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® - Active Duty?
The Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty, called "MGIB" for short, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for:
- College, Business, Technical or Vocational school
- On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Program
- Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases)
- The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job
- Tuition Assistance: “Top-Up”
- Correspondence Courses
- Flight Training (in some cases)
- National Tests
Note: VA does not approve schools or programs for benefits. Each individual state approves schools and courses. To find out if your school or program is approved for VA educational benefits under MGIB, contact your school’s VA Certifying Official, or call VA at the toll-free number below.
Who Is Eligible?
If you are currently in service, you may be eligible after two years of active duty. Please consult with the Education Services Officer at your installation, or call the toll-free number below, for information about your eligibility.
If you are separated from service, you may be an eligible veteran if you:
- Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985
- Received a high school diploma or equivalent (or, in some cases, 12 hours of college credit) before the end of your first obligated period of service
- Received an honorable discharge
- Continuously served for 3 years, OR 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR 2 years if you have an obligation to serve four years in the Selected Reserve AND entered Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty
Note: Different rules apply if you entered active duty before July 1, 1985, and in certain other cases. Call the toll-free number below for more information.
How Much Does VA Pay?
The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DoD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers"). Typically, you have ten years to use your MGIB benefits. 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.