Transfer Education Benefits

Overview

Soldiers can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or dependent children if they meet certain criteria, including completing 6 years of service and committing to 4 more years. Dependents can use the benefits for tuition, housing, books, supplies, and exam fees. Special provisions apply for Purple Heart recipients and those separating due to medical or hardship reasons.

Eligibility
Service Requirement Non-Completion
Benefits Include
Managing Transferred Benefits

Eligibility

You may be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or dependent if you:

Have completed at least 6 years of service by the approval date.
Agree to serve 4 additional years.
Ensure the dependent is enrolled in DEERS.

Service Requirement Non-Completion

Dependents may still be eligible if separation is due to medical conditions, injury, hardship, or force reduction. If you die before completing the service requirement, dependents may still use the benefits. If separated for other reasons, dependents’ benefits are revoked, and you may owe for benefits already used.

For Spouses:

Immediate use of educational benefits
Not eligible for housing stipend while the service member is on active duty

For Dependent Children:

Eligible after the service member completes 10 years of service
Entitled to housing stipend even if the service member is on active duty
Benefits must be transferred before the dependent reaches age 23, usable until age 26