Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty - Chapter 30
All of the information on this page is located at the Department of Veterans Affairs website http://gibill.va.gov/post-911/
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
The Montgomery GI Bill program (also known as Chapter 30) provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer in others, depending on the circumstance. See payment rates.
$600 Buy-up Program
Service members may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits. For an additional $600 contribution, individuals may receive up to $5400 in additional GI Bill benefits. The additional contribution must be made while on active duty. Personnel or payroll offices can provide additional information.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible, a veteran must have an Honorable Discharge, a High School Diploma or GED or in some cases 12 hours of college credit, and must meet the requirements of one of the categories below:
CATEGORY I
- Entered active duty after June 30, 1985
- Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for the first 12 months
- Continuously served for 3 years, OR 2 years if that is what he/she first enlisted for, OR 2 years if he/she entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served 4 years ("2 by 4" Program)
CATEGORY II
- Entered active duty before January 1, 1977
- Served at least 1 day between 10/19/84 and 6/30/85, and stayed on active duty through 6/30/88, (or 6/30/87 if you entered the Selected Reserve within 1 year of leaving active duty and served 4 years)
- Had entitlement left from Vietnam-Era GI Bill on 12/31/89
CATEGORY III
- Not eligible for MGIB under Category I or II
- On active duty on 9/30/90 AND separated involuntarily after 2/2/91,
- OR involuntarily separated on or after 11/30/93,
- OR voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program
- had military pay reduced by $1200 before separation
CATEGORY IV
- On active duty on 10/9/96 AND had money remaining in a VEAP account on that date AND elected MGIB by 10/9/97
- OR entered full-time National Guard duty under title 32, USC, between 7/1/85, and 11/28/89 AND elected MGIB during the period 10/9/96, through 7/8/97
- Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1200 lump-sum contribution
How Much Does VA Pay?
The monthly benefit is based on:
• Type of training taken
• Length of service
• Category
• Whether or not DOD put extra money into an individual's MGIB Fund ("kickers").
How Can I Apply?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits or go to http://gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application/
How Can I Get More Information?
General Information
Factsheet (MS Word)
Call toll free 1.888.442.4551
