For questions about these programs or how to receive your benefits click on the links below or contact the VA at www.gibill.va.gov or by calling the toll-free number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
The Post 9/11 GI BILL (Chapter 33)
The Post 9/11 GI Bill is for veterans, current service members, and military family members based on the service member completing at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. This benefit pays in-state tuition rate and required fees directly to the school. For those attending private or foreign schools tuition and fees are capped at the national maximum rate. For students attending a more expensive private school or a public school as a non-resident out-of-state student, a program exists which may help to reimburse the difference. Additionally, students will receive a payment of up to $1,000 annually ($41.67 per credit hour) for books and supplies and monthly housing allowance based on the DoD Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for E-5's with dependents*. The amount of this benefit varies from 40% to 100% depending on length of active duty service.
*Amount varies annually.
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30)
The Montgomery GI Bill is for individuals who have served on active duty. Benefits are provided up to 36 months and generally must be used within 10 years of discharge. This bill can be applied for prior to discharge. The monthly benefit paid is based on the length and category of service. Monthly W.A.V.E. (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) verification is needed to receive payments.
Montgomery GI
The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Reservist may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of educational benefits. Benefit entitlement ends 14 years from the date of eligibility for the program, or on the day personnel leave the Selected Reserve. One exception to this rule exists if the reservist is mobilized; their eligibility may be extended for the amount of time mobilized PLUS four months. Therefore, even if the service member leaves the reserves after mobilization, they may have additional eligibility remaining in the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). Monthly W.A.V.E. (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) verification is needed to received payments.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, Chapter 1607)
The Reserve Educational Assistance Program is a Department of Defense program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the reserve components ordered to active duty in response to a war or a national emergency declared by the President or Congress. These components include Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army IRR (Army Individual Ready Reserve), Air Force IRR, Navy IRR and Marine Corps IRR. This program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for educational benefits or eligible for increased benefits. A member ordered to active service while serving in the reserve component remains entitled to benefits under REAP only by continuing to serve in the reserve component. Entitlement under REAP is 36 months. There is a 48-month limitation when combining this benefit with one or more education programs. Monthly W.A.V.E. verification is needed to receive payments.
Survivors and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA, Chapter 35)
Dependent's Educational Assistance provided education and training opportunities to eligible dependents or certain veterans. Dependents receive up to 45 months of full-time benefits. Children generally are eligible for benefits between the ages of 18 and 26.
Vocational Rehabilitation Education Assistance Program (VR&E, Chapter 31)
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is for veterans who have a service-connected disability. A Veteran who is eligible for an evaluation under Chapter 31 must first apply for services and receive an appointment with their local Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E services may be used is 12 years from the date of separation from active military service or 12 years from the date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating. This benefit pays the school directly for the student's books, tuition, and fees.