The highly popular Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Grant program is designed to help pay for higher education and training for qualified applicants. These grants provide monthly cash payments for up to 36 months.
If you qualify, you can use these VA education benefits to pay for school-related expenses, such as:
- Tuition and fees,
- School supplies, and
- Room and board.
You could also qualify for an additional $5,400 in GI bill benefits via the $600 Buy-Up Program. Veterans who participate in this program elect to set more money aside, which results in a higher monthly benefit from the VA.
To qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a U.S. veteran
- Have an honorable discharge
- Meet qualification requirements in one of four different program categories (discussed below)
All four categories require applicants to possess a high school diploma or equivalency degree, or a minimum of twelve hours of college credits. You must also have served in active duty for a minimum of 10 years.
Category 1 Requirements
- You began your active duty service after June 30, 1985
- Your military pay was reduced by $100 per month for your first 12 months
- You served without pause for either three years, two years (if agreed when enlisting) or four years (if active in the Selected Reserve program w/in one year after ending active duty)
Category 2 Requirements
- You began your active duty service after January 1, 1977
- If your service began after January 2, 1978, you can still qualify if you participated in the delayed enlistment program before January 1, 1977
- You served a minimum of one day between October 19, 1984, and June 30, 1985
- You maintained active duty status through June 30, 1988
- If your service began after June 30, 1985, you can still qualify if you participated in the Selected Reserve program within one year after ending active duty (a minimum four years Selected Reserve service is also required)
- Your Vietnam Era GI Bill (Chapter 34) entitlement had a minimum of one day remaining as of December 31, 1989
Category 3 Requirements
- You do not meet the requirements of Categories 1 or 2
- Your military pay was reduced by $1,200 prior to separation
- Your active duty status was active September 30, 1990, but you were involuntarily separated post-February 2, 1991
Category 4 Requirements
- Your military pay was reduced by $100 per month for the first 12 months of service, or you made a lump-sum contribution of $1,200
- Your active duty status was relevant on September 30, 1990, but you were involuntarily separated post-February 2, 1991
