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Cstix38 karma

I've been out of the service for 10 years, and have yet to use my GI Bill. I have friends and fellow vets that have nightmare stories about not just the hassle of getting it set up, but being on the hook for payments and money due to payments not being made on time (payments from the government to the schools). I'm not going to say its the sole reason i have not use this benefit I've earned, but its a big enough reason in itself.

Have you seen any instances of these issue's effecting vets financially?

Cstix10 karma

Well i'll be honest, i feel a bit better about my decision not to use my GI Bill yet. I'm in my mid 30's working full time with 2 kids and a wife. I couldn't afford that kind of hassle and frankly i have people counting on me and after reading your article it would almost seem foolish and borderline mean to put my family at such financial risk.

I agree that is is a VERY generous benefit, but it is also something that you sign up for, AND pay into. I had always hoped that the horror stories from friends where exaggerated. I believed them, but i always thought maybe there is something they are leaving out.

Cstix2 karma

Hi Tom, just wanted to ask how life is treating you?

Cstix2 karma

If anything, I certainly need to make some phone calls and do some research. I am at the crunch time of my GI-Bill benefits. It seems there are some state benefits that i also receive but i need to look into the extent of those a bit more. Thanks for all the info though. I do appreciate it.

Cstix2 karma

The biggest concern i have would be the aspect of receiving BHA in a timely fashion (which looks to be a huge obstacle). My mortgage company does not care why i have not paid my mortgage, they simple care whether i have paid it or not. If i enroll to use my benefits I can't hold down a full time job and full time school (sure some may be able to, but full disclosure, i'm not that guy). Risking where my family lives and financial ruin is just irresponsible on my part. According to the VA website there is currently a 35 day wait on BHA payments. I'm not sure how i could feel good doing that until there is some sort of safety net in place for my family's financial well-being.

Edit: Just a note, those wait times are even AFTER the veteran has done all the work they need to. so simply saying it being caused by veterans not doing the work doesn't appear to be true. I'm honestly not sure what aspects of the GI-Bill benefits the VA Liaison helps with? Do they also work with veterans on recieving the BHA benefits?