LITTLE ROCK – Veterans or current military service members can take advantage of the Forever GI Bill instead of high-interest education loan offers, according to a news release from Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
“The Forever GI Bill helps veterans and active duty service members continue their education and learn new skills for job opportunities,” Rutledge said. “Many of these men and women put their education on hold to serve our country, and this GI Bill ensures that educational opportunities are available when the time is right.”
Rutledge has announced that there are many types of programs available under the GI Bill, such as: undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational/technical training, on-the-job/apprenticeship, licensing and certification reimbursement, national testing reimbursement, entrepreneurship training, flight training, correspondence training, work-study programs, tuition assistance and tutorial assistance.
Active duty service members can additionally receive tiered amounts of benefit payments. Those who have served a minimum of 36 months after Sept. 10, 2001, are eligible for 100 percent tuition coverage or up to $21,970.46 per year at a private or foreign school. In addition, the Yellow Ribbon Program is available to service members to make up any difference in cost, according to the news release.
Members must have served at least 30 days of continuous active duty and be discharged due to a service connected disability or served an aggregate of 90 days of active duty and received honorable discharge to be eligible for the GI Bill. Service members who meet the criteria for this benefit have 15 years to use the aid. Reservists and Guard members are also eligible for the GI Bill and its recent amendments.
Benefits are also transferable to family members, including a spouse or child. If the service member died in the line of duty on or after Sept. 10, 2001, his or her children may be eligible for additional benefits under the Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship Program.
For details and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at 800-482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.