Forever GI Bill FAQ: Everything Veterans and Families Need to Know

For military service members, veterans, and their families, the Forever GI Bill—formally known as the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017—is a powerful resource for pursuing higher education. But with so many changes and updates since it passed, it’s easy to feel confused about what it covers and how it works.

In this Forever GI Bill FAQ guide, we break down the most common questions to help you understand your benefits and how to use them wisely.

What Is the Forever GI Bill?

The Forever GI Bill is an enhancement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill that removes the 15-year time limit for using benefits for veterans discharged on or after January 1, 2013. It also expands access to more types of students and adds additional benefits that support long-term education and career development.

Who Is Eligible for the Forever GI Bill?

You’re eligible if you meet Post-9/11 GI Bill requirements, which generally means you:

  • Served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001
  • Were honorably discharged
  • Are a dependent using transferred benefits

If you were discharged before January 1, 2013, you still have a 15-year limit to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

What Are the Key Changes Under the Forever GI Bill?

ChangeWhat It Means
No expiration dateNo more 15-year limit for eligible veterans (post-2013)
More eligibility for Purple Heart recipientsFull benefits regardless of length of service
STEM scholarshipUp to 9 extra months of funding for qualifying STEM degrees
Expanded Yellow Ribbon ProgramAvailable to more active-duty members and their dependents
Increased survivor benefitsFry Scholarship and DEA (Dependents’ Educational Assistance) improvements
More flexible housing paymentsAdjustments for distance learners and overseas programs

What Benefits Does the Forever GI Bill Provide?

Students can receive:

  • Full tuition and fees for in-state public colleges
  • A monthly housing allowance
  • A stipend for books and supplies (up to $1,000 annually)
  • One-time rural relocation payment (if eligible)
  • Additional funding for high-demand fields like STEM

Can I Use My Benefits for Online Programs?

Yes, the Forever GI Bill covers online education. However, keep in mind:

  • The housing allowance for fully online students is lower than for in-person students
  • You must be enrolled more than half-time to receive housing benefits
  • Some online and hybrid programs may now qualify for more funding based on new location rules

What Is the STEM Scholarship?

If you’re pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), and you’ve used up your GI Bill benefits, you may qualify for:

  • Up to 9 additional months of funding
  • A maximum of $30,000 in additional education support

This helps veterans complete degrees that typically require more credit hours than non-STEM degrees.

Who Can Transfer GI Bill Benefits?

Eligible service members can transfer unused benefits to:

  • Spouses
  • Children

To do this, you must:

  • Have completed at least 6 years of service
  • Commit to 4 more years of active duty
  • Transfer the benefits while still in the service

What Happens If I Don’t Use All My Benefits?

If you’re eligible under the Forever GI Bill and discharged after 2013, your benefits do not expire. You can return to school later in life, pursue a second degree, or retrain for a new career.

If you were discharged before January 1, 2013, you must use the benefits within 15 years or risk losing them.

How Do I Apply for the Forever GI Bill?

To get started:

  1. Visit the VA website and fill out Form 22-1990 (or 22-1990E for transferred benefits).
  2. Submit documentation from your school (Certificate of Eligibility).
  3. Work with your school’s VA Certifying Official to finalize enrollment and funding.

Do Benefits Cover Private Colleges?

The GI Bill covers up to a national maximum amount for private institutions. You may also qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can cover the remainder if your school participates.

Are There Housing Allowance Changes?

Yes. Under the Forever GI Bill:

  • Housing allowance is now calculated based on the location of the campus where you attend classes, not the main institution’s headquarters.
  • This especially affects students enrolled in satellite campuses or online programs.

Can Survivors Use Forever GI Bill Benefits?

Yes. Dependents and survivors may qualify through:

  • The Fry Scholarship
  • DEA (Chapter 35) benefits
  • Transferred GI Bill benefits

Some dependents may also receive housing allowances, tuition, and stipends, depending on the program.

The Forever GI Bill is a major advancement in educational support for those who have served. Whether you’re attending a community college, an online university, or pursuing a career in STEM, the bill provides unmatched flexibility and access to long-term education.

If you’re a veteran or military family member considering going back to school, now is the time to explore your options and maximize your benefits.

Let your education be the next chapter in your service.