Published: July 20, 2009 10:53 pm      

Bill to ease burden for G.I.s

DUNCAN — Getting an education can be expensive, but those who have served at least 90 days of active duty in the armed forces will be eligible for more financial breaks when the Post-9/11 GI Bill becomes effective Aug. 1.

With this bill, qualified individuals nationwide may have their college tuition and fees paid up to a certain amount, receive a monthly housing allowance, annual book stipend and a rural benefit payment.

The maximum amount the bill will pay for college tuition is the tuition and fees at the most expensive state institution of higher learning.

The housing allowance is determined by the zip code of the location of the school one is attending.

The book stipend is an annual payment of $1,000 paid proportionally, based on enrollment.

But it isn’t cut and dried because each individual’s case is different, said Vicki Henson, coordinator of veteran affairs for Cameron University.

“It is very complex with many factors involved,” Henson said in relation to how much money one qualifies for and whether the bill is something that would be best for that individual’s situation.

One of the things that makes the bill complex is that once an individual applies for the assistance, that action cannot be undone.

A person who does not understand the provisions of the bill and applies for educational assistance anyway could lose out on some benefits, Henson said.

Henson suggests that those people attending Cameron University who think they may be eligible should go to the Web site, research it and then set up an appointment to meet with an adviser in Henson’s office.

“Because there isn’t one right answer for everyone,” Henson said.

If an individual fills out the application and then sets up an appointment with an adviser, there is nothing that can be done if it is determined that it would be best to wait to apply for the benefits.

Henson is attending a conference July 19-23 that will provide her and her staff with additional training on the intricacies of the post-9/11 GI Bill.

“Hopefully, we’ll get good information,” she said. “We’re all learning together.”

Cameron University has more than 1,000 students receiving some form of veteran benefits to help offset the costs of school.

But it is too early to say how big of an effect the bill will have on enrollment at the school, Henson said.

For more information, visit www.gibill.va.gov or call Cameron University’s Veteran Affairs Office at 580-581-2301.