GI Bill Transfer Benefits: What Military Families Need to Know

If you’re a service member or veteran planning your family’s future, the GI Bill is one of the most powerful education benefits available — and it doesn’t just benefit you. The GI Bill Transfer Option allows eligible military members to transfer unused education benefits to their spouse or children, potentially saving thousands of dollars in college costs.

In this guide, we’ll break down how GI Bill transfer benefits work, who’s eligible, how to apply, and what rules apply in 2025 and beyond.

What Is the GI Bill Transfer Benefit?

The GI Bill Transfer Benefit allows active duty service members to transfer all or part of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse, one or more children, or a combination of both. This can cover tuition, housing, books, and fees — making it a life-changing opportunity for military families.

Who Can Transfer Their GI Bill Benefits?

To transfer your benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be on active duty or in the Selected Reserve

You must be currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (active duty or reserve) at the time of the transfer request.

  • Have completed at least 6 years of service

You need to have served at least 6 years and agree to serve an additional 4 years from the date of the transfer.

  • Have not retired yet

You must apply before separating or retiring from the military. Once you leave service, you can’t initiate a transfer (though you can modify an existing one).

  • Be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

This means you must have served at least 90 days after September 10, 2001.

Who Can Receive Transferred GI Bill Benefits?

You can transfer benefits to the following family members:

Spouse:

  • Can use benefits immediately after transfer.
  • May receive benefits while you’re still serving.
  • Cannot receive the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) while you’re on active duty.
  • Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after your last discharge (unless you separated before January 1, 2013).

Children:

  • Must be enrolled in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).
  • Can start using benefits after you’ve served 10 years.
  • Can receive MHA even if you’re still serving.
  • Can use benefits until age 26, as long as the transfer happened before separation.

What Does the GI Bill Cover When Transferred?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers a wide range of education-related expenses for both the service member and the family member who receives the benefit:

  • Full tuition and fees at public colleges and universities
  • Monthly housing allowance (based on school ZIP code)
  • Annual book and supply stipend (up to $1,000)
  • One-time relocation assistance (for some rural students)
  • Yellow Ribbon Program support (for private or out-of-state tuition)

Example: A child attending a state university may have nearly all tuition and living costs covered — a massive financial advantage.

How to Transfer GI Bill Benefits (Step-by-Step)

  1. Log into milConnect
    • Go to milConnect and log in with your CAC, DS Logon, or other approved credentials.
  2. Submit a TEB (Transfer of Education Benefits) Request
    • Navigate to the TEB page and designate how many months you want to transfer to each dependent.
  3. Accept the 4-Year Service Obligation
    • You must agree to serve 4 more years from the transfer date (even if you’re already retirement-eligible).
  4. Wait for Approval
    • Your request will be reviewed and approved by your service branch. You’ll get a confirmation once it’s processed.
  5. Dependent Applies for Benefits
    • Once approved, your spouse or child must apply for benefits using VA Form 22-1990e on the VA’s website.

Key Rules to Know in 2025

  • You must apply to transfer while still in service — even one day after separation is too late.
  • The 4-year service requirement is non-negotiable, though exceptions may apply for those nearing retirement.
  • Transfers can be modified later, including reallocating benefits or revoking them.

Common Questions About GI Bill Transfer Benefits

Can I transfer benefits to more than one child?

Yes. You can split your GI Bill benefits among multiple dependents in any combination — even later adjusting the number of months each person receives.

Do I lose the benefits if my child doesn’t use them?

No. You can revoke or reassign unused benefits to another dependent or even back to yourself.

What if my child doesn’t go to college right away?

As long as the transfer is done before separation, your child can use the benefits up until age 26. That gives them time to choose their path.

The GI Bill transfer benefit is one of the most generous and impactful resources available to military families. With tuition prices rising, this benefit can save your family tens of thousands of dollars — and open doors to education that might otherwise be out of reach.