The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is one of the most valuable benefits available to military members and veterans. In many cases, it is worth tens of thousands of dollars in education benefits. If you want to know how much you can earn in MGIB benefits, then check out these GI Bill Rates tables to find the corresponding monthly payments based on your GI Bill program and the educational program you are attending.
About these GI Bill rates: Each year the VA reassesses the cost of tuition and updates the benefits paid to GI Bill recipients. In most cases, the value of the Montgomery GI Bill increases each year based on the Consumer Price Index. We update this information each year to reflect the new GI Bill rates and present the most accurate information we can.
That said, each situation is unique and this chart should only be used as a reference. You should contact the VA and your educational institution to determine your eligibility and the status of your benefits. Remember – Montgomery GI Bill benefits expire 10 years after your last separation from active duty, so be sure to use them before they do!
Montgomery GI Bill Benefits
The Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty military members (MGIB-AD/Chapter 30) is probably the most common GI Bill plan, and those are the rates covered in this article. The MGIB is the GI Bill plan military members were given the opportunity to buy into for $1,200 during basic training.
There is another GI Bill plan, the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which is available to military members who served after September 11, 2001. The Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are paid directly to the school or educational institution (more info below).
The MGIB can be used while the member is on active duty or after they separate. However, it is generally better to use Tuition Assistance benefits while serving on active duty, and saving your GI Bill until after you leave military service. The MGIB expires 10 years after the member separates from military service.
Montgomery GI Bill Monthly Rates – 2018-2019
The Montgomery GI Bill offers eligible recipients a monthly stipend while they are attending classes at a qualified training institution. The checks are sent on a monthly basis and are made payable to the student. Payments to trainees on active duty status are limited to the reimbursement of tuition and fees. If the trainee uses military tuition assistance, the payments are limited to the difference between the tuition assistance and the remaining tuition and fees.
The following payment rates for the Montgomery GI Bill are good for the Fiscal Year 2019, or from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019:
Montgomery GI Bill Institutional Training Rates
MGIB Institutional Training Rates (3 or More Years of Service)
| Institutional Training Time | Monthly GI Bill Rate |
|---|---|
| Full Time | $1,994.00 |
| ¾ Time | $1,495.00 |
| ½ Time | $997.00 |
| Less than ½ time more than ¼ time | $997.00** |
| ¼ Time or less | $498.50** |
MGIB Institutional Training Rates (Less Than 3 Years Service)
Rates are given for servicemembers who served 3 years or more on Active Duty. If you served fewer than 3 years:
| Institutional Training Time (Less than 3 Years) | Monthly GI Bill Rate |
|---|---|
| Full Time | $1,619.00 |
| ¾ Time | $1,214.25 |
| ½ Time | $809.50 |
| Less than ½ time more than ¼ time | $809.50** |
| ¼ Time or less | $404.75** |
MGIB Apprenticeship and On-the-Job-Training Rates
MGIB Rates for Apprenticeships & OJT (3 or More years of Service)
The MGIB can also be used for apprenticeships and On-Job Training. The following rates cover these types of training:
| Apprenticeship and On-Job Training | Monthly GI Bill Rate |
|---|---|
| First six months of training | $1,495.00 |
| Second six months of training | $1,096.70 |
| Remaining pursuit of training | $697.90 |
MGIB Rates for Apprenticeships & OJT (Less Than 3 Years Service)
| Apprenticeship and On-Job Training (Less than 3 Years) | Monthly GI Bill Rate |
|---|---|
| First six months of training | $1,214.25 |
| Second six months of training | $890.45 |
| Remaining pursuit of training | $566.65 |
Additional notes about these MGIB Rates:
- Flight Training — Students pursuing courses which consist solely of flight training will be paid at 60% of the approved rates.
- ** Tuition and Fees only. Payment cannot exceed listed amount.
Entitlement Under Chapter 34 of Title 38, U.S.C. Chapter 30 Category II
Some veterans may be eligible for GI Bill benefits under a different category or program. The VA has a Chapter 30 Eligibility pamphlet which explains more information on this topic.
Basic Institutional Rates for persons with remaining entitlement under Chapter 34 of Title 38, U.S.C. Chapter 30 Category II rates effective October 1, 2017.
Institutional Training
| Training period | Monthly Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents | Each additional dependent | |
| Full time | $2,182.00 | $2,218.00 | $2,249.00 | $16.00 |
| ¾ time | $1,637.00 | $1,663.50 | $1,687.00 | $12.00 |
| ½ time | $1,091.00 | $1,109.00 | $1,124.50 | $8.50 |
| less than ½ time more than ¼ time | $1,091.00** | |||
| ¼ time or less | $545.50** | |||
Apprenticeships & OJT
| Training period | Monthly Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents | Each additional dependent | |
| First six months of training | $1,598.25 | $1,610.63 | $1,621.50 | $5.25 |
| Second six months of training | $1,153.08 | $1,162.43 | $1,170.13 | $3.85 |
| Third six months of training | $721.70 | $727.83 | $732.55 | $2.45 |
| Remainder of program | $709.80 | $715.58 | $720.83 | $2.45 |
Cooperative Training
| Training period | Monthly Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents | Each additional dependent | |
| Oct. 1, 2018 - Sept. 30, 2019 | $2,182.00 | $2,218.00 | $2,249.00 | $16.00 |
- Correspondence – 55% of the approved charges
- Flight – 60% of the approved charges
Montgomery GI Bill Kicker – Add up to $600 Per Month to Your GI Bill Payment
The Montgomery GI Bill and Reserve Educational Assistance Program both have a program which allows members to “top up” their GI Bill by buying additional benefits. Also called the GI Bill Kicker, this plan allows members to buy additional benefits in $20 increments, up to a total of $600. MGIB and REAP recipients will then receive an additional stipend on their monthly GI Bill payment, valued at 1/4 the amount they paid into the buy-up program for full-time attendance (rates vary based on full-time or partial-time attendance).
MGIB Kicker Rate Chart
| If this amount paid | Add this amount to Full Time payment | Add this amount to ¾ time payment | Add this amount to ½ time payment | Add this amount to less than ½ time but more than ¼ time payment | Add this amount to ¼ time payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $5.00 | $3.75 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $1.25 |
| $40 | $10.00 | $7.50 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $2.50 |
| $60 | $15.00 | $11.25 | $7.50 | $7.50 | $3.75 |
| $80 | $20.00 | $15.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $5.00 |
| $100 | $25.00 | $18.75 | $12.50 | $12.50 | $6.25 |
| $120 | $30.00 | $22.50 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $7.50 |
| $140 | $35.00 | $26.25 | $17.50 | $17.50 | $8.75 |
| $160 | $40.00 | $30.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 | $10.00 |
| $180 | $45.00 | $33.75 | $22.50 | $22.50 | $11.25 |
| $200 | $50.00 | $37.50 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $12.50 |
| $220 | $55.00 | $41.25 | $27.50 | $27.50 | $13.75 |
| $240 | $60.00 | $45.00 | $30.00 | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| $260 | $65.00 | $48.75 | $32.50 | $32.50 | $16.25 |
| $280 | $70.00 | $52.50 | $35.00 | $35.00 | $17.50 |
| $300 | $75.00 | $56.25 | $37.50 | $37.50 | $18.75 |
| $320 | $80.00 | $60.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $20.00 |
| $340 | $85.00 | $63.75 | $42.50 | $42.50 | $21.25 |
| $360 | $90.00 | $67.50 | $45.00 | $45.00 | $22.50 |
| $380 | $95.00 | $71.25 | $47.50 | $47.50 | $23.75 |
| $400 | $100.00 | $75.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $25.00 |
| $420 | $105.00 | $78.75 | $52.50 | $52.50 | $26.25 |
| $440 | $110.00 | $82.50 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $27.50 |
| $460 | $115.00 | $86.25 | $57.50 | $57.50 | $28.75 |
| $480 | $120.00 | $90.00 | $60.00 | $60.00 | $30.00 |
| $500 | $125.00 | $93.75 | $62.50 | $62.50 | $31.25 |
| $520 | $130.00 | $97.50 | $65.00 | $65.00 | $32.50 |
| $540 | $135.00 | $101.25 | $67.50 | $67.50 | $33.75 |
| $560 | $140.00 | $105.00 | $70.00 | $70.00 | $35.00 |
| $580 | $145.00 | $108.75 | $72.50 | $72.50 | $36.25 |
| $600 | $150.00 | $112.50 | $75.00 | $75.00 | $37.50 |
How Does the VA Charge Your Training Against Your GI Bill Benefits?
The VA will charge you one full day of entitlement for each day of full-time benefits you receive. Entitlement is charged in months and days. Each month is counted as 30 days. If you train part-time, the VA will adjust the entitlement charge according to your training time.
For example, if you receive full-time benefits for 12 months, the charge is 12 months of entitlement. If you receive half-time benefits for 12 months, the charge is six months.
For correspondence, flight training, accelerated payments for high-cost, high technology courses, and a test for a license or certification, we determine the entitlement by dividing the amount you were paid by your MGIB monthly rate for full-time training.
Montgomery GI Bill for Reserves
The above listed rates are for members of the Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill program (Chapter 30). There are other MGIB programs available to military members, including the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR/Chapter 1606) and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP/Chapter 1607). You can find the current rates for these programs at the VA website.
Post 9/11 GI Bill Rates
The Post 9/11 GI Bill makes tuition payments directly to the educational institution. Benefits can be used at a variety of higher learning institutions, but rates are capped at the rates of the most expensive state Institution of Higher Learning (IHL). Click to see current rates. Recipients may be eligible to receive BAH benefits based on the rates of an E-5 with dependents, a book stipend, and more. BAH rates are based on the zip code of the school the recipient is attending.
Related information:
GI Bill Refunds:
- It is possible to get a Montgomery GI Bill refund under limited circumstances.
Transfer GI Bill Benefits:
- It is also possible to transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill to family members. You must be enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill and agree to extend your service in the military.
- This option is only available for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and is not available for the Montgomery GI Bill.
- You cannot transfer GI Bill benefits once you separate or retire from the military.
Use your GI Bill Benefits!
GI Bill benefits don’t last forever. Your MGIB benefits expire 10 years after your last separation from Active Duty status. Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are good for 15 years after you separate. Contact the VA to start using your GI Bill benefits before they expire!
Jerry Smith says
I am a vet that would like to go back to school. I was in the Marine Corp from 1976-1984. Can I still get military benefits to go back to school and could I take online class?
Jerry C Smith
Ryan Guina says
Jerry,
Thank you for contacting us. In most cases, Montgomery GI Bill benefits expire 10 years after you last leave military service. It is probable that you are no longer eligible for the MGIB, however, you should contact the VA for a final decision on this matter.
Additionally, there may be other veterans education or training programs available to you at either a state, local, or national level. I recommend speaking with the VA and someone at your state or local veterans office.
There is also a new training and education program available to unemployed military veterans aged 35-60. You can read more about it here: VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 – GI Bill for Unemployed Veterans.
Best of luck, and thanks for your service.
Mrs. McCary says
My husband has been out of the military for sometime, he has a good job, but does not get paid what other’s in his field because he does not have an education. So I am wondering is there any programs that could help him to go to college. Like this one: There is also a new training and education program available to unemployed military veterans aged 35-60. You can read more about it here: VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 – GI Bill for Unemployed Veterans. Also, I was in the military, but I was not in for over the 180 days, so would I be able to get the benefits list above?
Thank you,
Mrs. McCary
Ryan Guina says
Mrs. McCary, The Montgomery GI Bill is typically good for up to 10 years after leaving the military, after which the benefits expire. There is the Post-9/11 GI Bil which is available to many veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is good for 15 years after leaving the service.
As for the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, this program is only available to veterans who are unemployed, so your husband wouldn’t qualify. Regarding your eligibility, I am unsure of the minimum service requirements. I recommend contacting the VA ASAP to see if you are eligible.
Here is more info on the program:
Thanks for your service, and best of luck!
Kayla Williams says
I just recently started school and was wondering if I qualified for the Stipend. My husband is active duty but I am not for sure if I do qualify and if so how do I go about getting the money.
Ryan Guina says
Kayla, Are you in the military, or were you in the military? If you served, then it is possible you are eligible for education benefits. If you never served, then you may be eligible for some spousal education benefits, but it will depend on your situation. If you served, I recommend contacting the VA, if you did not serve, I recommend reading this resource, or contacting your base education office for more information. Best of luck.
Scott B Kurka says
I retired honorably September 2009 after 20yrs. After I retired, I found out that I could only transfer my Post 9/11 GI benifits while on active duty. Since then I have read several articles of others that are in the same situation as I am. Every response is the same regarding whether or not if there is anything that can be done to correct this injust. I have always intended to transfer my benifits to my stepson. At no point during my separation was I ever informed that I needed to transfer my benifits before I officially retired. So, I missed out on this valuable benifit by sixty days of this enactment. Ryan, is there anything that I can do to correct my service record so that I can transfer this benifit?
Thank you,
Scott
Ryan Guina says
Not that I am aware of – from what I understand the benefits must be transferred while you are still on active duty. Your best bet will be to contact the VA to determine what your options are.
Best of luck, and thanks for your service.
Anthony Moreno says
I graduate in May of 2013, I wanted to know could I still use the post 9/11 G.I. bill to get my Masters degree?
Ryan Guina says
Anthony, You may have some of the Ppost-9/11 benefits available if you are qualified for it, but you wouldn’t get the entire thing. I believe you would be eligible for 1 year of Post9-/11 benefits after exhausting the MGIB. You may find that the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers more benefits now, so you might want to consider switching now to get the better benefits. Another benefit is that you may be eligible for a partial MGIB refund if you still have MGIB benefits remaining when you use all of your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. I recommend contacting a GI Bill counselor at the VA to help you run through your benefits to see which works out the best for you.
jorge says
You should get the full 1473 if your full time correct? Regardless if I start school on a monthly basis from the 5th to the 30th , i am full time and received a prorated amount of 1080 only because it wasn’t a full 30 days. Even though I am full time. Is that right?
Ryan Guina says
Jorge, I believe the VA only pays based on how many days you go to school during a month. For example, if school starts on the 15th, you might only receive half the payment for that month. But you also only use half of a month’s benefit, so you don’t get charged for benefits you don’t receive. During the next month, you should receive the full benefit.
Kyle says
I am a recently separated veteran. In our ACAP classes I was told I would get around 1470 monthly for full time student rate on the M.GIBILL;
I received a statement from the VA that I’ll be getting $849.06, – Training time: Full.
I’m confused; Why is there such a drastic difference? — After reading a little bit, it seems rates can be affected by online courses.
I’m a full time online student. Is the rate of $849.06 correct? If not, what do I do? If so, what can I do to make it a full time rate, full amount MHA of $1470?
Ryan Guina says
Kyle, When did you start school? Was it at the beginning of the month, or the middle of the month? It’s possible the VA sent you a prorated amount, based on the start date of your classes. The best thing to do is contact them and ask them for a full explanation. They should be able to tell you exactly what’s up with your situation.
Best of luck with school, and thanks for your service!
Kyle says
I started school August 20th, no payment yet of any sort from the VA. My award letter from the VA states: 849.06 montly rate, training time full, beginning 08-20-12 ending 10-12-12, and monthly rate 849.06 training time full, beginning 10-22-12 ending 12-14-12.
I’ve tried to call the VA for about a month now, every time, about 50 minutes in the call is simply dropped.
Do I have alternate means of communication with them, that does not rely on the phone call system?
Kevin Redden says
I served active duty from 2 June 1983 to 1 August 2008.,
I would like to transfer my educational benefits to my daughter.
I payed in on Montgomtry GI program. I retired before Post 9/11 bill became offical.
How can I transfer MGI to my daughter?
Ryan Guina says
Kevin, I’m not sure if it is possible. The GI Bill transfer was designed as an incentive to get current military members to re-up for a longer time period. The servicemember usually incurs a 4 year commitment when they transfer their GI Bill. If this doesn’t answer all your questions, then I recommend contacting the VA to see if there are any other options.
Andrew says
Im almost done with my master’s degree and I have been using TA for that.I ETS by the end of this month. I have 4 more classes left and my intention is to finish them by using GI Bill. I have MGIBill in my contract. When I finish my masters can I use the remaining of GI Bill for another master degree or a Ph D ?
Also If I switch from M-GiBIll to Post 9/11, is the $1200 that I paid for MgiBill going to be reimbursed?
Ryan Guina says
Congrats on your progress, Andrew. You can definitely use your Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill for another advanced degree. There really aren’t any limits, as long as the degree is accredited. You can get a MGIB refund, provided you switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and use all of it. You will then be refunded a proportional amount of the MGIB that you didn’t use. For example, if you use half your MGIB, you will receive a $600 refund. So far as I know, there are no refunds for the MGIB kicker. Here is more information on MGIB refunds.
Jaired Potter says
I am a veteran and have been a member of the NC National Guard for 12 yrs. My ETS is January 2013 i was wondering if I would still be eligible for Montgomery GI benefits after I get out.
Ryan Guina says
Yes, you should still have access to the GI Bill for 10 years after the last time you served in uniform. You should double-check, however, because there may be some differences based on your service in the National Guard. You may also be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, depending on your National Guard service. If you are eligible for it, you may consider transferring your benefits to the Post-9/11 GI Bill because they last longer (15 years after you separate), and they provide more overall benefits. (Keep in mind, not all Guard members are eligible for he Post-9/11 GI Bill; it depends on your service). My recommendation is to speak to the education office at your unit, or contact the VA for more specific information.
larry says
I’m a current student finishing up my bachelors, I was wondering would my post 911 Gi bill cover the process through my Masters as well.
Ryan Guina says
Larry, it will all depend on how much of your benefit remains. The best way to find out is to contact the VA. Be sure to explain that you are using the MGIB so they don’t assume you are already using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Then ask how much Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit you may have after you use all of your MGIB benefits. You may have some eligibility, depending on your service dates, how much of your GI Bill you have used, etc. It’s often case by case, so I can’t give you a more specific answer.
Joseph Banks says
Can I use the MGIB for a graduate program with an online school. Full time is 1 class? Thanks
Rashon Felix says
I am taking distance learning classes worth 12 credits total and I am only getting a little over $1000. Is this correct?
Ryan Guina says
Rashon, Do you have the full Montgomery GI Bill rate based on the amount of time you served? If so, then you should receive the full GI Bill rate. If not, then you should only be eligible to receive the partial MGIB rate. If there is a problem, then the only thing you can do is contact the VA to get the problem corrected. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Rashon Felix says
Yes, I have been in for 6 years. I will contact them. Thank you.
Chris says
what will chapter 30 monthly payments go up to for 2015 fiscal year?
Ryan Guina says
Chris, The FY16 rates haven’t been released yet. I will update this article once I receive word of the new rates. Thanks, and best of luck with your studies!
Samantha says
When I transfer my benefits to my spouse will he will have two years left of school. He has a lot of student loans so will the GI Bill cover a certain amount of his student loans or will it only cover the year and a half of school he has left?
Ryan Guina says
Samantha, The GI Bill can’t be used for school loans, it can only be used for tuition while attending school. I hope this helps!
Greg says
I used my post 9/11 GI bill to get a BS from a state school. I am now in a private school getting my Masters in Public Health. I have 7 months left of eligibility but the IHL cap will run out in two months. Am I still able to receive housing benefits for the remaining 5 months of my eligibility after the IHL cap has been met?
Thomas Campbell says
So when i read the pay chart for MGIB CH 30 I do not see online school payout it it because its the same payout if I went into a normal college
Brendan says
Hi I’m using my gi bill the Montgomery bill do they give me allowance every month ? I start school aug. 22 and they only give me 456 for my allowance since then they haven’t give me allowance upto now
Ryan Guina says
Hello Brendan, Thank you for contacting me. The MGIB provides a monthly check while you are attending classes. The rates are listed on the page, and are based on the course load you are taking. The rate you see is the entirety of the benefit. The Post-9/11 GI Bill has different payouts. The payment is made to the school in the amount of the tuition (or up to the highest state college in-state tuition rate where you are attending college). Members also receive a housing allowance at the E-5 with dependents rate, and an annual book stipend. In most cases, the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit is more valuable than the MGIB benefit. you would need to verify this, then contact the VA if you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and wish to transfer to that from the MGIB.
I hope this helps. Best of luck, and thank you for your service!
Grant says
The GI Bill was one of the best ideas to come out of the Federal Government and this is a very good breakdown of information useful to vets. Keep an eye out for degrees that are high quality and low cost. For example, another finance blog broke down the value for an online Master’s Degree program in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and found out it was only $7,000 for the whole school. Use the money you get from the government wisely and you can make very smart financial decisions without paying a high cost.
Rob says
If I gave all of my Post 9/11 GI Bill to my daughter, and she has not used it yet, but I’ve already transferred it to her and was out of the military and unemployed. Could I get the VRAP/VOW to HIRE heroes act MGIB? I’m over 35 and trying to go to school on financial aid and staying with my parents.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Rob, Thank you for contacting me. I’m not certain. I would contact the VA to verify. They will be able to tell you. Worst case, you should be able to transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill back to yourself so you can use the benefit now.
I understand the desire to pass that benefit along – it’s very valuable, and we want our children to have opportunities. But it’s also important to take care of yourself. There are many opportunities for your daughter to pay for her college in the future, including scholarships, grants, tuition assistance, or possibly even through military service. Best of luck, and thank you for your service!
mike says
My wife has post 911Gi Benefits and is wanting to return to school. Her benefits are due to expire in 2017. Will they extend her benefits to cover her education if she is enrolled full time? She is about to start just started the process and discovered that she was eligible,,,, until July of this year.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Mike, Thank you for contacting me. The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are good for 15 years. So be sure to verify the expiration date with the VA. SO far as I am aware, the VA will provide the benefit through the end of the expiration month. I hope that points you in the right direction.
Paul Cunningham says
Well done informative site Ryan. Can you provide good link for high school students (and this parent) who want to look at potential military educational benefits?
Been along time since my VEAP days…
connor says
If you use the MGIB and go full time is states as of 2017 you will get $1875 per month paid to you. Is this a check to pay for the classes you will be taking? Also, would you still get the BAH pay if you were to use the MGIB or is that just for the Post 9/11.
Gabriel says
I am currently active duty. I am attending online school for my BSA part-time. Can I use my Tuitiin Assistance and the Montgomery GI at the same time to pay for my classes? The Tuition Assistance only pays tuition and not school materials. Can the GI cover the difference?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Gabriel, Thank you for contacting me. You can use both at the same time, however, the GI Bill will only pay for the difference in your tuition. I don’t believe you will be able to receive the full MGIB check. I don’t believe the MGIB can be used for books, fees, materials, or related expenses when you are also using your Tuition Assistance benefits.
You should verify this with your education office to make sure policies haven’t changed.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Nicole says
I currently have the MGIB and have just 22 days left. I was informed that I am eligible for the post 9-11 GI bill and could apply, possibly getting an additional 12 months of GI bill benefits. The kicker is….I was told I have to completely exhaust my MGIB otherwise when I request a transfer of benefits I would only get 22 days of post 9-11 vs. an entire 12 months. Do you know if this information is correct???
Ryan Guina says
Hello Nicole, Thank you for contacting me. From what I understand, yes, you would need to exhaust your MGIB benefits before you would be eligible for an additional 12 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. It may be possible to take a single course using the MGIB to use those 22 days more quickly. Or you may be able to use the MGIB to pay for a test or certification to use the remaining 22 days of benefits. Then you can apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
I do recommend verifying this with the VA. It’s always a good idea to get a personalized benefits statement and make sure everything applies to your situation before applying for or using benefits. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Kate says
My daughter is questioning if she chooses MGIB 1st can she still transfer to Post 9-11 once she exhaust all the be MGIB benefits? She sais she can pick only one : MGIB or Post 9-11
She is in base training as we speak( Air Force)
Ryan Guina says
Hello Kate, Thank you for contacting me. Service members must opt into the Montgomery GI Bill and pay $100 a month from their paycheck for the first year of enlistment. The Post-9/11 GI Bill does not require an opt-in or enrollment fee. However, one must serve the required amount of time before they will be eligible to receive the full benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
There is value in the Montgomery GI Bill, but in most cases, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is more valuable, and it there is no cost to join. In most situations, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the better plan, and the member can save $1,200 if they elect not to opt into the Montgomery GI Bill.
sam morrison says
hello I been looking an I am confused. I am active duty and have 4 more years in my contract, can I transfer my Montgomery GI Bill to my wife?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Sam, Thank you for your question. You cannot transfer the MGIB to your dependents. However, it is possible to transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill to your spouse or children. This is used as a retention tool, and is only available to service members who have at least 6 years of service on date of GI Bill transfer request, and who agree to serve 4 more years.
So you would be eligible to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill if you already have 6 years of service. You may be required to extend your contact by a short time period if you have less than four years of service left on your military commitment. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Matthew says
Hello! I have a 2 part question for you.
1. When and how can I apply for the “Top Up” program for my Montgomery GI Bill? I am currently active duty with just a few more months left on contract.
2. If I attend a school in a state that covers veterans tuition costs, can I still withdraw my GI Bill monthly to cover other expenses?
Thank you!
Ryan Guina says
Hello Matthew, Thank you for contacting me. You should contact your unit education office. They should be able to help you with the GI Bill top up program.
You can still use the MGIB even if your tuition is covered 100% – regardless of the source (tuition assistance from a civilian employer, scholarship, grants, etc.). The check is made to you, not to the school. So you can use the payment for whatever you wish, whether that is tuition, books, living expenses, etc.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is different, as the payments are made directly to the school, not the individual. If you use the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the school would receive the tuition payment, and you would receive the housing allowance and additional stipends.
The transfer to the Post-9/11 GI Bill is non-revocable, so run the numbers to see which program is more lucrative for your situation. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is generally the better deal, since it covers tuition up to the most expensive state university, plus a housing allowance and book stipend. But the MGIB can be more beneficial if you do not have to pay tuition and can otherwise pocket the payment.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Ashley says
Hi-
I am a traditional reservist & am 5 years into my 6 year contract (I’ll probably reenlist next year). I have never deployed, I have never been active duty, & never spent more than 62 days on active duty orders outside of BMT & Tech School. I paid for & obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology myself years prior to ever enlisting in the military. 12 years after obtaining my garbage BS degree & not finding the career I was hoping for, I wanted to go back to school for a Bachelor’s in nursing. This is my fault for not understanding, but, I just found out that I basically have NO educational benefits because I have never served 90 consecutive days on AD orders. In other words, even though I 100% bought for & paid for my BS degree, I cannot use any military education benefits towards a bachelors. I understand I can use TA for a Master’s, but, why would I want to further my education in a crappy career field?
I’m trying to research the GI Bill Selected Reserves, which I think I will be eligible for at my 6 year mark, but the monetary benefits are peanuts to what it will cost to go to school at a university. Any suggestions or something else I should look into. (It will be unlikely that I will be going in any long-term Active Duty orders anytime soon as I am currently pregnant.)
Thanks for your time.
Ashley
Brandi says
Hi Ryan,
I am currently dealing with VA trying to prove I bought the MGIB Buy-up program you mention in this article. I want to clarify the terminology that one knowledgeable VA Rep corrected me on… The “kicker” is/was a recruiting benefit… which is not the same as the MGIB “buy-up” (of up to $600 in $20 increments). I make the point, because I’ve had a h311 of a time hunting down the information trying to prove my payment. Searching for the “kicker” led me down some rabbit holes. The different services, it seems, have different terms too. I also used “top-up” in the past while on AD to cover the last 25% of tuition that Tuition Assistance did not cover.
It’s also difficult to find info, since most vets are using Post 9/11 benies. There are a few of us where MGIB still makes sense. I am attending school in Texas, which has the Hazelwood Act and covers tuition a large but limited amount of credit hours.
Advice for anyone looking at education benies before leaving Active Duty… ensure proof of this entitlement… ie. payment explicitly for MGIB Buy-up program.
The problem I’m having with VA is proof that I paid the buy up program never made it from DoD side to VA, so I have to prove a payment made 17 years ago, when it was very new. Luckily, I did find the DD form 2366, however, LES from that payment says “misc debt,” not something more helpful like “MGIB Buy-up.”
Otherwise, thanks for this helpful and very explanatory post!