It can be tricky to determine which GI Bill fits you best. Mary Meeks, Director of the Veteran Upward Bound program at East Central University in Oklahoma, said benefits could depend on a factors like “branch of services, when you served, if you are a guard or reserve member, sign on bonuses and kickers contributed by recruiters.”
That’s why programs like those at East Central University are so critical for Veterans wanting to return to school. The process of applying for benefits can be overwhelming, especially when it causes delays in financial distribution. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of online resources that can help you navigate your own education benefits.
Top 5 GI Bill Online Resources
- GI Bill Website: The government has its own website dedicated to the GI Bill. Under their Resources section they have some great student handouts to get your started.
- GI Bill by Military.com: If you need help choosing between GI Bill programs, the writers at Military.com have created this handy guide that can help explain the differences. They even have resources for helping you choose a school and an online Benefits Calculator.
- American Legion Need a Lift College Financial Aid Handbook: This guide helps Veteran explore all their options for college financial Aid. Veterans may need to do more than just apply for GI Bill benefits to fund college. This guide gives practical information on Federal Student Loans and grants.
- Education for Returning Veterans Video: This video highlights the SERV programs that helps Veterans transition into college. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a truly Veteran-friendly school when deciding to go to college.
- The Dos and Don’ts of Using the GI Bill Video: Military.com produces this straight forward video that outlines the Dos and Don’ts when using your GI Bill Benefits.
Whether you enlist the help of a Veteran program at your college of choice, or the help of a Veteran Service Organization like the America Legion, make sure you have the support of someone with benefits experience to navigate you through the process. Get in touch with Veterans who can serve as mentors, join Veteran Student Organizations, and ask questions to make the process go as smoothly as possible.