The Department of Health and Human Services is in the process of reviewing the recently signed “Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010.” More information regarding transferability will be disseminated as soon as it becomes available. There is nothing that PHS officers can do at this time.

Many officers have contacted the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations (OCCO) seeking information on transferability of Post-9/11 education benefits. Some officers have been told by outside sources that they can go online and initiate the web-based process now. The system will allow them to logon but not to advance beyond the first couple of screens. This is because the application program interfaces with the DEERS data base and currently that interface does not grant access to PHS officers or officers in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Under the Act, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will continue to pay all public school in-state tuition and fees. However, the Act created a $17,500 a year cap on active duty education benefits. Previously service members receiving benefits while on active duty could receive unrestricted tuition and fees.

These active duty benefits will also be prorated on the eligibility tiers previously established for veterans. Active service members will be entitled to;

• 50 percent of their benefit after 6 months,
• 60 percent after 12 months,
• 70 percent after 18 months, and
• will progress to 100 percent after 36 months.

More information on these and other changes can be found by logging onto the Department of Veteran’s Affairs website.

If you have questions, you can E-mail Mary Boone, mary.boone@hhs.gov.