This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Expanded Minnesota GI Bill Goes Into Effect This Month

This month, a new expansion of eligibility for Minnesota GI Bill benefits went into effect. The Minnesota Legislature passed and Governor Dayton signed a budget that expanded the program, giving more Minnesota veterans access to higher education financial aid resources. The expanded program means more help for vets to pay for college or other post-secondary studies.

Previously, only veterans who served after September 11, 2001 were eligible for this benefit. Under the new law, any veteran under the age of 62 who has served honorably in any branch of the armed forces during any time period may be eligible for Minnesota GI Bill benefits.

This effort is aimed at addressing Minnesota’s startlingly high unemployment rate among veterans.  Our vets and their families deserve nothing less than our full support and assistance.

Find out what's happening in Inver Grove Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This effort is also good for Minnesota’s businesses.  The expansion of Minnesota’s GI Bill to all veterans will help ensure that all veterans have the job skill and education they need to succeed in today’s economy.

In addition to the expanded GI Bill, this year’s bonding bill included $19 million for Phase III construction at the Minneapolis Veterans Nursing Home. In addition, a Select Committee on Veterans’ Housing has been established. The budget also fully funds Honor Guard funerals for Minnesota’s veterans.

Find out what's happening in Inver Grove Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Minnesota GI Bill: Benefits and Eligibility

A full-time student may receive up to $1,000 per semester or term of enrollment, $3,000 per state fiscal year, and $10,000 in a lifetime (up to age 62). Part-time students may receive $500 per semester or term of enrollment, and a minimum award of $50 per term.

Eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • Veterans must be Minnesota residents attending any approved public or private university, college, or career school in Minnesota as undergraduate or graduate students.
  • Military members who do not meet the state veteran statute requirements must have served honorably for a total of five or more years (cumulatively) as a member of the National Guard or Reserve component. Any part of their service must have occurred on or after September 11, 2001.
  • Surviving spouses and children of a veteran who has died in military service, or has a total or permanent disability as a direct result of military service, may also be eligible. 

Differences Between the Federal GI Bill and the Minnesota GI Bill

The Federal GI Bill and the Minnesota GI Bill are different. The Federal GI Bill has many complex chapters for individuals who enlisted in the military. Some benefits require active duty members to pay, while other benefits are earned by cumulative or consecutive active duty periods of service.

The Minnesota GI Bill was established in 2007 to provide postsecondary educational assistance to eligible Minnesota Veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001. Funds from this program are tied to financial aid and are paid directly to the higher education institution.

Minnesota veterans can find more information about both programs, and learn how to apply for GI Bill benefits, at www.MinnesotaVeteran.org

As always, if you have questions, comments or concerns about legislative issues, please send me an email at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn or give me a call at (651) 296-4192.

Thank you.

Joe




We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Inver Grove Heights