Can You Use Both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills?

Education benefits for service members and veterans are a substantial investment, providing opportunities for academic and career advancement. These programs acknowledge dedicated service by facilitating access to higher education and vocational training. Understanding the scope and structure of these benefits is a foundational step for those seeking to leverage their service for educational pursuits.

Overview of Key GI Bill Programs

Two primary education benefit programs, the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), offer distinct advantages for eligible individuals. The Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty provides a fixed monthly stipend directly to the student for up to 36 months of education and training. To qualify, individuals must have served at least two years on active duty, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have contributed $100 per month for their first 12 months of service.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a comprehensive package of benefits for up to 36 months. Eligibility requires at least 90 aggregate days of active duty service after September 10, 2001, or a Purple Heart receipt or service-connected disability discharge, along with an honorable discharge. This program pays tuition and fees directly to the educational institution, covering up to 100% of in-state public school costs, with an annual cap for private or foreign schools. Additionally, beneficiaries receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on location, and an annual stipend of up to $1,000 for books and supplies.

General Rule on Benefit Usage

Individuals are entitled to receive education benefits under only one major GI Bill program at a time. This principle prevents the receipt of duplicate benefits for the same period of service. Once a selection is made for a particular GI Bill program, that choice is considered irrevocable.

An individual who chooses to utilize the Post-9/11 GI Bill cannot later switch back to the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty for the same qualifying service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prevents “double-dipping” by maintaining this rule. This policy underscores the importance of understanding each program before making an election.

The 12-Month Rule Exception

An exception to the general rule allows certain individuals to utilize benefits from both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, potentially extending their total entitlement to a maximum of 48 months. This exception applies to veterans who earned eligibility for both programs through separate periods of qualifying active duty service. This possibility has been clarified and expanded, particularly for those who initially used the Montgomery GI Bill and later switched to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Under this “12-month rule,” veterans who previously used some of their Montgomery GI Bill benefits and then elected to switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill are entitled to an additional 12 months of Post-9/11 benefits. This applies even if they had previously “relinquished” their MGIB-AD benefits when making the switch. The total combined entitlement from both programs cannot exceed 48 months. This allows eligible veterans to maximize their educational assistance beyond the standard 36-month limit of a single program.

Electing a GI Bill Program

The process for electing and applying for a GI Bill program is managed through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Individuals can initiate their application online via the VA.gov website. The primary form for first-time applicants seeking education benefits, including both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, is VA Form 22-1990, “Application for VA Education Benefits.”

If a beneficiary needs to change their educational program or place of training after initially applying, they would use VA Form 22-1995, “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training.” After submitting the appropriate application, the VA processes the request and, upon approval, issues a Certificate of Eligibility. This document confirms the individual’s entitlement to benefits and is submitted to the educational institution for use of funds.