Summary

Expands who in the National Guard and reserve components can qualify for Post‑9/11 educational benefits by adding certain full‑time National Guard duty and certain active‑duty service as qualifying service. The change applies to service performed on or after September 11, 2001 and becomes effective one year after enactment; existing GI Bill time‑limit rules apply to these newly recognized entitlements as if the eligibility change had been in effect immediately after the Post‑9/11 program began.

Key Points

• Adds specified full‑time National Guard duty and certain active‑duty service by Guard/reserve members as qualifying service for Post‑9/11 GI Bill benefits.
• Applies retroactively to all service performed on or after September 11, 2001.
• Takes effect one year after the law is enacted.
• Directs that existing GI Bill time‑limit rules apply to these newly recognized entitlements as if the change had occurred when the Post‑9/11 program began.
• Requires VA and military/Guard certification systems to adjust to identify and process newly eligible service and claims.
• Does not itself appropriate funds; any additional payments would be processed through the existing Post‑9/11 program.
• May allow previously ineligible service members, veterans, and their families to gain or recover educational entitlement or payments.
• Will create administrative work for DoD, state National Guard offices, and VA to verify service records and adjust beneficiary accounts.

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