Guidance For Choosing Between GI Bill Programs

There are many things to consider before choosing which benefit you wish to receive and whether or not to participate in the Active-Duty or Reserve GI Bill programs.  Consider the following most important factors when making your choice:

• The Type of Training You Plan on Taking
• The Amount you Will Get Under Each Benefit
• Other Factors to Consider

The type of training offered through GI Bill Program

There are several types of training that can be taken using your Montgomery GI Bill benefits.  These include college (undergraduate, graduate), certificate programs, on-the-job-training, apprenticeship training, flight training, and non-college degree courses.  For the  Post 9/11 GI Bill training, please visit the VA Website . Go to Resources and click on Road Map To Success.

Amount of benefits offered under each program

The amount of benefits and the money you will receive is very important facto you will need to consider before selecting a benefit.  While you may think you will receive more money under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, that will not always be the case.  The Post- 9/11 benefits are paid on a percentage basis, which is determined by your length of active duty service since September 11, 2001.

Under all other GI Bill programs, you will receive a monthly payment at a rate set by Congress that does not vary based on your expenses.  The following links will give you more exact break down for each benefit and level of enrollment:

• MGIB for Active Duty Payment Rates (VA Website) click on Post 9/11 GI Bill and other Programs
• MGIB for Selected Reserve Payment Rates
• REAP Payment Rates
• Post-9/11, Chapter 33 Payment Rates

Other factors to consider:

• In some locations the costs of college and housing (which you would receive payment for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill) are less than the payment you would receive under the Montgomery GI Bill.
• Individuals eligible for a college fund under other GI Bill programs will continue to receive their college funds as before, unless they are attending classes at ½ time or less.
• If you participated in the $600 buy-up under the Montgomery GI Bill or REAP you will not receive that additional benefit under the Post -9/11 GI Bill.