Post 9/11 GI Bill® Chapter 33

The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, otherwise known as Chapter 33, is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and their dependents.

Benefits include:

• Tuition and fees paid by the VA directly to U of I student account. These include but are not limited to fees for diplomas, lab classes, course/web fees, and orientation. Fees do not include parking passes or any housing or meal plans.
• Textbook Stipends – Based on number of credits taken, student can receive up to $1,000 per year, $41.67 per credit or $125 per three-credit class. Funds are direct deposit.
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)/Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) – Up to $1,373 per full month (100 percent eligibility). Funds are direct deposit.
• Student Health Insurance (SHIP)
  SHIP is the university-offered insurance program for students not already covered by personal insurance. All students attending U of I must have health insurance. The bill covers this because it is a university requirement.

VA.gov Account Requirement

All students must have a VA.gov account.

The account allows students to:

• Find benefits remaining (months and days)
• Update mailing address
• Set up or change direct deposit banking information
• Verify payments made to the student and to the school for both educational and disability purposes
• Download VA letters and personal documents

Make an appointment with Military and Veteran Services work study assistants if you need help setting up your account.

Other Requirements

• All students must complete the online GI Bill® Certification Request form after registering for classes each semester.
• All classes must fulfill a degree requirement as shown on your degree audit on VandalWeb.
• Free electives aren't restricted, but students must concentrate on required courses