How Much Is the Montgomery GI Bill Worth?

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an educational assistance program that supports service members and veterans in pursuing academic and career goals. It provides monthly payments to eligible individuals, helping to cover costs for various educational and training endeavors. The program has two main components: the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD), also known as Chapter 30, and the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), or Chapter 1606. Both provide financial aid for education.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualifying for the Montgomery GI Bill involves meeting specific service and enrollment criteria, which differ between the active duty and Selected Reserve programs. For MGIB-AD, individuals generally need an honorable discharge. They must also possess a high school diploma, a GED, or at least 12 hours of college credit. A common requirement includes entering active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, and having military pay reduced by $100 per month for the first 12 months of service.

Service members are typically eligible for MGIB-AD benefits after completing a minimum of two years of active duty service. Depending on their enlistment agreement, this could involve serving continuously for three years or two years. Other eligibility categories exist based on specific service periods.

For MGIB-SR, eligibility is primarily based on a commitment to serve in the Selected Reserve. Individuals generally qualify by agreeing to a six-year service obligation in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve, or the Army or Air National Guard. Officers in the Selected Reserve may also qualify if they agreed to serve an additional six years beyond their initial service obligation. Completion of Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT) and maintaining good standing with their drilling unit are also typically required.

Benefit Payment Rates

The financial value of the Montgomery GI Bill is determined by several factors, including enrollment status, the type of training pursued, and additional contribution programs. Both MGIB-AD and MGIB-SR generally provide up to 36 months of education benefits. Under specific circumstances, individuals may qualify for up to 48 months of combined benefits.

Payment rates adjust annually on October 1st to account for education costs. For MGIB-AD beneficiaries with at least three continuous years of service, the full-time monthly payment rate for October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, is $2,438.00. This rate adjusts for part-time enrollment, with three-quarter time students receiving $1,828.50 per month, and half-time students receiving $1,219.00 monthly. For enrollment less than half-time, payments are limited to the actual cost of tuition and fees.

MGIB-SR rates for the same period are lower, with full-time students receiving $481.00 per month. Three-quarter time enrollment provides $360.00, and half-time enrollment offers $240.00 monthly. For less than half-time enrollment, the rate is $120.25. Payments are prorated for partial months.

Training type also influences rates. For on-the-job training or apprenticeships, payments are tiered: 75% of the full-time MGIB rate for the first six months, 55% for the next six months, and 35% for the remainder of the training. Flight training is reimbursed at 60% of approved charges, and correspondence courses are covered at 55% of approved charges. Service members who contributed an additional $600 may receive increased monthly benefits, up to an extra $5,400.

Covered Educational Programs

The Montgomery GI Bill offers financial support for a wide array of educational and training programs, extending beyond traditional four-year college degrees. Beneficiaries can use their benefits for higher education, including associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees from accredited colleges and universities.

Beyond degree-granting institutions, the MGIB also supports vocational and technical training programs, often referred to as non-college degree programs. These programs provide specialized skills for specific trades or occupations. Benefits can also be utilized for on-the-job training and apprenticeships.

The program further covers specialized training types, such as flight training and correspondence courses. The MGIB can reimburse costs for licensing and certification tests, with a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per exam, as well as national tests. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher training courses, entrepreneurship classes, and approved co-op training programs are also eligible for coverage.

How to Apply for Benefits

Initiating the process to receive Montgomery GI Bill benefits involves an application procedure with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary step is completing VA Form 22-1990, the Application for Education Benefits. This form can be submitted online through the VA’s official website.

Before submitting the application, gather necessary personal and military service information, including military service history and current contact details. Providing bank account information for direct deposit is important for receiving timely payments. For those applying for MGIB-SR benefits, obtaining a DD Form 2384-1, known as the Notice of Basic Eligibility, from their unit is a necessary prerequisite.

After the application is submitted, the VA processes the request, which can take several weeks. Upon approval, the applicant receives a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as official notification of their benefit approval. The educational institution or training program must certify the individual’s enrollment with the VA, and beneficiaries are generally required to verify their enrollment monthly to continue receiving payments.