The Marine Corps has become the last service to remove time-in-service requirements for members wishing to use their Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits.

According to Marine administrative message 150/19, released March 11, "effective immediately, there is no minimum time in service requirement for the utilization of TA. Additionally, Marines in an awaiting training (MAT) status are eligible to participate in the program."

Previously, all Marines required a minimum time in service of 24 months per active-duty base date before being eligible to use their TA benefit.

Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible active-duty members of all branches, as well as all reserve components except the Navy and Marines.

Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, application process and restrictions. The money is usually paid directly to the school by each service.

In cases where the Tuition Assistance doesn't cover the entire cost of a course, you may use your GI Bill benefit to make up the difference. This is known as Tuition Assistance Top-Up.

By Jim Absher