Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty
  

 

What is the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty ? 

The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, called "MGIB" for short, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for:

  •   College, Business, Technical or Vocational School                 

  •   Apprenticeship/Job Training                                                  

  •   Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases)

  •     Correspondence Courses

  •     Flight Training (in some cases)  

Note:  Programs must be approved for VA training.

Who is Eligible ?

If you are in service, you may be eligible after 2 years of active duty.  Please consult with the Education Services Officer at your installation, or call the toll-free number below, for information about your eligibility.

If you are separated from service, you may be an eligible veteran if you:

  • Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985;

  • Have received a high school diploma or equivalent (or, in some cases, 12 hours of college credit) before the end of your first obligated period of service.  (If you were on active duty on August 2, 1990, you may be eligible if you received your high school diploma or equivalent before October 28, 1994.  You may not use 12 hours of college credit to meet this requirement.);

  • Received a honorable discharge from your first obligated period of service;

  • Continuously served for 3 years , OR 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR 2 years if you have an obligation to serve four years in the Selected Reserve AND entered Selective Reserve within a year of leaving active duty.

Note:  Different rules apply if you entered active duty before July 1, 1985, and in certain other cases. Call our toll-free number below for more information.

Are There Any Pitfalls?

You should be aware that the following pitfalls could cause you to lose all MGIB benefits:

  • Honorable discharge.  You must have an honorable discharge.  A “general” or “under honorable condition” is not qualifying.

  • Early discharge.  To be eligible with an early discharge, your separation reason must meet certain requirements.  Call our toll-free number below (or check with your Education Services Officer if you’re on active duty) for more information.

How Much Does VA Pay ?

The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers").  You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances.

How Can I Apply ?

Contact your local County Veterans Service Office

 

To apply for or obtain more information about benefits, contact your local CVSO.