5 things to know about the proposed 'Forever' GI Bill

A bipartisan deal in the House Veterans Affairs Committee may pave the way to the “Forever GI Bill,” in what’s being billed as the most sweeping change in nearly a decade to one of the bedrock benefits of military service.

It’s an idea that gained momentum with veterans groups this spring.

The deal, announced Thursday, is attracting attention in a contentious congressional year because it appears to have strong backing from the House and Senate and both sides of the aisle.

American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt said the changes would usher in a new era for America’s veterans and create a GI Bill that lives up to the original version enjoyed by the World War II generation.

“We believe that all veterans who have honorably served this nation have earned education assistance as partial compensation for the sacrifices they have made,” Schmidt said. “Unfortunately, many who have served in uniform are currently left behind.”

Here are five things to know about the proposed “Forever” GI Bill:

1. It would end the 15-year time limit on using GI Bill education benefits.

In other words, if a veteran isn’t ready to go to college right after discharge, this change would protect the benefit until he or she is ready

Read more at The San Diego Union Tribune