How Does the GI Bill Work for Dependents?

Contents

1. GI Bill Options for Dependents
2. How to Transfer GI Bill Benefits to Dependents
3. Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits Explained
4. Extra Perks with the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
5. More Scholarship Opportunities for Military Kids
6. Tuition Help & Resources for Military Dependents
7. Make Smarter College Choices with Appily

College can be pricey, but if you’re eligible for the GI Bill, there’s some great news—the government might help cover your (or your child’s) education costs.

GI Bill Options for Dependents

The GI Bill program provides education benefits to dependents of active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and those who died while serving.

While the military doesn’t directly pay for college, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages the GI Bill, which can. In this article, we’ll break down the different GI Bill versions and how military families can make the most of them.

The Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) helps service members and veterans cover education and training expenses. It’s named after Congressman Gillespie V. “Sonny” Montgomery, who was key in creating it. The MGIB has two main parts: one for active-duty members and one for reservists.

Both programs offer up to 36 months of benefits for:

• College degrees and certificates
• Technical or vocational courses
• Flight training
• Apprenticeships or on-the-job training
• High-tech training
• Licensing and certification tests
• Entrepreneurship programs
• Certain entrance exams
• Correspondence courses

Tuition assistance amounts vary based on enrollment status (full-time/part-time), length of service, and type of training. Note: MGIB benefits differ from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers different costs and training types.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)

If you’re the child of a veteran or service member who died, is missing, captured, or has a service-related disability, you might qualify for education or job training help through the DEA program (Chapter 35).

Check the VA.gov website for eligibility details and benefit info.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

This is one of the most extensive education benefits for military dependents. It covers:

• Full in-state tuition and fees at public schools
• Non-degree programs, apprenticeships, flight training, and more

Eligibility for Service Members:
To qualify, the service member must meet at least one of these conditions:

• Served at least 90 days on active duty after 9/11 (continuous or with breaks), or
• Received a Purple Heart post-9/11 and was honorably discharged (any service length), or
• Served at least 30 continuous days post-9/11 and was honorably discharged with a service-connected disability

If you’re a dependent, the service member must transfer their benefits to you.

Transferring GI Bill Benefits to Dependents

Wondering how to transfer GI Bill benefits? Here’s how it works:

You (or your parent) can transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if:

• They’re on active duty or in the Selected Reserve, and
• Have at least 6 years of service when the request is approved, and
• Agree to serve 4 more years, and
• The dependent is enrolled in DEERS

Active-duty members must submit a Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) request through milConnect.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits for Dependents

Eligible dependents can get help with:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Books and supplies
• National test fees (like SAT/ACT)
• Licensing/certification costs

Your parent can transfer up to 36 months of benefits. You can use them while they’re serving or after separation.

Requirements to use benefits:

• Must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) or be 18+
• Must use benefits before turning 26
• May qualify for a housing allowance even if the parent is on active duty

Extra Post-9/11 GI Bill Perks

Yellow Ribbon Program

If tuition at a private or out-of-state school exceeds GI Bill limits, this program helps cover the gap. Here’s how it works:

1. Tuition Over the Cap: The GI Bill pays up to a set amount—anything above that is your responsibility.
2. School Contribution: Participating schools cover part of the extra cost.
3. VA Match: The VA matches the school’s contribution (up to 50% of the remaining balance).

Fry Scholarship

For children of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/10/2001, this scholarship includes:

• Up to 36 months of benefits (for degrees, apprenticeships, etc.)
• Full tuition at public schools (or up to a max rate for private/foreign schools)
• Monthly housing allowance
• Yearly book/supplies stipend

More Scholarships for Military Kids

If you don’t qualify for GI Bill benefits, check out these military-specific scholarships:

• Fisher House Scholarships
• List of Military Scholarships
• Scholarships.com Military Dependents List
• Ultimate Guide to Military Dependent Scholarships
• Military Affiliation Scholarships

Tuition Help & Extra Resources

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

For Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship users in STEM fields.

GI Bill Comparison Tool

Compare benefits by school, then explore Appily’s database for acceptance rates and deadlines.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Payment Rates (2023-2024)

See current rates 

In-State Tuition for Military Dependents

Under the Veterans Choice Act (Section 702), you may qualify for in-state rates even if you’re not a resident.

Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill Rates (2023-2024)

Get the latest rates 

Survivors & Dependents’ Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)

For spouses/children of veterans who:

• Have a total, permanent service-connected disability, or
• Died in the line of duty, or
• Died from a service-related condition

Make Confident College Decisions with Appily

Now that you know all the benefits available, it’s time to find your perfect college! Let schools come to you—complete a quick profile and get real, guaranteed admission offers.