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Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits - Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)

The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is one of the four major education and training programs available to veterans. MGIB-SR is also known as Chapter 1606 benefits.

Eligibility

The Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve) provides education benefits to members of the reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and to members of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. To be eligible for the program, a reservist must: (1) have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985, or, if an officer, agree to serve six years in addition to the original obligation; (2) complete Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT); (3) meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT [You may not use 12 hours toward a college degree to meet this requirement]; and (4) remain in good standing in a Selected Reserve unit.

Education and Training Available

Reservists may seek an undergraduate degree, go for graduate training, or take technical courses at colleges and universities. Flight training also is allowed. Those who have a six-year commitment beginning after Sept. 30, 1990, may take courses for a certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational schools; cooperative training; apprenticeship or on-the-job training; correspondence courses; independent study programs; flight training; tutorial assistance; remedial, refresher and other training; and state-approved certification programs for training alternate teachers.

Period of Eligibility

If a reservist stays in the Selected Reserve, benefits generally end 10 years from the date the reservist became eligible for the program. VA may extend the 10-year period if the individual could not train due to a disability caused by Selected Reserve service. Benefits generally end upon separation from the Selected Reserve. However, if a reservist separates because of a disability, the individual may use the full 10 years. VA may also extend the 10-year period if the reservist was ordered to active duty.

Individuals separated from the Selected Reserve due to downsizing of the military between Oct. 1, 1991, and Sept. 30, 1999, have the full 10 years to use their benefits. If the 10-year period ends while the participant is attending school, VA will pay benefits until the end of the term. If the training is not on a term basis, payments may continue for 12 weeks.

Effective October 1, 2002 the delimiting date for certain Selected Reservists training under the Montgomery GI BILL was extended from the previous 10 years to 14 years. This change applies only to persons who became eligible for the Montgomery GI BILL - Selected Reserve (chapter 1606) on or after October 1, 1992.

You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits. Your benefit entitlement ends 14 years from the date of your eligibility for the program, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve.

One exception to this rule exists if you are mobilized (or recalled to active duty from your reserve status); in this case your eligibility may be extended for the amount of time you are mobilized PLUS four months. For example, if you are mobilized for 12 months your eligibility period is extended for 16 months (12 months active duty PLUS 4 months.) So even if you leave the reserves after mobilization, you may have additional eligibility to the MGIB-SR.

Work-Study

Participants may be paid a work-study allowance if they train at the three-quarter or full-time rate. They may elect to be paid in advance a portion of the allowance equal to 40 percent of the total. Participants under the supervision of a VA employee may provide VA outreach services, prepare and process VA paperwork, and work at a VA medical facility or perform other VA approved activities. They may also help at national or state veterans' cemeteries in addition to assisting in outreach services furnished by State Approving Agencies. MGIB Selected Reserve participants may also perform activities relating to the administration of MGIB benefits at Department of Defense, Coast Guard, or National Guard facilities.

Counseling

Educational and vocational counseling may be available for individuals who are eligible for VA educational assistance; who are on active duty and within 180 days of discharge; or who have been discharged one year or less. VA will help these individuals understand their educational and vocational strengths and weaknesses and plan an educational or vocational goal.

Payments

Effective October 1, 2009 the full-time rate is $333 a month for 36 months, and changes annually. Rates are lower for Apprenticeship and On-Job training, or for less than full-time training programs.

NOTE: Additional information for school officials, veterans and dependents can be found on VA's Education Services Web page at http://www.gibill.va.gov/, or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Source

Some information for this topic was drawn from the VA website at:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm

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