To help World War II veterans make a smooth transition back to civilian life, the U.S. government provided them with low-interest loans to put toward education, business startups, and housing expenses. The program, known as the Serviceman's Readjustment Act, or more commonly, the "G.I. Bill of Rights," also contained the 52-20 provision, which paid veterans $20 per week for up to 52 weeks while seeking employment.
According to the Veterans Administration (VA), a total of 7.8 million World War II vets took advantage of the G.I. Bill to get an education, and nearly 2.4 million benefited from VA-backed home loans. Less than 20 percent of the United States' 16 million eligible veterans participated in the 52-20 program.
Creator: Prepared by the Minnesota Department of the American Legion
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society
Date: 1944
Identifer: location UB357 .A52 1944
