| Veterans
News Flash 
More Education Benefits Coming to Reservists, Guardsmen
March 3, 2008
Changes Affect Those with Multiple Tours
WASHINGTON – Some
members of the National Guard and the Reserves
who serve on active duty will see a significant
increase in their educational benefits, thanks
to improvements announced today by the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“Reservists and National Guardsmen who serve
multiple tours on active duty may get an increase
in their educational benefits, in keeping with
the value of their service to our nation,” said
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.
Under new provisions, members who accumulate three
years on active duty, regardless of breaks in service,
may be eligible for the maximum payment under the
Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP). Previously,
reservists and guardsmen had to serve two continuous
years on active duty to receive the highest payment.
The new eligibility rules are retroactive to October,
1, 2007. The top payment under REAP is currently
$880.80 per month.
The new law, part of the National Defense Authorization
Act, also expands the period of eligibility for
certain Guard and Reserve members who complete
their service obligation before separation from
the selected reserve.
Members meeting these criteria may be eligible
to use REAP benefits for a period of ten years
following discharge. Benefits typically end upon
separation for members who do not complete their
full, obligated service.
Additionally, some REAP-eligible National Guard
and Reserve members may now make an extra contribution
to the Department of Defense to increase their
monthly benefit rates.
Service members receive
an additional $5 per month for each $20 contributed.
With the maximum $600 contribution, this option
can add up to $5,400 to a member’s total
36-month education benefit package.
Beginning on October 1, 2008, participants in
REAP and the Montgomery GI Bill program for the
Selected Reserve who pursue non-degree programs
lasting less than two years may also be eligible
to receive accelerated payments.
During FY 2007, more than 60,000 National Guardsmen
and reservists were paid under REAP, more than
41,000 were paid under the Montgomery GI Bill program
for the Selected Reserves, and approximately 344,000
participants were paid under the Montgomery GI
Bill for active-duty members.
For more information
on changes to VA’s
GI Bill benefits, go to www.GIBILL.va.gov or contact
VA directly at 1-888-GIBILL1 (or 1-888-442-4551).
SOURCE:
US Department of Veterans Affair
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