USNIwife
10-25-2007, 10:48 PM
Did you know that all current active-duty servicemembers who joined for the first time after June 30, 1985 are eligible to participate in the GI Bill Buy-Up program?
Add $5,400 to Your GI Bill!
Did you know that for an addition contribution to your GI Bill account you can earn an extra $5,400 in education benefits?
Here's How
If you are an eligible active-duty servicemember the GI Bill Buy-Up program can help you get up to an extra $150 a month added to your standard MGIB "pay rate." This could increase your total benefits by as much as $5,400.
Participating in Buy-Up
To apply you must have joined the military for the first time after June 30, 1985, still be on active duty, and elect to contribute up to an additional $600 before you separate. You may elect to contribute any amount from $20 to $600 in increments of $20. Each $20 contributed earns you an extra $180 in total benefits. To participate you must contribute through your military branch using form DD-2366-1 to process your request.
Note: The Air Force refers to this program as a GI Bill kicker.
Applying to Use Your Buy-up Benefit
Currently the VA does not have a way to interface with the US Department of Defense to verify if you have made additional contributions. VA asks each servicemember who paid this contribution to submit photocopies of the following:
DD Form 2366
Your LES's - if deductions are payroll deducted
DD Form 1131 - Cash Voucher if paid cash in full
These documents provide proof to VA that the $600 was paid and will help them process your claim to include this kicker.
Add $5,400 to Your GI Bill!
Did you know that for an addition contribution to your GI Bill account you can earn an extra $5,400 in education benefits?
Here's How
If you are an eligible active-duty servicemember the GI Bill Buy-Up program can help you get up to an extra $150 a month added to your standard MGIB "pay rate." This could increase your total benefits by as much as $5,400.
Participating in Buy-Up
To apply you must have joined the military for the first time after June 30, 1985, still be on active duty, and elect to contribute up to an additional $600 before you separate. You may elect to contribute any amount from $20 to $600 in increments of $20. Each $20 contributed earns you an extra $180 in total benefits. To participate you must contribute through your military branch using form DD-2366-1 to process your request.
Note: The Air Force refers to this program as a GI Bill kicker.
Applying to Use Your Buy-up Benefit
Currently the VA does not have a way to interface with the US Department of Defense to verify if you have made additional contributions. VA asks each servicemember who paid this contribution to submit photocopies of the following:
DD Form 2366
Your LES's - if deductions are payroll deducted
DD Form 1131 - Cash Voucher if paid cash in full
These documents provide proof to VA that the $600 was paid and will help them process your claim to include this kicker.