In 2020 when the Department of Veterans Affairs reviewed the "48-Month Rule" they decided that eligible veterans could use Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits before any other education program could still use up to 48 months of educational assistance benefits total. This change means that VR&E -- which used to count against GI Bill® benefits -- doesn't count against the 48-Month Rule as of April 1, 2021.

If you're confused about why 48 months instead of the 36 months the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ advertises, you aren't alone. Some Veterans qualify for more than one educational assistance program but they may have to choose.

For example, if you're eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ and the Montgomery GI Bill®️, you have to pick one and you cannot change your mind.

If you're eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ and two or more other benefits, you'll have to give up one of the additional benefits, but you may be able to keep your eligibility for the ones you didn't give up. Clear as mud, right?

But here's where the magical 48 number comes into play. "You may receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits combined if you are eligible for more than one VA education program,” the footnotes on the VA website say.

So, if you are eligible for VR&E and the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️, you may receive those benefits for 48 months.

As a refresher, the VR&E program is designed to support veterans as they learn new skills, find a new job, start a business, get educational counseling or return to a former job. It's different from GI Bill educational benefits because it's not designed to put you through a degree program.

It's important to remember that the new rule suggests it is best, in most cases, that VR&E benefits are used first and then educational benefits second. But your VR&E case manager can help you figure out what works best for your particular situation.

Important Notes on the Changes to the 48-Month Rule

1. If you are impacted by this, the VA will send a notification letter to you.     

2. If you were denied benefits prior to this change, and you are still eligible for benefits, submit VA Form 22-1995 and the VA will review your record.

3. The details of 38 U.S.C. § 3695(b) require VR&E to count entitlements towards the possible 48 months of enrollment and the recent changes don't change that. The change to note is that prior use of VR&E doesn't impact possible remaining education benefits.

4. The subsistence allowance is still available, and those who are eligible to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ can get a special allowance based on active duty housing allowance. It varies based on the zip code of the training facility and is usually more than those using VR&E who aren't eligible for the GI Bill.

5. If you start using your VR&E benefits while on active duty, the subsistence allowance doesn't kick in until you are done with active duty completely.

As the changes to the 48-month rule continue to impact eligible veterans, we know there will be more questions. If you have some of those questions, you can contact the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 or talk to Renee Betz, GGU’s VA School Certifying Officer.