Although many veterans choose to use their GI Bill benefits for themselves, others decide to transfer them to their family members. However, those who plan on taking this route will soon see changes in the military's policy. Starting August 1, servicemembers who plan on transferring their GI Bill benefits will have to serve an additional four years, even if they are closely approaching retirement, according to Stars and Stripes.
Most servicemembers have had to adhere to this rule since 2009, when they first became able to transfer their benefits. However, for the last four years troops nearing retirement were exempt from the four-year stipulation. In fact, some did not have to serve any additional time depending on how close they were to leaving the Armed Forces. That exemption is over at the end of July, officials say.
"It's across the board," Keith Davis, chief of education and training at the Ramstein education office, told the news source. "Effective Aug. 1, all members of the military, regardless of branch, will be required to serve a four-year active-duty service commitment at the time they elect to transfer benefits to a family member."
The Post-9/11 GI Bill has been a popular benefit among servicemembers and their families. According to statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 646,000 people made use of the benefits in 2012.