In a landmark Rudisill v. McDonough decision, the Supreme Court ruled to expand educational benefits under the GI Bill for Veterans. This decision opens new doors for those who qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB), allowing them to use benefits from both programs for a combined total of 48 months. For employers striving to become Veteran Ready, understanding this ruling and how it impacts your workforce is essential.

Why This Matters for Employers

As companies evolve from being military-friendly to Veteran Ready, providing up-to-date information about benefits and resources is key to supporting Veteran employees. The expanded GI Bill benefits offer new opportunities for skill development, higher education, and career advancement, enhancing employee retention and satisfaction.

Employers can play a critical role in ensuring Veterans within their workforce are aware of the expanded benefits. By sharing this information, businesses can foster stronger connections with their Veteran employees and demonstrate a commitment to their long-term success.

Key Takeaways from the Rudisill v. McDonough Decision

1. Expanded Eligibility: Veterans who have qualifying periods of service for both the MGIB and PGIB no longer have to forfeit one benefit to access the other. This change enables eligible Veterans to receive up to 48 months of combined education benefits, compared to the standard 36 months.
2. Significant Impact: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that over 1,040,000 beneficiaries could be impacted by this decision, with approximately 835,000 Veterans likely eligible for additional benefits.
3. Retroactive and Future Benefits:

• Veterans with education claim decisions on or after August 15, 2018, will automatically have their files reviewed by the VA. No action is required, and Veterans will receive an official decision upon completion.
• Veterans with claims before August 15, 2018, must submit a new claim for review to determine eligibility.

How This Impacts Educational Benefits

Veterans participating in educational programs or Registered Apprenticeships (RA) may regain previously forfeited MGIB benefits. This extended eligibility period provides additional time to complete education or training, directly benefiting Veterans who might have faced expiration of benefits during active training.

Key points:

• Benefit periods can now extend to a maximum of 48 months for qualifying Veterans.
• Veterans participating in VR&E programs may receive the higher PGIB monthly housing allowance rate.
• Spouses or dependents using transferred benefits may also benefit from the expanded entitlement.

Recommended Actions for Employers

1. Inform Your Workforce: Employers should notify Veteran employees of these changes through internal communications, company newsletters, or educational seminars. Sharing information directly from the VA can help Veterans take full advantage of this ruling.
2. Engage with VA Resources: Direct employees to the VA’s dedicated Rudisill webpage for the most up-to-date information and guidance. Encourage them to monitor their mail, email, and the VA website for official communications.
3. Support Claims Process: For Veterans needing to submit claims, employers can offer guidance through HR support or partner with Veteran service organizations (VSOs) to assist employees in navigating the claims process.

Why This Aligns with Veteran-Ready Initiatives

Becoming Veteran Ready means creating an environment where Veterans feel supported beyond initial hiring. By actively promoting benefits like the expanded GI Bill, employers can demonstrate an investment in the ongoing development and career progression of their Veteran workforce.

Education, upskilling, and career advancement opportunities foster loyalty and encourage Veterans to stay and grow within an organization. This decision offers Veterans a renewed chance to access higher education and training, which in turn benefits employers by expanding the skills and qualifications of their workforce.

Final Thoughts

The Rudisill v. McDonough ruling marks a significant step forward in recognizing the unique service and contributions of Veterans. As an employer, ensuring your company shares this knowledge with Veteran employees helps build a Veteran Ready culture, fostering trust and long-term engagement.

Fastport is a US DOL Industry Intermediary to help create and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs and stands ready to discuss how the GI Bill and monthly housing allowance (MHA) can directly benefit your business as it works alongside your program. Whether you’re just exploring RA programs as an option or have a developed program in use, we can help. Importantly, we also go into detail about this and related topics at the annual Veteran Ready Summit in December in Washington DC.  Find more details on that event at veteranreadysummit.org. 

You can also access more information using the VA’s official Rudisill webpage or consult with your company’s Veteran resource group to discuss ways to further support your Veteran workforce.