HOW THE APPROACHES DIFFER

Published: May 8, 2008

HOW THE APPROACHES DIFFER

Some differences in the two bills, according to a Senate staff analysis:

Education benefits for active-duty military:

•McCain-Graham-Burr

After three years of active duty, provides maximum monthly benefit of $1,500 plus $500 a year for books. After 12 years of active duty, provides maximum monthly benefit of $2,000 (staged in by 2011) plus $500 a year for books.

•Webb bill

Provides three possible payments (tuition and fees, housing, and books). The total amount will depend on several factors, including the number of days served on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001; home ZIP code; tuition and fees charged by the school ; tuition and fees charged by the most expensive public college in the same state; and whether the veteran goes to school online or on campus.

Benefits for guard/reserves activated after Sept. 11, 2001

•McCain-Graham-Burr

Provides maximum monthly benefit of $1,200 after two continuous years of service or three total years of service. Provides maximum monthly benefit of $1,600 (staged in by 2011) after 12 years of aggregate service.

•Webb bill

Benefits are the same as those available to active duty members. National Guard and reserve members earn entitlement based on total cumulative active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.

Benefits that will be transferable to a spouse or children

•McCain-Graham-Burr

Service members could transfer up to 18 months of benefits after six years of service, and 36 months of benefits after 12 years of service.

•Webb bill

None

Benefits that may be used to repay student loans

•McCain-Graham-Burr

Repays up to $6,000 in student loans a year for active-duty service members.

•Webb bill

None

Matching funds that the Department of Veterans Affairs will provide

•McCain-Graham-Burr

Matches dollar for dollar any contribution schools provide for a veteran's education, up to $3,000

•Webb bill

Dollar-for-dollar match with school (even if it exceeds how much the veteran needs to attend school debt-free).

The Tampa Tribune