Understanding the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB - Active Duty - Chapter 30)
The GI Bill is an education benefit worth over $47,556. This amount is based on the 2008-2009
monthly full-time student payment rate of $1321 multiplied by the 36-month limit. This “payment
rate” automatically increases on the first of October each year. You get the annual increase no
matter when you became eligible or begin using it.
The term "36 months of benefits" refers to academic months. This means you will have up
to 8 semesters (four years) of traditional academic education.
Note: Your actual benefits may be higher if you signed up for the Army, Navy or
Marine Corps College Funds.
MGIB eligibility is straightforward for most veterans, but it can be complex for
others. If you have questions about MGIB eligibility, check with your Education Center, or
call the VA toll-free education number, 1-888-GI Bill-1 (1-888-442-4551). You may also get
information at the VA Education Service website
http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
With the exception of some officers who received a commission, after December 31, 1976, as a
result of graduating from a service academy, or after completing a Reserve Officer Training Corps
(ROTC) scholarship program, the MGIB is for people who first came on active duty on July 1,1985, or
later, and who did not decline – in writing – to participate in the MGIB program.
To be eligible for the full 36 months of MGIB benefits, veterans must normally meet the
character of service, and minimum length of service requirements. Some veterans who are
separated from active duty early for the convenience of the government may also receive the full 36
months of MGIB benefits. Depending on the reason for separation, other veterans who are
separated from active duty early may be eligible for prorated – reduced - MGIB benefits; one month
of benefits for each full month of active duty.
Some veterans who were eligible for the Vietnam Era GI Bill (VRA) have increased MGIB
eligibility. They must have had some remaining VRA entitlement on December 31, 1989, when all
benefits under the VRA expired. With some exceptions, they must have served on active duty
from July 1, 1985 through June 30, 1988. For these veterans, the 10-year period of time in
which they must use MGIB benefits is reduced by any time, from January 1, 1977 through June 30,
1985, that they were not on active duty.
Individuals who are involuntarily separated from the military and who were not originally
eligible for the MGIB may have a second opportunity to receive MGIB benefits. This includes
officers not normally eligible for the MGIB because they were commissioned after December 31, 1976
as a result of graduating from a service academy or after completing a ROTC scholarship, and people
who declined to participate in the MGIB. Contact your Education Center or VA for
details.
$600 Buy-up Program: You can
get up to $150 per month added to your standard MGIB "payment rate." This could
increase your total GI Bill benefit by up to
$5,400. To take advantage you must be on active duty and elect to contribute
up to $600 (in $20 increments) before you leave the service. Each $300 dollars contributed
earns an additional $75 a month in benefits. You can use form DD Form 2366-1, "Increased
Benefit Contribution Program,” to process your request through your local payroll or personnel
office (
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd2366-1.pdf).
For More Information
The VA can provide you with educational counseling after you leave the Service. Contact
the VA GI Bill Regional Processing Office by dialing toll-free 1-888-GI Bill-1 (1-888-442-4551) or
go to the MGIB website at
http://www.gibill.va.gov. To contact
the VA Regional Office closest to you, go to
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp.
In addition, information on MGIB and other veterans’ educational benefit programs is available from
your installation’s Education Center or from the admissions office and/or veterans’ coordinator at
most colleges and universities.
Date Last Reviewed: September 28, 2011
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