Navy updates Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit transfer request process

The Navy released a new electronic form for completing the Statement of Understanding (SOU) needed to submit Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) requests, and a new policy allowing Purple Heart recipients to transfer education benefits, in NAVADMIN 236/18, Sept. 24.

Starting Oct. 1, Sailors will be able to complete the required SOU online via My Navy Portal, or the My Education web site at https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil/webta/home, instead of the paper “page 13” that must be processed before submitting an initial TEB request.

Sailors should verify their current e-mail information to ensure prompt feedback on TEB applications. After completing the SOU, Sailors will receive a link to the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) milConnect portal where they can complete the application.

Sailors who are unable to complete the SOU or TEB application online may contact the Navy Personnel Command GI Bill Office (PERS-311) to request assistance with their application.

The new process does not impact Sailors who already have an approved TEB request in milConnect, or the process for adding a dependent or modifying benefits allocated to dependents on approved TEB requests.

The NAVADMIN also announced that Purple Heart recipients are immediately eligible to transfer their unused education benefits to their dependents, without the requirement for six years of service and agreement to serve four additional years. Purple Heart recipients are also eligible if their total military service exceeds 16 years.

All other Sailors requesting transfer of education benefits must have served at least six years and have at least four years remaining on their service commitment, as outlined in NAVADMIN 170/18.

Effective July 12, 2019, any Sailor who has more than 16 years of total service will no longer be eligible to transfer education benefits to their dependents, unless they are a Purple Heart recipient. Take action now to avoid losing this opportunity!

For detailed information on transferring Post 9-11 GI Bill education benefits, read NAVADMIN 236/18 at www.npc.navy.mil.

(From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs)