Military veterans now have unlimited access to college assistance under legislation President Donald Trump signed Aug. 16.

The Forever GI Act lifted the 15-year limit on using the benefits, effective immediately.  

The legislation increases financial assistance for National Guard and Reserve members, building on a 2008 law that guarantees veterans a full-ride scholarship to any in state, public university, or a similar cash amount to attend private colleges.

Recipients of the Purple Heart who left the service due to injury are eligible for benefits, as are dependents of servicemembers killed in the line of duty.

"This is expanding our ability to support our veterans in getting an education," Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin told reporters.

Veterans can receive additional payments for completing science, technology and engineering courses to prepare them for the challenges of a fast-changing job market.

The bill also restores benefits if a college closes. This protection was added after thousands of veterans were hurt by the collapse of for-profit colleges ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian.

Supported by veteran groups, the Forever GI Bill quickly passed in the House of Representatives and Senate.

The current piece of legislation is rooted in history.

On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly referred to as the GI Bill of Rights.

The Veterans Administration -- as it was known at that time -- carried out the law's key provisions for education and training, loan guaranty for homes, farms or businesses and unemployment pay.

In 1984, Mississippi Congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery revamped the GI Bill.  The Montgomery GI Bill guaranteed that VA home loan guaranty and education programs be continued to serve veterans of the post-Vietnam era.

In 2009, GI Bill benefits were again updated. This legislation, called the Post 9/11 GI Bill, provided servicemembers and veterans with 90 days or more of active-duty service on or after 9/11 enhanced educational benefits to cover more expenses, a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children.

The Forever GI Bill is an extension of the GI Bill's history.

"This important legislation will give countless veterans and their families greater access to the education and workforce training they deserve," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Shulkin released in a joint statement.

"It will provide them the opportunity to invest in their futures with fewer restrictions and time limitations."

For more information, visit benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/forevergibill.asp.