GI Benefits
Who can use them and when
by Sue Hoppin, MOAA
Q: Can a wife use GI benefits?
The question above was sent in from Milspouse.com. We went to our trusted benefits advisor, Sue Hoppin, at Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
A: It depends. If your service member is in the Army and meets certain criteria, you may be eligible for a pilot program allowing transferability of MGIB benefits to dependants.
The 2002 NDAA, Public Law 107-107, Sect 654 allows service members in critical skills, as determined by their Service Secretary, the ability to transfer MGIB benefits to dependents. However, it is up to the Service to determine whether or not they want to take advantage of this program. Traditionally, the ability to transfer MGIB benefits to dependents has been used as a retention tool. While there are many requirements, and each branch of the service has its own rules and criteria governing the program, here are some general rules:
- Serving on active duty for six years or more
- Signing a contract to serve an additional four years
- Working in a military career field designated as "critical"
The Air Force was the first service to pilot a program in 2003 with disappointing results. It has since been discontinued.
The Army is the only service branch currently running a pilot program that allows certain soldiers in critical skills specialties to transfer up to 18 months of MGIB benefits to their spouses. The Army program requires troops to give up a portion of any reenlistment bonus to transfer GI Bill entitlement as described. Once an eligible soldier decides to participate in the program, he/she must contact his/her Retention Career Counselor and complete a DD Form 2366-2 at the time of reenlistment.