Veterans: Here’s How to Score 90% of Your GI Bill Tuition and Housing Allowance

If you’re a veteran or currently serving and thinking about heading back to school, you’ve probably heard about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, also called Chapter 33. It’s a great program that helps cover tuition, housing, books—you name it. But how much money you get depends on how long you served.

If you’re wondering, “What do I need to qualify for 90% of the full benefit?” let’s break it down in simple terms.

What’s the Post-9/11 GI Bill Anyway?

It’s a benefit that helps you pay for college or vocational school if you served on active duty after September 10, 2001. The VA helps with tuition, monthly housing allowance, books and supplies, and even moving costs if you’re relocating to school.

How Long Do You Need to Have Served for 90% Benefits?

To get 90% of the benefit, you need to have served between 30 and 35 months on active duty after 9/11—that’s about two and a half to just under three years.

Your time doesn’t have to be one continuous stretch—if you had breaks between deployments or multiple assignments, the VA adds it all up.

How the Benefit Levels Work

The VA breaks down the benefits based on your total time served after 9/11:

• 36 months or more = 100% benefits

• 30 to 35 months = 90% benefits

• 24 to 29 months = 80% benefits

• 18 to 23 months = 70% benefits

• 6 to 17 months = 60% benefits

• 90 days to 6 months = 50% benefits

So if you served those 30 to 35 months, you’re getting most of the benefit, just a bit less than the full 100%.

What Does 90% Coverage Mean for You?

At 90%, the VA will cover:

• 90% of your tuition and fees at a public school

• 90% of the monthly housing allowance based on your school’s location

• 90% of the books and supplies stipend (which is up to $1,000 a year)

• A prorated relocation allowance if you’re moving from a rural area for school

Who’s Eligible?

To get any part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you have to:

• Serve at least 90 days of active duty after 9/11

• Have an honorable discharge

Even if you’re still on active duty, you can start using it, but the housing allowance kicks in after you leave service.

Are There Any Special Exceptions?

Yes, two big ones:

• If you got a Purple Heart on or after 9/11 and were honorably discharged, you get 100% benefits no matter how long you served.

• If you were discharged due to a service-related disability after at least 30 days, you also qualify for 100% benefits.

So, if you served between 30 and 35 months, you’re in a solid spot for 90% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. That’s a huge help with college costs and living expenses.

If you want to check exactly how much you qualify for or get help applying, the VA’s website has tools and people ready to help. Or your school’s VA office is a great resource too.