For the first time ever, service members may transfer their unused GI Bill benefits to their family members. Though there are very specific eligibility requirements, the actual transfer process is easy.

Army wife Lynda Hilliard, of Fort Bragg, N.C., said she completed the process online in about 30 seconds.

“It was really easy,” she said.

Hilliard’s husband will retire in less than three years and she said she wanted to finish the transfer before they became embroiled in retirement planning and inadvertently forget to transfer the credit. One of the criteria for transferring benefits is that it must be done before the service member retires.

To determine if your dependents are eligible to receive transferred benefits, go to https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/consent?continueToUrl=%2FTEB%2F. Only service members can access this website.

For complete details about eligibility and more links to begin the process, please visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/post-911/post-911-gi-bill-summary/transfer-of-benefits.html

Do you have a specific question about current events, education benefits, spouse careers, online education or anything military related? Let us help you find the answers. Email Allison at allison@salutetospouses.com . Please explain what information you are searching for and we will ask our experts and post the answers in this column.