<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm not too sure where this should have been best posted so I'll just post it here. I'm here tonight in order to share my experiences and also get some feedback from the military students, whether you are on Active Duty or Reserves, a veteran or in ROTC. </p>
<p>I have some good information so please, pay attention.</p>
<p>I just recently got out of the US Marine Corps almost a year ago. I was stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC, where I served on active duty for four years and went on two combat tours to Afghanistan ('09 & '11). Since then, I've moved back to California to live with my sister and mother.</p>
<p>As soon as I got home, I immediately applied for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. From what I hear, many veterans don't utilize this. You'd be stupid NOT to claim it! I filled out a couple forms and was interviewed once over the phone. The claim took about two weeks to process. I’ve been collecting Unemployment Insurance since January 2012, receiving full UI Benefits ($1,800/mos) and going to school part time. If you are a veteran, please look into this.</p>
<p>A couple months back, I started feeling very depressed from all the boredom. I have a steady income (at least until Jan. 2013) without actually working so it means I have a lot of time on my hands to think. I started pondering about the military and how it’d be like to join the Reserves.</p>
<p>Last week, I met with a Prior Service recruiter. He gave me some information that made me think it would be foolish of me NOT to join the Reserves! I know he wasn't selling a lie, either. He is a Staff Sergeant and I am a prior service Sergeant.</p>
<p>As a Reservist - wait. As a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserves, I'd be making $300/mos for "drilling" one weekend a month. Here is the kicker. On top of this, I am eligible for a $15,000 bonus for signing onto a three-year contract in the Reserves. And on top of THAT, none of this affects my Unemployment Insurance Benefits.</p>
<p>I'd be making $300/mos from the Reserves, collecting $1,800/mos from UI Benefits (at least until the end of 2012) and earning a $15,000 bonus.</p>
<p>My whole goal for me after getting out of Active Duty service was to get an education and so far, everything has been working out great for me. I've been going to school, albeit part-time, for a year now and although I do pay for rent, phone/internet and auto insurance, I haven't had to use the GI Bill.</p>
<p>About two months before my UI Benefits are up (stops Jan 2013), I'll be looking for a job to pay my bills. Should be easy to juggle school and work since I'm still working on my General Studies and no classes too crazy. Also, because I make up 50% of my family's income, I have been qualified for Financial Aid (FAFSA).</p>
<p>By spring semester 2013, I'll be in the Reserves, have a secondary job to pay my bills, I’ll be going to school, while utilizing Financial Aid to pay my tuition and fees.</p>
<p>I know this was quite long, but my intentions were to help out you military folks and those who are thinking of joining the military and have already thought about their future when or if they decide to get out. Just remember, look into these things: Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Reserves 3-year re-enlistment bonus for $15,000 and Financial Aid (FAFSA).</p>
<p>Now for you military veterans that rate either the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11, think wisely on when you want to use it. The only reason I'm not using it is because I am an Electrical Engineering major who is behind on a lot of General Studies courses. 36 months of the GI Bill will only get me half way. If I knew my degree would only take me 36 months (4 years without taking summer courses), then I'd probably active it.</p>
<p>Also, ask yourself if you really need the income. Does your State pay full tuition for military veterans? Are you living at home with your parents so you don't have to pay for rent? Are your parents paying for your education?</p>
<p>Unfortunately for me, I don't have that kind of financial support. I pay for rent and I pay for my own education. But I'll tell you this. I haven't had the need for activating the GI Bill yet and I'm still able to pay for school, bills and have money to go out and have fun. You just need to be smart about it and milk the military and government for every dollar they owe you.</p>
<p>Thanks for stopping by and I hope I could help someone out. Now please, I'd like to hear your experiences! How did you manage to pay for rent and tuition?</p>
<p>Semper Fi</p>