“Our state is the proud home to over 760,000 brave men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of our country – and thousands more are currently serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Stabenow. “Michigan’s veterans have served our country proudly. We are forever in their debt. I was proud to help pass this important new program, and I encourage Michigan veterans across the state who have served on or after 9/11 to apply for these or other education benefits.”

The Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit program offers educational assistance in proportion to the total length of active duty service on or after 9/11, from three to 36 months, to provide maximum benefit of the cost of any in-state public school’s tuition and fees for four academic years. Under the new program, the government would match any additional contributions to veterans from colleges and universities whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum assistance provided.

For more information regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit program or to access the application, please visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

Important features of the new program include:

• Payment of tuition and fees directly to the school are not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning.

• Monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school.

• Annual books and supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment

• A one-time rural benefit payment for certain eligible individuals.