Is the entire benefit (including housing, books, tutoring) transferrable to a child or just the tuition? Once I have 'earned' the transferability to a child benefit, do I have to remain on active duty for my child to be able to use it, or like me, does she have 15 years after I leave active duty to access the benefit?
-- Anonymous
This one is from our comments board, but I wanted to pull it out here to clarify some items in my story last weekend.
Writers of the legislation said that in some cases spouses and children will be eligible for the living stipend (the local equivalent of an E-5’s BAH) and the other non-tuition funds. They key is whether the military member transferring the benefits is still receiving BAH.
Since that non-tuition money is designed to cover the cost of basic needs while pursuing a degree, active-duty troops going to classes but still receiving their housing allowance can’t double-dip and get a second living allowance. The same goes for a spouse or a child – if their servicemember is getting some kind of living allowance, the family won’t be eligible for a second living allowance.
But for a retired servicemember who transfers their benefit, the living stipend and other benefits are available, just like they would be if the veteran went back to school.
All of the new benefits are available for 15 years after a servicemember’s retirement, regardless who ends up using them.
New GI Bill
It appears the DOD has the option to not allow Serviceman the option to transfer the GI Bill to their children if they retire this year or have recently retired.
RE: Transferability
We don't know for sure yet -- I covered that over here.
The Pentagon is working to establish those rules, but you're right: they very well could decide that it's a re-enlistment benefit only. That would mean recent retirees, or soon-to-be retirees, wouldn't get that benefit. Expect an announcement in a few months.