Bill Overview
Title: Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2021
Description: This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance and addresses other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits. Specifically, the bill expands the type of duty that is eligible for such educational assistance. Beginning on August 1, 2025, types of duty eligible for educational assistance benefits include (1) active duty for training performed by a member of the Armed Forces on or after this date, and (2) active duty for training occurring before this date only if the individual is a member on or after this date. Furthermore, beginning on August 1, 2032, duty eligible for these benefits includes active or inactive duty training performed by a member of the Armed Forces before, on, or after August 1, 2032. Educational assistance eligibility for individuals who performed qualifying types of duty as provided in the bill before August 1, 2025, expires on the latter of (1) August 1, 2040, or (2) the end of the 15-year period after their discharge or release from the Armed Forces. For individuals who performed such duty on or after August 1, 2025, educational assistance eligibility does not expire. Furthermore, the bill provides for the expiration of eligibility applicable to individuals subject to two different periods of eligible duty. The bill also makes adjustments to certain loan fees under the VA home loan program, including the fee for an interest rate reduction refinancing loan. Additionally, the VA must provide information to new veterans that includes a description of the medical care, services, and other benefits they are entitled to through the VA.
Sponsors: Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the National Guard and Reserves and eligible veterans
Estimated Size: 800000
- The bill impacts members of the National Guard and Reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces due to changes in GI Bill eligibility.
- There are approximately 800,000 National Guard and Reserve members in the U.S., all of whom could potentially be impacted as they may benefit from the expanded educational assistance eligibility.
- The bill impacts U.S. veterans as it expands eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance.
- It also affects potential beneficiaries of the VA home loan program due to adjustments in loan fees.
- Members who perform active duty for training and are in service on or after specific dates as set in the bill will have new eligibility for educational benefits.
Reasoning
- The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2021 affects a specific segment of the population, namely members of the National Guard, Reserves, and veterans who qualify for educational benefits and VA home loan adjustments.
- Given the budget constraints, not all eligible individuals may receive immediate benefits, especially in the first year. The policy aims to extend benefits to the expanded categories over time as funding allows.
- The wellbeing impact will vary based on individual circumstances such as their need for educational benefits, current occupation, and financial status.
- Those nearing or in retirement age might be less impacted by educational benefits but could benefit from VA loan fee adjustments.
- Individuals already pursuing higher education or planning to can experience a significant positive impact from the educational assistance.
Simulated Interviews
National Guard Member (San Diego, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill will really help me finish my degree without worrying about funds.
- I'm glad it covers more types of duty, which will benefit my peers as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Reserve Member (Austin, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The home loan adjustment is beneficial for my family planning.
- It's encouraging to see that our service time is being valued more for education too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Reserves (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The educational benefits come at a perfect time as I'm considering a Master's.
- Loan fee reduction is also significant for future refinancing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Veteran counselor (Columbus, OH)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is more beneficial for younger Veterans.
- Happy for the new eligibility scope assisting many I counsel.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
National Guard (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could be the break I need to catch up with my peer group in the workforce.
- Educational assistance may help reduce my student loans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Reserve (Chicago, IL)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This expansion means I can plan further education without financial stress.
- It's good the eligibility sticks without expiring for us newer members.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran transitioning to civilian work (Denver, CO)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the educational benefits are more suited for younger members, the home loan aspect helps stabilize my family's future.
- Appreciate the recognition of training as service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Reserve (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With this policy, I can more affordably switch careers by using GI Bill benefits.
- The fee adjustments also help my plans to buy a home.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Veteran used to active duty (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 48 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Loan adjustments seem more immediate for my needs.
- Educational benefits don't affect me much but it is good for younger people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired National Guard (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy changes don't have much direct impact now as I only consider home refinancing options.
- Great to see the younger members are benefitting more though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $420000000 (Low: $370000000, High: $470000000)
Year 2: $430000000 (Low: $380000000, High: $480000000)
Year 3: $440000000 (Low: $390000000, High: $490000000)
Year 5: $460000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $520000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $440000000, High: $560000000)
Year 100: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Key Considerations
- The expansion of education benefits under the GI Bill is likely to be costly but can provide long-term economic benefits through a more educated workforce.
- Changes in eligibility might create administrative challenges that could increase short-term overhead costs.
- The changes in VA home loan program fees may not offset all costs incurred from the increased educational benefits.