How to Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits

The Post-9/11 GI Bill gives generous education benefits to service members, and as an extra perk, you may share these benefits with your family.

Highlights of the transfer of military education benefits

• You must have served at least six years to transfer your education benefit.
• You may ask to transfer part or all of your education benefit to your spouse and/or children.
• You may ask to transfer the benefit only while serving.
• You must commit to serve at least four years. And you must be eligible for four more from the date you ask to transfer the benefit.
• If you fail to fulfill your service obligation due to a “force-shaping” event — such as involuntarily separation – you will still be able to keep your completed transfer of education benefits.

Purple Heart recipients who were active duty or in the Selected Reserve can:

• Transfer their education benefits regardless of years of service
• Keep a completed transfer of education benefits no matter if they fulfilled their service obligation

Your branch of service must approve your request to transfer benefits. Your service may have other requirements, such as filing a statement of understanding, before it grants your request.

Being able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill military education benefits is a great financial advantage for you and your family. Learn more about how to do it, or contact Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to discuss educational benefits with one of our education consultants.