Each year in October the G.I. Bill payment rates are increased to meet the increased cost of education. This year's rate increase has pushed the full-time payment rate to over a $1030 a month.

You may use the G.I. Bill benefits at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology if you are an eligible veteran or dependent and enroll in one of the complete welding programs.  These include the 36-week Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program and the 21-week Structural Welding Program.  This is not a new thing for the Hobart Institute.  Since 1952, HIWT programs have been approved for veterans and eligible dependents. 

If you have previous welding experience and wish to become an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector (AWS-CWI), the G.I. Bill benefits may also be used for the two-week Preparation for AWS CWI/CWE Welding Inspector/Educator Examination. 

Military.com News cites 10 reasons to use military education benefits now:

1. You've paid for it. If you have GI Bill benefits, you've already put in $1,200 of your own hard-earned money. That's $1,200 in seed money for your education. The GI Bill can pay more than $32,000 of your education costs. Add in other benefits you might have, like the Army or Navy College Fund, and you could have access to over $75,000 for school.

2. Earn more money. That's a fact. Americans with further education make up to three times more money than Americans with only high school diplomas.

3. Advance your career. Whether you're on active duty or in the civilian workforce, higher education can help you get promoted in your current job or get a better job altogether.

4. It's fast. Your military experience may have earned you credit. With accelerated programs geared towards working adults, you can earn some degrees in less than 18 months.

5. It's convenient.  It's flexible. Hobart Institute offers start dates year around, so you can begin classes to meet your schedule.  

6. It's easy. Well, you may have to work hard in class, but Hobart Institute will assist you through the VA process and work with you to simplify your registration. 

7. Pursue a new path. Thinking that you're in the wrong career? Want to try something new? Let the GI Bill pay for it.  Get certified in a new field. This is your opportunity to do what you love.

8. Learning is good. The opportunity to continue to learn and experience new things can enhance your life, and open new doors for you.

9. You don't have forever. If you've already separated, you only have ten years from your date of separation to use your GI Bill benefits. It goes by faster than you might think.

10. WHY NOT? You have the funds. You have what it takes, the drive and the discipline. Why would you NOT use the military benefits you've earned to go to school and make more money in your career? You have nothing to lose.

Take the next step.

If you believe you may be eligible for these educational benefits, further information may be obtained from the Financial Aid office at the Hobart Institute.  Call 1-800-332-9448, ext. 5221 or 937-332-5221, by e-mail to Jennifer.Hall@welding.org, and from the following web sites:

http://www.welding.org/faq/veteran.html#benefits
http://www.gibill.va.gov/
http://www.military.com/Education/Content/0,13302,Education_GIMystery,00.html