If you’ve received a Purple Heart Medal for active duty service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, but didn’t qualify for full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits because you didn’t have enough time in service, you’ll soon qualify for the full education benefit.

A provision of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, known as the “Forever GI Bill,” extends education benefits to this group of Purple Heart recipients effective Aug. 1.

If your length of active duty service hasn’t qualified you for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, being awarded a Purple Heart for service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, can qualify you for the 100 percent tier of benefits. This provision is one small way to recognize the sacrifice of this special group, assuring they receive the benefits they have earned.

To qualify for the full benefit, you must have received a Purple Heart on or after Sept.  11, 2001, and have been discharged or released honorably.

Start your education journey

If you haven’t explored your options to use your education benefits, you can start by visiting the GI Bill Comparison tool. You can see how to maximize your education value and look up the college, training school, or apprenticeship program you’re interested in attending. You can also see how much your GI Bill benefits will cover and if you’d have any out of pocket expenses.

If you have any questions, please call 1–888-GI-BILL-1 (1–888–442–4551). If you use the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), the Federal number is 711. You can also visit the GI Bill website.

As always, be sure to follow us on our Facebook page and on Twitter  @VAVetBenefits. These give you quick and helpful updates.


About the author:  Veterans Benefits Administration’s Education Service delivers GI Bill® education benefits to Veterans, service members, and their families.  Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped millions of Veterans pay for college, graduate school, and training programs.

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5 Comments

  1. RICHARD BOLDEN August 21, 2018 at 20:14

    I think all Soldiers that serve in combat sure be given a 100% GI Bill.

  2. Hiatt Dutton August 8, 2018 at 13:58

    Reuben, it’s for courses taken after 8/1/18. Unfortunately if he has used all of his benefits he won’t be able to take advantage of this.

  3. Reuben Salazar August 7, 2018 at 14:05

    Guardsmen was 60% eligible for the post 911 GI Bill and all ready used it is he eligible to apply for the 100%
    Yes he was honorably discharged and has a purple heart and used his benefits already

  4. Danny Davis July 31, 2018 at 15:05

    To answer your question. What about Gulf War Veterans with Gulf War Syndrome? What I am understanding is there working on a lot of areas. Things just don’t happen overnight. I’ve learn to have more patience than I had when I was active… I to is staying on top of the changes as well. I will do my best to post as information changes..
    Thank You!
    MSG Retired

  5. Daniel Furlong July 31, 2018 at 09:11

    What about Gulf War Veterans with Gulf War Syndrome?

Comments are closed.

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