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A Guide to the Forever GI Bill®

Last Updated February 9, 2021

Mixed race servicemember using digital tablet on sofa in living room.

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, known as the Forever GI Bill®, enhances and expands certain education benefits for eligible veterans, servicemembers, families, and survivors, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As explained below and on the VA website, for some individuals, the Forever GI Bill® increases benefit levels and eliminates the period within which benefits must be used.

The History of the GI Bill®

The GI Bill® – officially titled the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – was enacted to help World War II veterans. In addition to covering tuition and expenses for veterans in colleges or trade schools, it also established hospitals and provided access to low-interest mortgages. In 1947, nearly 49% of college admissions were veterans, ushering in unprecedented access to higher education for the working class.

The Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966 extended benefits to all armed forces veterans, including those serving during peacetime.

What is the Forever GI Bill®?

President Donald Trump signed the Forever GI Bill® into law on August 16, 2017. U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and VA Secretary David J. Shulkin summarized the benefits of the new law in a joint statement: 

“This important legislation will give countless veterans and their families greater access to the education and workforce training they deserve. It will provide them the opportunity to invest in their futures with fewer restrictions and time limitations.”

Forever GI Bill® Benefits

Benefits Calculation

To receive education benefits, servicemembers and veterans are required to fulfill a minimum period of qualifying active duty service and meet other requirements. Benefit levels are based on time in service.  As compared to previous GI Bill® programs, the Forever GI Bill® increases benefit levels for individuals with less than 12 months of qualifying active duty service. As of August 1, 2020, the benefit amounts are as follows:

  • 0 to 90 days of qualifying active duty service – no benefit;
  • At least 90 days, but less than 6 months – 50% of maximum benefit payable;
  • At least 6 months, but less than 12 months – 60% of maximum benefit payable.

The VA has published detailed information regarding the maximum benefit payable for different active duty service periods.

Expiration of Benefits

Prior to enactment of the Forever GI Bill®, individuals were required to use GI Bill® benefits before an expiration date. As explained by the VA, the Forever GI Bill® removes the time limitation for the use of benefits for the following individuals:

  • Individuals whose last discharge or release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013;
  • Children of deceased servicemembers who first become entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill® program benefits on or after January 1, 2013; and
  • Fry Scholarship spouses.

Note: Individuals who do not meet these requirements are subject to the current 15-year time limit for using their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, per the VA.

Other Forever GI Bill® Benefits

The Forever GI Bill® makes several other important changes increasing education benefits, including:

  • Restores education benefits for individuals affected by school closures or certain disapprovals;
  • Provides an additional nine months of benefits or up to $30,000 in a lump sum to eligible individuals who are studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math fields);
  • Extends eligibility for GI Bill® benefits to certain Guard and Reserve members;
  • Extends eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program to Fry Scholars, Purple Heart recipients, and active duty servicemembers at the 100% benefit level*.

*Active duty servicemembers are eligible to use this benefit effective August 1, 2022.

A summary of these provisions can be found at the VA website.

Forever GI Bill® FAQs

How does the Forever GI Bill® differ from the Post-9/11 GI Bill®?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® was signed into law in 2008. Later, Congress enacted the Forever GI Bill® to improve and update the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. The Congressional Research Service has published a comprehensive summary of the changes made by the Forever GI Bill®.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Information provided as to the availability and eligibility for military or veteran education assistance programs is for general informational use only. Benefit certification depends upon, among other things, your eligibility, enrollment status, and program of study. 

VA Benefits: Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training Benefits page for more information. Also, visit the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS) to view which programs of study or courses are currently certified.

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