Kagen Announces Applications For GI Bill Benefits Begin May 1st
Appleton, WI — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is working tirelessly to ensure that our soldiers receive the benefits they have earned - before, during and after they serve. Kagen is proud to announce that eligible veterans can start applying for benefits under the 21st Century GI Bill on Friday, May 1, 2009.
“Our brave soldiers covered our backs, and now it is our turn to cover theirs,” said Kagen. “I was proud to be a part of legislation to make a first-class education available to our men and women in uniform and now they can take advantage of this opportunity.”
The 21st Century GI Bill increases the education benefits veterans receive under the GI Bill to re-establish the promise of a full four years of college and, much like World War II veterans a generation ago, to make the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan part of an American economic revival. Kagen voted for the bill, which passed as part of the FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Act on Thursday, June 19, 2008.
Veterans eligible for education benefits under the 21st Century GI Bill can apply through the Department of Veterans Affairs online beginning Friday, May 1.
Applicants can apply through an online form at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22-1990-ARE.pdf
You can find more information at the GI Bill web site www.gibill.va.gov or by calling the GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-GI-BILL-1
Members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, receive up to four academic years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books. Veterans will have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits. Payments will be processed beginning August 1.
“I urge veterans in Northeast Wisconsin to contact their County Veterans Services Officers or my office to learn about taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Kagen.
