Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30): Military Educational Benefits

As a military member, you may be wondering if the military will pay for college. Well, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs offers a military educational benefit called the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) Active-Duty (MGIB-AD) to assist with the cost of educational programs. Examples of such programs include:

• college degree programs
• on-the-job training
• vocational flight training
• licensing or certification test reimbursement

The program is available to veterans and others with an honorable discharge status that have served two to four years of service depending on individual situations. Other requirements also apply.

How To Apply for the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)

Veterans can apply for the Montgomery GI Bill by determining eligibility, making sure their learning program is approved, gathering appropriate documents, and submitting an application. More about each step is in the information below.

Determine Eligibility

Veterans with a high school diploma or 12 hours of college credit who meet specific requirements for prior active-duty service can apply for the Montgomery GI Bill. Specific requirements pertain to the following:

• length of continuous service
• date of service entry
• military pay reduction
• service in the National Guard

Veterans who apply for the GI Bill benefit will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or denial letter. The COE letter provides details such as the months of education benefits and amount of payment.

Make Sure Your Program Is Approved

Veterans interested in applying for the Montgomery GI Bill can make sure the educational or training program is approved for benefits using the GI Bill comparison tool. The tool is available on the VA website.

Programs without approval are not eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill benefit. However, students can request a program to be approved through the financial aid office at the school that offers the program.

Gather the Proper Documentation Before Applying

Gathering the proper documentation before applying is important for making the application process easy. The following documentation will help applicants:

• bank routing and account information
• basic information about the school
• educational and military history
• Social Security number

Submit an Application Online or by Mail

Veterans can submit VA Form 22-1990 online on the VA.gov website to apply for the Montgomery GI Bill Active-Duty benefit. The form is also available to download, or the US Department of Veteran Affairs can mail the application form for submission by mail.

Another way to submit VA Form 22-1990 is in person at a VA regional office. Trained professionals are available for anyone who needs help applying.

FAQs About Montgomery GI Bill Benefits

More information about Montgomery GI Bill benefits is available in the FAQs below.

How Will I Receive the Montgomery GI Bill Benefits?

Montgomery GI Bill benefits are paid directly to the applicant in monthly payments.

How Much Will I Receive from the Montgomery GI Bill?

The amount one receives depends on the amount of time served, the type of learning program, and full time or part time enrollment. Veterans who served at least three years of active duty without a break may receive between $478.25 to $2,358 per month.

Veterans who are in the $600 Montgomery GI Bill buy-up program or have a kicker or college fund receive money each month. The VA does not typically award funds without an enrollment certification from the school of the educational program.

What Other VA Educational Benefits Am I Eligible For?

There are other educational benefits for veterans. See a few educational benefit programs below:

• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• National Call To Service program
• Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance program (VEAP)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment

Can My Children or Spouse Receive VA Educational Benefits?

The children of veterans may be eligible for a VA educational benefit. However, only surviving spouses of a veteran or service member are eligible to apply for benefits. VA educational benefits for children and surviving spouses include:

• Fry Scholarship
• Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance
• transferred education benefits through a Transfer of Entitlement