H.R. 5781: To amend title 38, United States Code, to make an individual who is eligible for educational assistance under chapter 33 of such title, transfers such educational assistance to a dependent, and fails to complete a service agreement, solely liable for any

116th Congress

To amend title 38, United States Code, to make an individual who is eligible for educational assistance under chapter 33 of such title, transfers such educational assistance to a dependent, and fails to complete a service agreement, solely liable for any overpayment of such educational assistance.

Sponsor: Rep. Mike Bost — R — IL

Makes service members solely liable for overpayments of education benefits that arise from their failure to complete their service obligation. That policy change would expire at the start of fiscal year 2027. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides monthly housing allowances and pays the tuition and fees for beneficiaries pursuing approved education programs. Beneficiaries, including veterans, service members, and their designated dependents, can receive that assistance for up to 36 months. Service members who complete at least six years of active duty and agree to perform another four years can be approved to transfer up to a total of 36 months of their education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to their spouses or children. Spouses may begin using benefits upon transfer, whereas children cannot use benefits until the service member completes the four additional years of service. With some exceptions, if the service member fails to complete their service obligation, payments for the use of transferred education benefits are classified as overpayments. Both the service member and the person to whom benefits were transferred are liable for repayment.

View the full vote history of this bill on GovTrack.us.