Fleming’s Steakhouse
All dads who eat at Flemining’s on Father’s Day will receive a $25 Dining Card for a future visit.

Free Admission – Many local places are providing free admission to dads on Father’s Day. Call ahead to confirm but parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, fishing, events and much more are providing free admission.

Hooter’s Free Wing
Dad gets 10 free wings when you buy 10 on Sunday, June 16, 2013. Plus, or every $25 Hooters gift card purchased now through June 16, guests will receive an additional $5 Dad’s Bonus Bucks card redeemable from June 17 through July 28, 2013.

Ikea
Get a Free 99¢ breakfast plate and a cup of coffee on Father’s Day. Offer valid only on Sunday, June 16, 2013 from opening until 11:00am in the Restaurant and Cafe. Limit one per family. Value $1.98. Offer not valid at IKEA Tampa, Centennial, Pittsburgh, West Chester or Paramus.

KOA Campgrounds
This Father’s Day weekend, June 14-16, 2013 kids 17 and younger camp free at participating campgrounds.

Kohl’s 15% Off
Kohl’s will take an additional 15 percent off select men’s clothing and shoes through June 16. Use promo code DADSDAY15.

Raising Cane’s
Get a free box combo with a purchase of a box combo on Father’s Day. Must have a Caniac Club card in order to get offer, it automatically gets loaded onto your card

Sear’s 15% Off
Use promo code DAD13 through Sunday, June 16th. Online only.

Shoney’s Free Hot Fudge Cake
All dads this Sunday, June 16 on Father’s Day get a free Hot Fudge Cake with the purchase of a meal or entree.

Spaghetti Warehouse Free Lasagna or Spaghetti
Dads eat free with coupon on Sunday, June 16th, 2013. Dads get a free spaghetti or lasagna meal.

TCBY Free Yogurt
Dad’s get a free yogurt on Father’s Day 6/16/13.

Twin Peaks
The first 50 dads on Father’s Day receive a free gift.

White Castle
Get 4 original sliders for a $1.00 on Father’s Day with coupon.

Be sure to check with many local restaurants as well. Too many to list but many local restaurants offer Father’s Day perks.

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/fathers-day-free-meals-freebies-discounts/feed/ 0 2014 BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) Rates http://militarybenefits.info/2014-bas-basic-allowance-for-subsistence-rates/ http://militarybenefits.info/2014-bas-basic-allowance-for-subsistence-rates/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:25:53 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3176 The proposed 2014 BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) rate is 3.4%.  The proposed increase is the same percentage rate increase since 2012 but each year the actual increase amount has been different.  In 2012 it was 7.02% and in 2013 it was 1.09%.

Excerpt from the 2014 Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Proposal sent to Congress by President Obama:

“For calendar year 2014, consistent with the views of the uniformed military leadership, the Budget provides a 1.0 percent increase to basic pay, a 4.2 percent increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing, and a 3.4 percent increase in Basic Allowance for Subsistence.”

BAS increase rates are part of the DoD’s annual defense budget which requires that both Houses and the President approve prior being finalized.  Typically this does not occur until the December before the increase takes effect on January 1st.  The rate is subject to change until then.

2012-2014   BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) Comparison
Year Proposed Increase Actual Increase Enlisted BAS Officers BAS
2014 3.40% N/A N/A N/A
2013 3.40% 1.09%  $                  352.27  $          242.60
2012 3.40% 7.20%  $                  348.44  $          239.96

 

About BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence)

BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) is a non-taxable allowance to defray a portion of cost of subsistence.  BAS offsets costs for a service member’s meal, however it is not intended to cover the costs of meals for family members.  This allowance originates from military history where room and board (rations) were provided as part of a member’s pay.

Since it is intended to provide meals for service members, it is linked to the price of food.  Each year it is adjusted based upon the price of food.  The BAS is calculated by using the Agriculture Department’s USDA food-cost index based.  Based on this, the BAS is not tied to the military pay increase plus the military pay increase includes considerations to the increase of private sector wages.

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/2014-bas-basic-allowance-for-subsistence-rates/feed/ 0 2014 BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) Rates http://militarybenefits.info/2014-bah-basic-allowance-for-housing-rates/ http://militarybenefits.info/2014-bah-basic-allowance-for-housing-rates/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:55:47 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3154 The proposed 2014 BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) rate is 4.2% as recommended by the DoD and what President Obama sent to Congress for approval.  There is still a long way to go before final approval which will most likely occur in December of this year and the rate increase can change.  For comparison, last year’s proposed BAH rate was also 4.2% and the final approved BAH rate was 3.8%.

“For calendar year 2014, consistent with the views of the uniformed military leadership, the Budget provides a 1.0 percent increase to basic pay, a 4.2 percent increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing, and a 3.4 percent increase in Basic Allowance for Subsistence.” – 2014 Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Proposal

Keep in mind the BAH rate increase is an average increase across all locations.  BAH rates vary by location and not everyone will see the same increase, if any at all.  Actual increases will be based on a “by location” housing market analysis conducted for the Department of Defense and a food cost index prepared by the Department of Agriculture, both of which are measured much closer to the effective date to ensure they best capture the actual cost impact on the service member.

2012-2014   BAH (Basic Allowance Housing) Comparison
Year Proposed Increase Actual Increase
2014 4.20% N/A
2013 4.20% 3.80%
2012 4.20% 2.0%


BAH Calculator (2014 Rates not available/approved)
 

YEAR: DUTY ZIP CODE: PAY GRADE:

 

2013 BAH Charts

2013-With-Dependents-BAH-Rates

2013-Without-Dependents-BAH-Rates



The BAH rate increases are for all branch’s of the military; Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Reserves forces where applicable.

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/2014-bah-basic-allowance-for-housing-rates/feed/ 0 2014 Military Pay Raise http://militarybenefits.info/2014-military-pay-raise/ http://militarybenefits.info/2014-military-pay-raise/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:43:04 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3141 The proposed military pay increase for fiscal year 2014 is 1%.  This is based on the Department of Defense’s recommendation and President Obama’s proposal in the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget proposal that was sent to Congress.  The DoD’s recommendation is based on the need to maintain the balance of being competitive with military pay while being accountable to costs to taxpayers.  However, Congress may still pay a higher 2014 pay increase.  The House Appropriations Committee (HAC) has approved a 1.8% military pay raise and is set for a vote in the House of Representatives.

“For calendar year 2014, consistent with the views of the uniformed military leadership, the Budget provides a 1.0 percent increase to basic pay, a 4.2 percent increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing, and a 3.4 percent increase in Basic Allowance for Subsistence.” – 2014 Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Proposal

Time Line

02/06/13 – DOD Submits 1% Pay.

04/10/13 – Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2014 released by President Obama.

06/13/2013 – House Appropriations Committee approves a 1.8% military pay increase.

Next Steps

The House of Representatives, Senate and President all must pass and sign off on the Defense budget.  Typically final approval does not happen until December.

See 2013 military pay tables here.

Historical Military Pay Raises by Year

YearMilitary pay Pay Raise %YearMilitary pay Pay Raise %
19620.00%19894.10%
196312.60%19903.60%
19642.5% - 8.5%19914.10%
1965E: 11% O:6%19924.20%
19663.20%19933.70%
19675.60%19942.20%
19686.80%19952.60%
196912.60%19962.40%
19708.10%19973.00%
19717.90%19982.80%
19727.20%19993.60%
19736.70%20006.20%
19746.20%20014.10%
19755.52%2002 *6.90%
19765.00%2003 *4.70%
19774.80%2004 *4.20%
19787.10%20053.50%
19795.50%20063.10%
19807.00%2007 *2.70%
198111.70%20083.50%
198214.30%20093.90%
19834.00%20103.40%
19844.00%20111.40%
19854.00%20121.60%
19863.00%20131.70%
19873.00%2014 **1.00%
19882.00%

* 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007 are the average percentage raise as military pay raises differed for various military pay grades.

** 2014 proposed military pay raise.

 

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/2014-military-pay-raise/feed/ 0 Memorial Day Sales, Discounts & Deals 2013 http://militarybenefits.info/memorial-day-sales-discounts-deals/ http://militarybenefits.info/memorial-day-sales-discounts-deals/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 05:59:25 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3058 Memorial Day discounts, deals and sales for everybody PLUS offers specific to veterans and the military (see below discounts for veterans and military for offers for everybody).

We will constantly update this list as companies announce.

Memorial Day Discounts for Veterans, Retired and Active Duty Military

Baja Fresh
25% off any purchase to all military personnel between May 20th and May 27th. Valid ID required.

Bluestar Museums – Free Admission to over 1,800 museums
More than 1,800 museums across America offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

California’s Great America Free Admission
Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 -27, free admission to active or retired U.S. service men and women, including veterans, with a valid military I.D. Up to six (6) family members accompanying service personnel can get tickets for just $19.99.

Forever 21 Military Discount
15% off for the military, in store only. Offer valid 05.24.13 – 05.27.13. Offer valid on regular priced items only. Purchaser must present a valid military identification card at the time of purchase.

Free Admission – Many local places are providing free admission to active duty military and veterans this Memorial Day weekend. Call ahead to confirm but parks, zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, museums, concerts, events and much more are providing free admission and discounts to family members this Memorial Day weekend.

Home Depot
A 10% discount is offered to all military veterans on Memorial Day to all veterans up to a maximum of $500. A year round 10% discount is available at all U.S. locations to active duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families. Must present a valid military ID. Unfortunately Home Depot does not accept state ID cards with veterans designation (some locations may). Note: Home Depot has unfortunately removed the military discount policy from their website while keeping the discount intact.

Hooters 10 Free Wings
Monday, May 27, military veterans and active duty military can enjoy 10 free wings with any drink purchase at Hooters locations across the U.S

Jo Ann Fabric
Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, past or present members of the armed forces, as well as their families, will receive 20 percent off their total purchase including regular, sale-priced and clearance items. Must present proof of military service, past or present or military dependent ID.

King’s Dominion Free Admission
May 25 -27 & July 4-5 free park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. Located in Doswell, VA.

Knott’s Berry Farm Free Admission
Free Admission for Active, Retired or Veteran U.S. Military Personnel May 26-27.

Lowes
All Veterans receive a 10% discount on Memorial Day. This is not to be confused with the Everyday 10% Military Discount which is available to those who are currently serving, Retired Veterans, or VA Recipients and their immediate family. See link for official rules.

Premium Outlets National Military Appreciation Month
Savings are being offered to all military personnel who present their Military ID at the Information Centers during the month of May.

Shoney’s Free Burger
Free All-American Burger to all veterans and active duty service members on Monday, May 27, 2013.

Twin Peaks Eat Free
Service men and women eat free on Memorial Day, May 27th. Also, buy a calendar and one we’ll be sent to the troops.

Under Armour military & veterans discountUnder Armour Online Military & Veteran 15% Discount
From May 25th to May 31st active duty service members and veterans receive 15% off with a valid TroopID.  See here for details on how to get a TroopID and receive the 15% discount.

Walgreens Military & Veterans Discount
On Monday, May 27, shoppers with a valid military ID or proof of service will receive 15 percent off eligible store items and 20 percent off Walgreen, Nice! and W brand products at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.

Westgate Resorts
Westgate Resorts is offering U.S. Military personnel 31% off the best available rate on 23 resorts in 11 destinations. Offer starts Friday, May 24th, 2013 at 9am EST and ends on Monday, May 27th, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. Valid travel through December 21, 2013. Destinations include Orlando, Florida; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Las Vegas, Nevada; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Miami, Florida; Williamsburg, Virginia; Park City, Utah; Branson, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Daytona Beach, Florida; and Tunica, Mississippi.

Memorial Day Sales & Discounts for Everybody

6 PM Memorial Day Sale
Starts Monday, May 27 at 12 AM PST. Clearance sale starting at 65% off and deep discounts on select brands.

7 Eleven 49 Cent Slurpee
Friday, May 24 – Monday May 27 get a medium Slurpree for 49 Cents.

Ace Hardware
Shop the Ace Hardware Memorial Day event Friday, May 24 through Monday May, 27.

Aeropostale Memorial Day Sale
Aeropostale Memorial Day Sale: 50% to 85% off sitewide.

Amazon
Save up 60% on women’s, men’s, girls’, boys’ shoes and handbags.

American Eagle
Take 15% Off your Order + Free Shipping. Use AE Discount Code 43055701.

Ben & Jerry’s Buy One Get One Free
Buy any small or large cup or cone and get one free through the month of May 2013.

Best Buy Kickoff to Summer Event
May 19 – June 1, 2013 Memorial Day kick off to summer event. Offers change daily.

Bloomingdale’s
20% off coupon. Enter promo code EXTRA20 or use in store on select sale and clearance items. Expires after May 27th.

Bucca Di Beppo
$15 off any 2 pasts, baked paster or Entrees with coupon. Expires 5/27/13.

Cabela’s Memorial Day Sale
Save on summer essentials.

Carter’s
Get 20% off on an order of $40 or more. Note: Excludes clearance items and doorbuster special. (expires May 31, 2013) coupon code: CA73NT24

Crocs
Memorial Day markdowns up to 30% off plus free economy shipping (promo code MEMSHIP). Ends 5/27/13.

Chevrolet $500 Cash Back
$500 in cash back on a new vehicle purchase though June 3rd, 2013.

DKNY Memorial Day Sale
25% off sale items. Promo code sale25. Offer valid 05.24.13 – 05.27.13.

Forever 21
Memorial Day Sale up to 80% off.

GNC
$10 off a $20 purchase. Expires May 31.

Home Depot Memorial Week Sale
Starts Thursday, May 16, while supplies last. Plus get 10% off if your active duty or a veteran year round.

JC Penney
In store or Online: 20% off original, sale and clearance prices; 10% off furniture with JCP credit card OR 10% off original, sale and clearance prices with any other form of payment. Online promo code LAUNCH16.

Jiffy Lube
$5 off an oil change. Good until 12/31/13.

Jo Ann Fabric Memorial Day Sale
Shop & save in-store and online on Monday May 27th.

Justice
Online only, save up to 65%. Ends 5/27/13.

Kmart Memorial Day Sale
5/24-5/27 – Thousands of Items on sale plus online only EXTRA 5-10% off featured categories.

Kohl’s Cash Back
Friday & Saturday, May 24 – 25 get $10 back for every $50 spent.

Lord & Taylor Sale
Memorial Day offers from Lord & Taylor. 20% Off Sale & Clearance w/ Code: MEMDAY. Expires 5/27/13

Loft Memorial Day Sale
Ann Taylor Loft extra 50% off.

Lowe’s Memorial Day Sale
Memorial Day savings through Mon. May 27. Active duty military and veterans get 10% off year round.

Macys Memorial Day Sale
Starts Wed. 5/22/13. 10% off furniture and mattresses plus much more.

NewEgg.com Memorial Deals Marathon
A marathon week of deals starting on Tuesday, 05/21/2013. Offers expire 05/27/2013 at 11:59PM PDT.

Old Navy
Online and In Stores, Memorial Day Sale starting at $6 and ends Thursday, May 30. In Store only take an extra 30%-50% off clearance items. Free shipping everyday.

OshKosh B’Gosh
50% off most items sitewide (clearance items excluded). Take an extra 15% off with no minimum required via coupon code “NAUTICAL”, or get an additional 25% off orders of $40 or more via coupon code “SCFSVVG”.

Pei Wei
Buy a gift card, get a free combo meal. Expires May 26.

Perry Ellis
Take 40% off entire order. Use promo code PEMEMORIAL40.

PetSmart Memorial Day Sale
Hundreds of items on sale for Memorial Day.

Premium Outlets Memorial Weekend Sale
Fri – Mon, May 24 – 27 Annual Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Premium Outlet Centers across the United States. Enjoy extra discounts on top of already low outlet prices.

Princess Cruises
See stunning cruise destinations and save up to $700 on airfare! There are over 60 cruises on sale to Asia, Hawaii & Tahiti, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Sale ends on May 28th, 2013.

Radio Shack
Any customer who spends $30 or more gets a coupon for $10 off their next qualifying purchase. Expires 6/1/13.

Ralph Lauren Memorial Weekend Sale
25% off select styles online through Tuesday, May 28th. Enter promo code RLMEM13.

Red Box Free Movie Rental
Sign up online, reserve a movie and get a free movie credit.

REI Anniversary Sale
It’s called their Anniversary sale but since it’s during Memorial Day and their biggest sale of the year, we’re listing it anyway. Up to 30% off outdoor gear, clothing, shoes, luggage, camping gear and more through May 27th.

Sears Memorial Day Sales & Value
Save $35 Off $300 or more, use promo code MEMORIAL35. Online Only. May 22 to May 25 2013.

Sports Authority
15% off entire purchase with coupon. Expires Monday, May 27th. Plus a Memorial Day weekend sale.

Ulta Beauty
20% off one item with coupon. Expires 6/1/13.

Walmart Memorial Day Sale
More than 350 items discounted online with prices starting at $3.88.

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/memorial-day-sales-discounts-deals/feed/ 0 Tuition Assistance Restored for All Military Services http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-restored-for-all-military-services/ http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-restored-for-all-military-services/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:14:59 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3048 March 17, 2013

Tuition Assistance (TA) has been restored for the Army, Air Force, Coast Guards and Marines.  The Navy never cut TA.  On Tuesday March 26th, 2013 the President signed the continuing resolution which was passed by Congress last week.  The main purpose of the continuing

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brinn

resolution is to provide appropriations to fund government operations through October 2013 but also included a measure that directed the DoD to restore all tuition assistance programs.

Currently enrolled students should not see a disruption in their funding.  TA enrollments have not been restarted but are expected to resume in the next few days.  Pentagon spokesman George Little said “We intend to resume the program the way it was before suspension,” and he expects no cuts in the program this year.  He also added that “We will comply with the recently enacted legislation to provide tuition assistance to all service members across all the services,”.

Tuition Assistance provides service members about $250 per credit hour towards associate, bachelor, masters or doctoral degree courses, up to $4,500 per fiscal year.

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-restored-for-all-military-services/feed/ 0 Tuition Assistance (TA) Alternatives During Suspension http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-ta-alternative-during-suspension/ http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-ta-alternative-during-suspension/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:39:44 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3041 Due to sequestration Tuition Assistance (TA) has been suspended.  However, even though Tuition Assistance has been suspended education goals can still become a reality through alternative methods.  Here are some alternative options toward continuing an education as well as other options that are being pursued to provide relief to those impacted by TA suspension.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brinn

Tuition Assistance Covered by Colleges and Universities – Some schools, such as Capella University, are covering Tuition Assistance (TA) for existing military students.  Many colleges and universities extended varying types of relief and others are currently considering.  Check with your school to see if they are offering any TA relief.

Military Discounts & Scholarships – Many colleges and universities offer military discounts and scholarships in addition to the education benefits funded by the DoD.  Discounts can be as high as 50% off tuition but vary greatly by school.

Pell Grants – Pell Grants are needs based grants to low-income undergraduate students.  Grants are determined by the U.S. Department of Education.  Other grants are also available.

Scholarships - Both the federal government and nonprofit organizations offer money for college to active duty personnel.  Criteria varies and CareerOneStop provides a scholarship search tool.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) – Dante’s provides education alternatives to service members who cannot attend classes or schools due to work schedules, duty locations that do not permit class attendance.  High school, college, technical, or vocational courses are all available via methods such as textbooks, video, audio tapes, internet, email or TV.  Tuition assistance is subject to specific service policies but can be 100% funded for tuition and fees. There is also the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) which can earn a service member college credit.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) – The CLEP, Credit by examination, program allows people to earn college credit by taking exams on any 38 college level introductory subject examinations.  Exams are funded through DANTES and could save thousands of dollars towards a degree.

Post 9/11 GI Bill – Active-Duty military can utilize these benefits while still on active duty, once qualified.

State and Local Financial Aid – Check with state and local governments for financial aid provide to active duty military personnel.

Visit your local education services center to find out more about available options.

Pending Legislation to Protect Tuition Assistance

Federal Legislation – Both Democrats and Republicans have joined forces to propose legislation to force the DoD to fund tuition assistance programs.

State and Local Legislation – State and local governments have proposed and considering options to help service members.  For instance, New York has proposed the Commitment to Military Education Act which would provide tuition reductions for eligible service members attending SUNY and CUNY schools affected by the TA suspension.

Sequester Talks – There is also the possibility that the federal government will come to an agreement on the sequester as it becomes more punitive the longer it’s in effect.  This potentially would lift the tuition assistance suspension and reinstate TA benefits to all.

See this video for more on TA alternatives.


]]> http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-ta-alternative-during-suspension/feed/ 0 Top 10 Most Read Articles on Military Benefits in 2012 http://militarybenefits.info/top-10-most-read-articles-on-military-benefits-in-2012/ http://militarybenefits.info/top-10-most-read-articles-on-military-benefits-in-2012/#comments Sat, 16 Mar 2013 03:21:21 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=3032 Here’s a list of the articles our audience found the most interesting in 2012. If you have an article idea or story you’d like to know more about contact us and let us know.  We’d love to write about it.

Top 10 Most Read Articles on Military Benefits in 2012

Top Military Discounts at Online Colleges & Universities

A list of many online colleges and universities that offer military discounts through reduced tuition rates, free books, scholarships and other options.

Can Military Spouses get Breast Implants for Free or at a Discount?

We’re not sure if it’s the husband or wife that is reading this article but we know many people are.  This article addresses many truths and myths behind whether the military provides free breast implants.

10 Veterans Benefits You May Not Know About

There are many commonly known veterans benefits such as VA Health Services, the GI Bill and VA home loans but there are also many not commonly veterans benefits as well.  This article provides 10 of them.

5 Top Military Spouse Benefits

Military spouses deal with many challenges that many non-military spouses do not ever experience.  In recognition of the importance of the military spouse and supporting military families the federal government provides benefits to military spouses.  Here are five of them.

Military Friendly Colleges Guide

Choosing a college is a very important decision and there are many unique benefits provided to members of the military and veterans.  This article details the many benefits and considerations that factor into choosing the best college to fit your needs.

FAQs About VA Home Loans

VA home loans are great benefit for veterans and service members.  This article addresses some of the common questions surrounding VA home loans.

5 Top Paying Online Associate’s Degrees for in Demand Jobs

Finding a career after the military can be challenging and often times requires utilizing education benefits towards finding a new career.  Here a 5 online associate’s that can result in a great salary and are in demand.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) provid provides military spouses with financial assistance towards pursuing a license, certification or Associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation.  This article details the benefits, eligibility and how it works.

Great Veterans Employers

Many employers have appreciation for the military and some show it by committing to providing specific opportunities to veterans transitioning to a civilian job.  This articles presents employers, partners and sectors that provide employment to veterans.

Military Benefits for Family Members

The military family is an important part of the military community that provides support to servicemembers and can contributes to military readiness.  The federal government recognizes the importance of the military family and need to provide benefits that support these families.  Here are some of the top benefits for military families.

]]> http://militarybenefits.info/top-10-most-read-articles-on-military-benefits-in-2012/feed/ 0 Tuition Assistance Suspended by Army, Air Force, Marine Corps & Coast Guard; Navy Pending http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-suspended-by-army-air-force-marine-corps-coast-guard-navy/ http://militarybenefits.info/tuition-assistance-suspended-by-army-air-force-marine-corps-coast-guard-navy/#comments Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:46:46 +0000 MilitaryBenefits http://militarybenefits.info/?p=2955 Updated March 13th, 2013

Update Alert: Tuition Assistance has been restored to all services.  Read more here.

All U.S. Armed Forces except the Navy have recently announced that Tuition Assistance (TA) will be suspended until further notice due to sequestration.  The measure will not affect soldiers currently enrolled in courses; however, no new applications will be accepted for enrollment.  The Navy is still weighing it’s options and pending a decision.   It is believed that the Navy is trying to keep in tact a reduced amount of TA.

Photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/Released

Press Secretary George Little placed the blame on a “sequestration” mechanism in budget law that kicked in March 1, triggering across-the-board spending cuts that Pentagon officials repeatedly had warned would harm the nation’s military readiness.”  The suspension is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of soldier’s including over 200,000 soldier’s in the Army and 29,000 soldiers in the Marines.

Soldiers can continue to access their GI Bill benefits, Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and Reserve Assistance Program or utilize another funding source.  Additional options include grants, scholarships, state tuition assistance programs and military discounts offered by schools.

Defense officials say Tuition Assistance is important but because of the current fiscal situation they are evaluating all programs across the department.  They have also said they will do their best to have tuition assistance reinstated.  However, each military branch will likely need to review the eligibility requirements to ensure sustainability.  Another education program that is in jeopardy of being cut or suspended are the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA).  The DoD has not suspended the MYCAA program to date but it is widely believed they are strongly considering.

Tuition Assistance covers the cost of undergraduate or graduate programs up to $4,500 per fiscal year and payments are capped $250 per semester-hour of instruction.

View more about the Army’s Tuition Assistance (TA) suspension below.


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