The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) offers education benefits to eligible military members who served on active duty. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, it provides financial assistance for various education and training programs, covering up to 36 months. Service members with two or more periods of active duty may be eligible for up to 48 months.
Benefits depend on factors such as service length and contributions made. Introduced in 1984, it's a separate program from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which was added later.
Veterans must apply through the VA, providing service documentation.
Note: The Department of Veterans Affairs will phase out the Montgomery GI Bill beginning in 2030.
Montgomery GI Bill Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, service members or veterans must meet the following requirements:
- Character of discharge. To use the Montgomery GI Bill after you're separated from active duty, your discharge must be fully honorable. Discharges "under honorable conditions" and "general" discharges don't establish eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill. Note: If you had more than one enlistment and received an "honorable" discharge from at least one of them, you may be eligible, regardless of your final discharge status.
- High school completion. You must obtain a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before you apply for benefits. Completing 12 hours toward a college degree before you apply for benefits also meets this requirement.
Additional Montgomery GI Bill Requirements
In addition to the requirements above, beneficiaries of the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty or Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve must meet requirements from one of the four categories below.
If you entered active duty before July 1, 1985, skip Category 1. You may only qualify under Categories 2, 3 or 4.
Category 1
- Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985
- Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months
- Continuously served for three years, or two years if that is what you first enlisted for, or two years if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served four years ("2 by 4" Program)
Category 2
- Entered active duty before Jan. 1, 1977
- Served at least one day between Oct. 19, 1984, and June 30, 1985, and stayed on active duty through June 30, 1988, (or June 30, 1987, if you entered Selected Reserve within one year of leaving active duty and served four years).
- On Dec. 31, 1989, you had entitlement left from the Vietnam Era GI Bill.
Category 3
- Not eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill under Category 1 or 2
- On active duty on Sept. 30, 1990, AND separated involuntarily after Feb. 2, 1991
- OR involuntarily separated on or after Nov. 30, 1993
- OR voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program
- Before separation, you had military pay reduced by $1,200
Category 4
- On active duty on Oct. 9, 1996, AND you had money remaining in a Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) account on that date AND you elected the Montgomery GI Bill by Oct. 9, 1997
- OR entered full-time National Guard duty under Title 32, United States Code, between July 1, 1985, and Nov. 28, 1989, AND you elected the Montgomery GI Bill during the period from Oct. 9, 1996, through July 8, 1997
- Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1,200 lump-sum contribution
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 Montgomery GI Bill Fund (called "kickers"). You usually have 10 years to use your Montgomery GI Bill benefits, but the time limit can be less or more under certain circumstances.
You can apply on the VA's website. Call toll free 888-GI-BILL-1 for more information.
Montgomery GI Bill Eligibility Time Frame
For those who left the military prior to Jan. 1, 2013, the Montgomery GI Bill has a time limit or expiration date. Once you have left the service, you have 10 years to use it. Any benefit remaining after the 10th anniversary is lost, and you will also lose your $1,200 initial contribution.
Original Enrollment Process
The following details explain how an individual is originally enrolled for the Montgomery GI Bill.
- Enlisted service members are automatically enrolled at their first duty station (i.e., basic training, direct duty).
- The option to disenroll must occur during a 90-day window that begins 180 days after a recruit enters initial training.
- The member's DD Form 2366 (enrollment/disenrollment form) is initiated at the Military Entrance and Processing Station (MEPS), but it must be finalized after the Montgomery GI Bill briefing, which will take place within 270 days of entering active duty.
- Officers are not automatically enrolled. They must enroll/disenroll prior to Officer Basic Course (OBC) (within three working days of entering active duty).
- Individuals entering active duty for the first time (excluding active duty for training, or ADT) from the Selected Reserve are not automatically enrolled. The first duty station must ensure the individual has the opportunity to enroll/disenroll.
- Disenrollment is a one-time, irrevocable decision.
- Enrollment:
- Individual signs a statement of understanding, Department of Defense Form 2366, that they agree to a $100/month reduction in pay during the first 12 months of active service.
- Monies reduced are not taxable and not refundable.
- Monies reduced cannot be stopped or suspended.
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
