Veterans Benefit Programs

GI Bill^® Programs

Montgomery GI Bill ‐ Chapter 30

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGBI) applies to veterans who began active duty service for the first time after June 30, 1985, had their pay reduced $100 a month for 12 months, and received an honorable discharge.

The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill disabled veterans assistance ‐ Chapter 31

Vocational Rehabilitation is available for disabled veterans. This is the most unique program and each school is assigned a Voc Rehab Specialist to work with these students, and to assist the School Certifying Official. These disabled veterans go through a testing process to determine if they are eligible for the benefit. If eligible the VA sends authorization for full tuition, fees, books and supplies.

Visit Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for more information.

Montgomery GI Bill dependents educational assistance ‐ Chapter 35

This program is for spouses or children of veterans who have died while on active duty or as the result of a service‐connected disability, or are 100% permanently disabled for a service‐related reason.

Dependents receive up to 45 months of full‐time benefits. Children generally are eligible for benefits between the ages of 18 and 26, but in certain instances may begin before age 18 and continue beyond age 26.

Montgomery GI Bill selected reserve ‐ Chapter 1606

Applies to members who are actively participating in the Selected Reserve including the Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard.

The Department of Defense and the Department of homeland Security (Coast Guard) determine eligibility for Chapter 1606. The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the program and pays benefits.

Basic eligibility requires a 6-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve and satisfactory participation in required Selected Reserve training.

Montgomery GI Bill reserve educational assistance program ‐ Chapter 1607

This is an educational program for active members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve called to active duty in support of a contingency operation or a national emergency declared by the President or Congress.

Generally, a member of a reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10 U.S.C., for at least 90 consecutive days under a contingency operation is eligible. The benefit rate varies with the amount of time served on active duty.

Current rates payable may be found at: Veterans Benefits Administration

Post‐9/11 veterans educational assistance ‐ Chapter 33

This chapter provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals honorably discharged with a service‐connected disability after 30 days.

Entitlement: Individuals eligible under Chapter 33 are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance.

Individuals are limited to a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more programs.

Election: Students eligible for Chapter 30, 1606, or 1607, on or after August 1, 2009 and on their election date, must relinquish a benefit to receive Chapter 33.

Students eligible for more than one benefit only have to relinquish one benefit to receive Chapter 33.

Length of service percentage: Eligible students receive a percentage of the Chapter 33 benefit for tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance, and book stipend based on their length of service.

The percentage is determined by the student's aggregate active duty service after September 11, 2001. All creditable active duty and qualifying call‐up service are combined to determine the aggregate service.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.