GI Bill Education Benefits

Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training. Veterans and their dependents may qualify for GI Bill benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty or the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve.

How to access this benefit

When applying for GI Bill benefits, determine whether you are eligible for the GI Bill. If you are eligible, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Social Security number (required)
• Military history (required)
• Basic information about the school or training facility you plan to attend (required)
• Bank account direct deposit information
• Education history

Use the VA’s online GI Bill® Comparison Tool to learn what benefits you can expect to receive for the school you plan to attend. Then, you can apply online, in person at a VA Regional Office or by mail.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) may help you pay for school or job training. If you’ve served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may be able to get 48 months of VA education benefits. Many applicants are eligible for only 36 months.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill can assist with:

• Tuition and fees. If you qualify for the maximum benefit, the Department of Veterans Affairs will cover the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees. The VA caps the rates for private and foreign schools, and updates those rates each year.
• Money for housing (if you’re in school more than half the time). The VA bases your monthly housing allowance on the cost of living at your school’s location.
• Money for books and supplies. You can receive up to the maximum stipend per school year.
• Money to help you move from a rural area to go to school. You may qualify for a one-time payment if you live in a county with six or fewer people per square mile. You must also be either moving at least 500 miles to attend school or have no option but to fly by plane to get to school.

How to access this benefit

Start by finding out if you are eligible for VA education benefits. If you are, gather the required documents and information and apply. Find out if your school or training program is eligible by using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool. When you’re ready, apply online, by mail, in person at a VA regional office or with the help of a trained professional.

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty can help you pay for education and training programs. If you’ve served at least two years on active duty, you may qualify for the MGIB-AD program.

The amount you receive depends on:

• Your length of service
• The type of education or training program you choose
• Your category
• Whether you qualify for a college fund or kicker
• How much you’ve paid into the Buy-Up program

You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB-AD benefits, but this may change depending on your situation.

How to access this benefit

To access the MGIB-AD benefit, the Department of Veterans Affairs must first approve the program.  You can find approved programs through the GI Bill® Comparison Tool. Or contact the VA through Ask VA. If the program is approved, you need to submit an Application for VA Benefits (VA Form 22-1990) online.

Once approved, your school or training program will need to certify your enrollment. You’ll need to verify your enrollment at the end of each month to keep receiving payments. You can verify your enrollment online through the Web Automated Verification system (called “WAVE”) or by phone by calling 877-823-2378 (TTY: 711).

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits. You may be eligible if you’re a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard or Air National Guard.

The amount you will receive depends on:

• The type of education or training you’re getting
• How many courses you’re taking
• How far along you are in your on-the-job training or apprenticeship program

You can receive benefits until your eligibility period ends or you use all of your entitlement, whichever comes first.

How to access this benefit

To access the MGIB-SR benefit, get your Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384-1) from your unit. Then make sure that the Department of Veterans Affairs has approved the program.  You can find approved programs through the GI Bill® Comparison Tool or contact the VA through Ask VA.

If the program is approved, you need to submit an Application for VA Benefits (VA Form 22-1990). If you have not started in the program, complete this online. If you have started, download the form, take your application and your Notice of Basic Entitlement to your school or employer. Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999 and send all three forms to the VA.

Once approved, your school or training program will need to certify your enrollment. You’ll then need to verify your enrollment at the end of each month to keep receiving payments. You can verify your enrollment online through the Web Automated Verification system (called “WAVE”) or by phone by calling 877-823-2378 (TTY: 711).

• • $600 Montgomery GI Bill Buy-Up program
  • Application for VA Benefits (VA Form 22-1990)
  • Ask VA
  • Download VA Form 22-1990
  • Find VA Locations
  • GI Bill and Other Education Benefit Eligibility
  • Get Help Filing Your Claim or Appeal
  • GI Bill® Comparison Tool
  • GI Bill WAVE
  • How to Apply for the GI Bill and Related Benefits