Information on this page is taken from the Department of Veteran Affairs website, which is the authoritative source for all veterans benefits. Visit the Veterans Benefits Administration site or call Toll-Free 1.888.442.4551 for more information.
What Is the Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve?
The Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve is an education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. It is the first program that doesn't require a person to serve on active duty in the regular Armed Forces to qualify.
An eligible reservist may get education benefits while in a program approved for VA training. For information about the types of training available, call the toll-free number listed at the bottom of the page.
Who Is Eligible?
- You may be considered an eligible reservist or National Guard member if:
- after June 30, 1985, you signed a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve, AND
- you completed your Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT), AND
- you got your High School Diploma or GED before you completed your IADT, AND
- you are in good standing in a drilling Selected Reserve unit
If you stay in the Selected Reserves, benefits generally end 10 years from the date you became eligible for the program if you became eligible before October 1, 1992. Benefits generally end 14 years from the date you became eligible if you became eligible on or after October 1, 1992. Your period of eligibility may be extended, if you were unable to train because of a service-related disability. Typically, your eligibility ends when you leave the Selected Reserves.
Note: If you are an officer in the Selected Reserve OR if you entered active duty from the Selected Reserve after November 29, 1989, call the toll-free number below for additional eligibility requirements.
How Much Does VA Pay?
The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training. If you are attending school, your payment is based on your training time (i.e. full time, half time, etc.). View the current rate tables.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government Website.