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Chapter 30
Montgomery GI Bill --Active Duty

What is the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty?

The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, called "MGIB" for short, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for:

  • College,  Business, Technical or Vocational School
  • Apprenticeship/Job Taining
  • Correspondence Courses
  • Flight Training (in some cases)

Who is Eligibile?

You may be an eligible veteran if you received an Honorable Discharge, AND you have the equivalent of High School Diploma or GED or, in some cases, 12 hours of college credit, AND you meet the requirements of one of the categories below:

 
  • Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, AND
 
  • Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months AND
Category IA
  • Continuously served for 3 year, OR
Category IB
  • 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR
Category IC
  • 2 years if you entered Selected Reserve within a year of leaving     active dury and served 4 years ("2X4" program)
 

Note: If you were on active duty between 12/01/88 and 06/30/89, AND withdrew your election not to participate in MGIB and had your military pay reduced, you may be eligible under Category I. Call the toll-free number for details. 1-888-442-4551.
 
  • Entered active duty beforre January 1, 1977 AND
 
  • On 12/31/89, you had entitlement left on Vietnam Era GI Bill, AND
Category IIA
  • Served at least 1 day betwen 10/19/84 and 06/30/85, and stayed on active duty through 06/30/88, OR
Category IIB
  • 06/30/87 if you entered Selected Reserve within 1 year of leaving active duty and served 4 years OR
Category IIC
  • Was not on active duty 10/19/84. Reenlists or reenters after 10/19/84 and served 3 continuous years at any time on or after 07/01/85, OR
Category IID
  • Was not on active duty 10/19/84. Reenlists or reenters after 10/19/84 and served 2 continuous years at any time on or after 07/01/85 and entered Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served 4 years.
Category III
  • Not eligible for MGIB under Category I or II
 
  • On active duty on 09/30/90 AND separated involuntarily after 02/02/91, OR involuntarily separated on on after 11/30/93, OR voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program
 
  • Before separation, you had military pay reduced by $1,200

IFYOU ARE ON ACTIVE DUTY, you should consult with the Education Services Officer at your installation, or call the toll-free number below, for information about your eligibility.

How Much Does VA Pay?

The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DoD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers").  You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances.

How Can I Apply?

You an apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits.

For More Information Call Toll-Free

1-888-442-4551

 

Last Updated May 2, 2007