Can I use my GI Bill to pay a "Pre-Paid" college tuition program, (529 Plan)?

-- LCDR Mark P. Ormond, USN

What about flight schools and aviation degree programs like Embry Riddle or UVSC'S Global aviation degree program? How does that work?

-- Jeromey

I recall reading that the new GI Bill, once enacted in 2009, would be retroactive for the 2008-09 academic year. It seemed to indicate that one could be reimbursed for the applicable tuition costs etc. after initially paying the costs yourself. The Stars & Stripes article (European edition) did not mention this aspect of the proposed bill. Is this true or not?  If true, what should we do to ensure we maximize our benefits (e.g. file something now, save all bills paid, etc.)?

-- Col. Edward Fish

I retired in 2005, so I see that I'm covered by this new bill, but can you confirm I will not be able to transfer my benefits to my spouse or child? As I read it, this provision is only available to those still on active duty. Is this correct?

-- Timothy Gravelle 

I can't determine if this means any benefits for myself. I served 24 years active duty, June 1979 to June 2003. I never used or enrolled in the VEAP or Montgomery GI Bill programs. Any joy?

-- Mark McClintock

I am a veteran who had the GI bill as well as the army college fund. As it stands, the GI bill will be extended to 15 years of eligibility. Will the army college fund also be extended to the 15 year mark as well? Or do I stand to lose it after 10 years.

-- Anthony L. Harris

I enrolled in the MGIB program, but opted for the College Loan Repayment Program. The USAF paid nearly $7,000 of my college loans that I acquired prior to enlisting in 2000. Does the fact that I received CLRP benefits disqualify me from the new GI Bill?

-- Shawn

Officials over at the Veterans Affairs Department will spend much of the next year calculating state-by-state benefits and working with Defense planners on eligibility requirements. For now, they've put out a pamphlet to explain some of the changes and what to expect.

You can read the PDF file here.