Montgomery GI Bill Overview
The GI Bill became law in 1944 to help World War II veterans pay for college educations and secure no-interest loans to buy homes and start businesses. In 1985, the GI Bill was updated and renamed the Montgomery GI Bill. It is available today for reserve and current service members.
Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Program
The Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Program pays benefits at a set monthly rate for the time you are enrolled at a qualified college. Your benefits will vary based on the type of training you wish to receive, as well as the length of your enlistment and enrollment status in college. Visit the GI Bill website for more information on benefits.
Montgomery Bill Eligibility
To be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, you must have received an honorable discharge and have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. You must also meet the requirements of one of the categories below:
| |
Category 1 |
Category 2 |
Category 3 |
Category 4 |
| Active Duty Start Date |
Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985 |
Entered active duty before January 1, 1977 |
Not eligible for Montgomery GI Bill under Category 1 or 2 |
Not eligible for Montgomery GI Bill under Category 1 or 2 |
| Active Duty Requirements |
Continuously served for three years
OR
served two years if that is what you first enlisted for
OR
served two years if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served four years ("2 by 4" Program) |
Served at least 1 day between 10/19/84 and 6/30/85
AND
stayed on active duty through 6/30/88 (or 6/30/87 if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served four years) |
On active duty on 9/30/90
AND
separated involuntarily after 2/2/91
OR
involuntarily separated on or after 11/30/93
OR
voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program |
On active duty on 10/9/96
AND
had money remaining in a Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) cross-link account on that date
AND
elected Montgomery GI Bill by 10/9/97
OR
entered full-time National Guard duty under Title 32, USC, between 7/1/85 and 11/28/89
AND
elected Montgomery GI Bill during the period from 10/9/96 through 7/8/97 |
| Contributions / Entitlement |
Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months |
Had entitlement left from Vietnam-Era GI Bill on 12/31/89, you |
Had military pay reduced by $1,200 before separation |
Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1,200 lump-sum contribution |
To apply for the Montgomery GI Bill, complete VA Form 22-1990.
Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Program
The MGIB-SR Program pays benefits at a set monthly rate for the time you are receiving an education. If eligible, your benefits will vary based on the type of training you wish to receive, as well as your enrollment status in college.
Here is a chart of benefits.
The following must be met for eligibility:
- You must have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year commitment that begins after September 30, 1990.
- You must complete your initial active duty for training (IADT).
- You must have received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. You may not use 12 hours toward a college degree to meet this requirement.
- You must remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.
If you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty (MGIB-AD), you are only entitled to the benefits from one of the programs. Here's a comparison of both programs to help you choose which one is best for you.