Our future's so bright...we gotta wear shades...

A fabulous thing happened yesterday. Jason received is eligibility letter from the VA regarding his GI Bill. In 2008 the GI Bill was re-vamped a little. Amazingly enough, it's for the better. Jason will have almost $80,000 at his disposal for college. If he attends an in-state school that is more than plenty to finish his BA(he's 1/2 way there) and to get his MA.

Initially we thought we was going to have to attend an online school to be able to make ends meet and get the education. The new bill that goes into effect August 1, 2009 will allow him to go to classes while I work.

It covers:

-Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education (paid to school); **School gets paid 100%**

-Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as your school (paid to you); **This is a little over $1,000 a month. How great is that? It keeps him from having to get a job to make ends meet while in school**

-Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 per year (paid to you) **Of course he'll need this**

I will have to work while he's in school, but I have been looking for a job anyway, so it's not that much of a change. Once he graduates he will be able to earn double what he does now, and will have no problems finding a job in that field. It's a means to an end. Work for 3 years and then never have to work again, unless I want too! Hell Ya!

Jason is so excited he can't hardly contain himself. August will not come quick enough for him I'm sure. He called VA today to verify he is eligible for the new program, and he is. So now he just has to apply and start getting stuff in order. I will continue looking for a job( I have another interview tomorrow) and start the process of saving and prepping for this new adventure in our lives.