There are many things for veterans to consider before choosing which benefit to receive and whether to participate in the Active-Duty or Reserve GI Bill® programs.
There are several types of training that can be taken using the 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 explore the VA Road Map To Success.
Amount of Benefits Offered Under Each Program
The amount of benefits and the money a veteran will receive is a very important factors to consider before selecting a benefit. While some veterans may receive more money under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, that is not always the case. The Post- 9/11 benefits are paid on a percentage basis, which is determined by the length of active duty service since September 11, 2001.
Under all other GI Bill® programs, veterans will receive a monthly payment at a rate set by Congress that does not vary based on expenses. A more exact breakdown for each benefit and level of enrollment:
- MGIB for Active Duty Payment Rates
- 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 veterans receive payment for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®) are less than the payment received 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 half-time or less.
- Veterans who participated in the $600 buy-up under the Montgomery GI Bill® or REAP will not receive the additional benefit under the Post -9/11 GI Bill®.
Additional Veterans Educational Assistance Programs
Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act (Chapter 33):
The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act signed into law on June 30, 2008, took effect on August 1, 2009. The new chapter provides up to 36 months of educational benefits for qualifying veterans. A veteran who has served a total of at least 90 consecutive days on active duty in the Armed Forces since September 11, 2001, is eligible. However, the number of benefits received under the program is determined by the actual amount of accumulated post-9/11 services. To be eligible for the full benefit, a veteran must have three years of active duty after 9/11 or have been discharged due to service-connected duty.
Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB)
Service members enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® program will be able to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children starting August 1, 2009.
Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (CHAPTER 30):
The MGIB-AD program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit 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. Benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty.
Montgomery GI Bill® Selective Reserve (CHAPTER 1606):
The MGIB-SR program may be available to those who are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army and Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may also be approved under certain circumstances.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (CHAPTER 1607)
REAP (Chapter 1607) is an educational program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and National Guard, who are called to active service.
Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (CHAPTER 32)
VEAP (Chapter 32) is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit 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.
Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (CHAPTER 35)
Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance provide education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (CHAPTER 31)
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. The mission of VR&E is to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. Also, Veteran Readiness and Employment provides vocational-educational counseling to veterans and certain dependents. VR&E can provide a wide range of vocational and educational counseling services to service members still on active duty, as well as veterans and dependents who are eligible for one of the VA’s educational benefit programs.
VA Work-Study Benefit
The Federal Work-Study Program offers employment to those attending a college or university.
Students must be:
- Enrolled at least three-quarters time (9-11 credit hours)
- Pursuing a program of education or training under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606 or 1607
The monetary allowance is equal to the prevailing Federal minimum wage and is non-taxable.
Monthly Attendance Verification
Monthly attendance verification is required for Chapter 33, Chapter 30, and Chapter 1606/1607. Veterans must verify their monthly enrollment before the next GI Bill® payment will be issued.
Students must verify their attendance on the last day of the month
For Chapter 33:
Call the toll-free number and follow the instructions: (888) 442-4551 or opt-in via text message
Students must verify their attendance on the last day of the month
For Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606/1607:
Call the toll-free number and follow the instructions: (877) 823-2378
Visiting the VA website and selecting the link: Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)
The verification is complete when the system indicates that the student is certified.
Recertification
To continue receiving VA Education Benefits, qualifying enrolled students must submit the Request for Certification of VA Educational Benefits form for each semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) enrolled. This form can be found in Workday under the Student Finance Hub, TCC College Forms > Financial Aid.
Money Saving Tips
Veterans should have all official transcripts from previous colleges and service branches sent to TCC's Office of Admissions and Records for evaluation, before beginning any classes. Many students waste valuable time and money taking classes that are unnecessary duplications of previous courses because they sign up before their military and prior college transcripts are completely evaluated.