GI Bill Transfer of Benefits- Can you help?

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We started the process of transferring my husband's Post-911 GI bill benefits to me about two weeks ago, and the status is still showing "submitted." I go on there every day to see if it has changed to "approved." For those of you who have been through this, how long did it take for YOUR transfer to be approved? I can't even apply to use the benefits until the transfer is approved. I just found out yesterday that I was accepted into a nursing program, and the start date is May 23rd. I'm getting really nervous because I'm afraid I won't have the funds in place by then. Any insight?

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Are you sure you are eligible for the benefits? There are certain requirements of your husband's service that would make it eligible for transfer. Unfortunately the government moves slow with these types of things because it probably needs 5 different approval from different people. Have you tried the Veterans Affair Officer at the college. They are usually located around the financial aid office. The only other thing I can think of is to pay yourself and seek reimbursement.

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Thanks for your reply. Yes, I'm eligible, but I wot be able to come up with the money unfortunately if it isn't approved in time. :(

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I lot of schools offer a payment plan during the semesters. Is this an option until the money comes in?

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Not sure. I'll be going in tomorrow so I guess I'll see what my options are then.

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My transfer was delayed because my husband had to reenlist in order to transfer them. As soon as this was complete, it was approved in about 4 weeks.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

if you are able to break up the semester cost in a few payments, you might be able to just have to make 1 payment by the time your GI bill money comes in and than you can use that to take over. I would for sure find out what your options are. NS can be hard to get into so you want to take the opportunity if you can. I only used student loans and grants when I went full time, when I did a couple co-reqs (4-7 credits) at a time, I paid cash, but I had it broken into 3-4 payments so that it was doable.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

Once my husband got the process in motion, it didn't take long at all. You should be fine with a May 23 start date. My husband was deployed post 9/11 but apparently not long enough to get 100% benefits. I had to take out student loans to cover the extra. The school applied the student loans to my bill then gave me a refund of the excess funds, which helped in buying books, a new computer, and other necessities.

You should be okay but if you have questions, please feel free to drop me an email.

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