GI Bill® Expansion Explained: More Benefits, More Opportunities
If you’re a veteran thinking about using your GI Bill benefits to launch a career in tech (or any other field), we’ve got some exciting news. Thanks to the Rudisill decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, which resulted in a policy change at the VA, many veterans are now eligible for up to 12 additional months of GI Bill® benefits. That's right – if you’ve served multiple periods of military service, you could qualify for more time to train, upskill, or pursue the education you need to thrive in civilian life. Let’s break down what this means and how it might impact you.
What’s Changed?
Previously, veterans who qualified for both the Montgomery GI Bill® and the Post-9/11 GI Bill® were limited to 36 months of combined benefits. But under the new policy, that cap has been lifted, and eligible veterans can now receive up to 48 months of total benefits. This is a game-changer for veterans looking to deepen their skills or switch career paths who have been running out of time on their benefits.
Who Qualifies, and How Do They Receive Their Benefits?
This policy applies to veterans who served two or more qualifying periods of military service. If you earned eligibility for both the Montgomery GI Bill® and the Post-9/11 GI Bill® through separate service periods, you may now be entitled to an additional 12 months of benefits. According to the VA, this change could impact over 1 million veterans. Of those, around 660,000 will automatically receive the benefits without needing to take further action. For the rest, the VA is reaching out directly to help guide them through the process.
Why It Matters for Your Career
If you’re thinking about tech training programs, certifications, or other career-focused education, these extra 12 months can make a big difference. Many veterans use their GI Bill® benefits to attend tech bootcamps, cybersecurity training, and other short-term programs that lead to in-demand jobs. This change not only extends the time you have to use your benefits but also allows you to stack multiple training programs or pursue advanced certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Tech Academy offers a wide range of IT and cybersecurity training programs tailored for veterans. Our courses are designed to train you for the certifications you need to work in areas like network administration, cybersecurity, and IT support. You’ll gain practical experience through our immersive sandbox labs and may receive a voucher for each certification exam, ensuring you’re ready to hit the ground running. When it’s time to start your job search, our career services team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Next Steps
If you think you might qualify for these additional benefits, keep an eye out for communications from the VA. You can also visit the VA website to learn more and check your eligibility. Don’t miss this opportunity to maximize the benefits you’ve earned and invest in your future. Visit our veteran training page today to explore the tech training offerings that align with your GI Bill® benefits and take the next step in your career. You can also visit our tuition and funding page to learn more about the various veteran funding options available. The deadline to apply for extensions to benefit expiration dates is October 1, 2030, so there’s plenty of time to take advantage – but why wait?
At ACI Learning Tech Academy, we’re proud to support veterans as they transition into tech careers. Our programs are eligible to be used with GI Bill® benefits, providing the hands-on training and certification training needed to secure a role in cybersecurity, IT, and more. Reach out today to find out how we can help you make the most of your new benefits!
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
