Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Benefits, Eligibility & New Rates

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is a benefit provided to military members and veterans and is designed to assist with financial needs associated with education and training costs. The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program provides educational and training benefits for a duration of up to 36 months.  Eligibility for this program extends to individuals serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve, as well as those in the Army National Guard or Air National Guard. 

Members of the aforementioned military branches may access these benefits to further their education and vocational training.  Potential applicants need to verify their eligibility for the MGIB-SR program.  Interested individuals should seek information regarding qualification criteria to determine their access to these educational benefits. 

Benefits offered by the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

• The Montgomery GI Bill–Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR or Chapter 1606) offers a monthly financial stipend for up to 36 months to individuals currently serving in the Reserves and National Guard. 
• To qualify for this benefit, service members must commit to a six-year enlistment, with an additional six years required for officers, along with the successful completion of initial active duty training (IADT). 
• Eligibility is contingent upon the specific reserve component, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for disbursing the payments. 
• Some service members may receive a GI Bill incentive, known as a “kicker,” which supplements their monthly MGIB-SR payments; this can be verified through their contract or service agreement. 
• Since the MGIB-SR does not cover tuition expenses, it can be utilized concurrently with other educational benefits such as the Wisconsin GI Bill Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant, or Military Tuition Assistance. 

Eligibility

• If the applicants want to avail the benefits under the MGIB-SR program, then they must have a 6-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve, or be an officer in the Selected Reserve with an additional 6-year service agreement.
• Your service obligation must have started after June 30, 1985, or after September 30, 1990 for certain types of training.
• You need to complete your initial active duty for training (IADT).
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent before finishing IADT.
• You must maintain good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.

How rates are being calculated?

Basically, applicant’s monthly payment is determined by two main factors:

The type of education or training they are pursuing, the number of courses they are enrolled in, or their progress in their on-the-job training or apprenticeship. They might receive a lower monthly rate if any of the following apply:

• They are taking fewer courses than what the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs defines as full-time
• Their weekly clock hours are below our full-time standard, or
• If the applicants are participating in on-the-job training, or
• They are in an apprenticeship program. Note: If you qualify for a kicker,
• Their monthly payment may exceed the full-time enrollment rate, as the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs will include the kicker amount in your payment.

Updated MGIB-SR Rates

The monthly fees are applicable for courses offered at educational institutions such as colleges and universities along with non-universities, training and apprentice programs, and other training. The figures provided represent the cost for a complete month of enrollment. The applicants will receive a portion of the total monthly fee depending on the number of days they are enrolled in that particular month. This type of payment is known as prorated payment. For instance, if their classes commence on the 20th, they will be compensated for 10 days of enrollment in that month, equating to 1/3 of the monthly fee.