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- VA Loan Benefits
- GI Bill Benefits
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Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty
(also referred to as MGIB)
Eligibility for GI Bill Benefits
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) - Active Duty provides a program of education benefits that may
be used while on active duty or after separation from active duty. Veterans must receive a
fully honorable military discharge for the period of service on which MGIB eligibility is
based. Discharges "under honorable conditions" and "general" discharges do not
establish eligibility. Veterans who do not receive a qualifying discharge from one
period of service may qualify based on a discharge from another qualifying period
of service.
All participants must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before
applying for benefits. Completing 12 hours toward a college degree before applying for
benefits also meets this requirement. Under previous law, veterans were required to
meet the high school requirement before they completed initial active duty for training.
Those who didn't may now meet the requirement and apply or reapply for benefits. If
eligible, they must use their benefits within 10 years from the date of last discharge
from active duty or by Nov. 2, 2010, whichever is later.
Additionally, every veteran must establish eligibility under one of the following
four categories:
Period of Eligibility
GI Bill eligibility generally expires 10 years after discharge or release from active duty.
However, there are exceptions for disability, re-entering active duty, and for upgraded
discharges.
GI Bill Payments
For training in college, technical or vocational school, eligible veterans qualify to
receive the following monthly rates for full-time training, effective Oct. 1, 2005:
$1,034 a month if they qualify for MGIB benefits based on active duty for three continuous
years or more or active duty for two continuous years plus four years in the Selected
Reserve, or $840 a month if they qualify for MGIB benefits based on active duty of
less than three years. Benefits are reduced for part-time training. Payments for
other types of training follow different rules. For complete rates, visit
www.gibill.va.gov.
VA will pay an additional amount, commonly called a "kicker" or the "college fund"
if directed by the Department of Defense. Eligibility is based on occupational
specialties and is generally established upon the servicemember's recruitment
into active duty. Servicemembers potentially eligible under Category 1
(or originally eligible under Category 1 but subsequently eligible under Category 3
because of the reason for discharge) can make additional contributions
before leaving active duty to receive a higher rate of benefits.
The maximum number of months veterans can receive MGIB benefits is 36 months at the
full-time rate or the part time equivalent. The following groups qualify for the maximum:
- Eligible veterans who served the required length of active duty,
- Eligible veterans with an obligation of three years or more who were separated early for the convenience of the government and served 30 continuous months,
- Eligible veterans with an obligation of less than three years who were separated early for the convenience of the government and served 20 continuous months.
Training Available
The following types of training are available under the Montgomery GI Bill:
- Courses at colleges and universities leading to associate, bachelor or graduate degrees, including accredited independent study, which may be offered through distance education;
- Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational schools;
- Apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs for individuals not on active duty, including self employment training begun on or after June 16, 2004, necessary for ownership or operation of a franchise;
- Correspondence courses, under certain conditions;
- Flight training, if the veteran holds a private pilot's license upon beginning the training program and meets the medical requirements;
- State-approved teacher certification programs;
- Preparatory courses necessary for admission to a college or graduate school; and
- Licensing and certification tests approved for veterans.
Additional MGIB Benefits
- Accelerated payment of MGIB benefits is available to those enrolled in certain high-cost programs leading to employment in the technology industry.
- Transfer of entitlement to dependents is currently provided by the U.S. Air Force in limited circumstances.
- Tutorial assistance allowance is available for individual tutoring if training in school at one-half time or more. A maximum benefit will apply.
- Tuition Assistance Top-Up provides for payment to an individual for the difference between the tuition assistance amount paid by the military component and the total cost of tuition and approved charges.
Work-Study
Veterans may be eligible for a work-study program in which they work for VA and
receive hourly wages. Veterans must train at the three-quarter or full-time rate.
The types of work allowed include:
- Outreach services for VA and State Approving Agencies;
- VA paperwork;
- Work at national or state veterans' cemeteries;
- Work at VA medical centers or state veterans homes; and
- Other VA approved activities.
Counseling
VA counseling is available to help MGIB participants assess their educational and
vocational strengths and weaknesses. Counseling is also available to help plan
education or employment goals. Additionally, individuals not eligible for the
MGIB may still receive VA counseling beginning 180 days prior to separation
from active duty through the first full year following honorable discharge.
Education Topics of Interest:
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