If you are a veteran who meets certain qualification criteria, you may qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits and can be used to pay for college, certification tests, vocational training, and other programs. The Montgomery GI Bill features a buy-up program that enables servicemembers to purchase access to additional benefits.
Benefits
As of October 1, 2009, veterans who are enrolled in full-time schooling receive $1,368 per month on the Montgomery GI Bill. The amount decreases with the number of credits you take, and can be as little as $342 for veterans enrolled for one-quarter time or less. The amount increases depending on the amount of money you invested in the buy-up program. For example, if you invested $600 in the buy-up program, you may receive an additional $150 per month if you are attending school full-time.
Programs
The Montgomery GI Bill covers many different programs. The VA does approve specific schools or programs--this is left to the states--but it does maintain a list of approved programs on its website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/programs.htm.
As a general rule, you may use the Montgomery GI Bill to pay for college, business, technical or vocational school programs. Benefits can also be used to pay for the cost of licensing tests, certification tests, or national standardized tests. Correspondence courses are eligible. In some cases, flight training, on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs and remedial or refresher training courses may qualify.
Buy-Up
While on active duty, you have the option to participate in a buy-up program to purchase additional benefits. You must make the contributions, which may total up to $600, while you are serving in the military. A $600 contribution can result in an additional $5,400 in benefits.
Transfers & Expiration
Generally, you must use all benefits within 10 years of the your discharge date. The duration may vary, however, so contact the VA for additional information specific to your case.
You may transfer your benefits to dependents only if you served in the Army. The Department of the Army determines who is eligible to transfer benefits and handles all of the paperwork related to the transfer. Only when the transfer is complete does the VA begin releasing payments.
Generally, the Army's standards for transfer are very firm. Spouses and children are the only eligible recipients. You must have served at least six years in the active duty Army to transfer benefits to a spouse or 10 years of active duty to transfer benefits to a child. You must re-enlist for an additional four years.
Eligibility
If you are a separated service member who entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, you may be eligible. You must have received a high school diploma or equivalent or, in some instances, 12 hours of college credit, before the end of your first service term.
Only service members who received honorable discharges are eligible.
You must meet a minimum length of service to qualify. You must have served for three continuous years. If you enlisted for two years, only those two years must have been served. Two years of continuous service are also acceptable if you served an additional four years in the Selected Reserve or entered the Selective Reserve within a year of leaving active duty.
Currently serving members of the United States armed forces may be eligible to begin using benefits after two years of active duty are complete.
Veterans who first enlisted prior to July 1, 1985 are subject to different rules. Call 1 (888) GIBILL-1 for more information.
Apply for Benefits
Eligible veterans can apply to use their benefits by filling out VA Form 22-1990. You may obtain this form through the mail, online, or from the school you will be attending.
To have the form sent through the mail, call 888-GIBILL-1. The forms can also be obtained, completed and submitted electronically at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/How_to_Apply.htm.
In many cases, your forms will be automatically filled out and submitted by a VA Certifying official at the educational institution. A VA Certifying official should be present in the Registrar's or Financial Aid office.
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