Learn how GI Bill training programs can help you pay for books, supplies, and housing while you’re learning a trade or skill through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Find out how to get these education benefits.
Apprenticeships allow veterans to learn trades and develop vocational skills through on-the-job training. The GI Bill provides monthly stipends to help cover living expenses during an apprenticeship. But GI Bill apprenticeship pay is on a sliding scale that decreases over time. Understanding these pay rates helps veterans maximize their education benefits.
GI Bill Programs for Apprenticeships
The main GI Bill programs that offer benefits for apprenticeships are
- Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- Post 9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
Both MGIB programs pay a monthly stipend. The Post 9/11 GI Bill also covers books and supplies up to $1000 per year.
Montgomery GI Bill Pay Rates
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty pay rates for apprenticeships in 2023 are:
- $1,768.50 per month for the first 6 months
- $1,296.90 per month for the second 6 months
- $825.30 per month for remaining months
So the MGIB-AD payment decreases every 6 months as the apprenticeship progresses.
The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve pay rates are:
- $382.20 per month for the first 6 months
- $288.15 per month for the second 6 months
- $194.10 per month for remaining months
Post 9/11 GI Bill Housing Allowance
Those using the Post 9/11 GI Bill receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) instead of the set MGIB stipend. The BAH rate depends on location and is prorated based on training time.
The monthly housing allowance percentages for apprenticeships are:
- 100% of BAH for the first 6 months
- 80% of BAH for the second 6 months
- 60% of BAH for the third 6 months
- 40% of BAH for the fourth 6 months
- 20% of BAH for remaining months
So the Post 9/11 housing allowance also decreases over time.
Why GI Bill Payments Are Tiered
The decreasing pay structure recognizes that apprentices earn more from their employer as they gain skills. Beginning apprentices start at lower wages, so the GI Bill supplements income. But pay increases with proficiency, reducing dependence on GI Bill stipends.
The tiered system allows the GI Bill to cover more veterans entering vocational careers. Stretching these finite education funds expands access and opportunity.
Modeling Potential GI Bill Payments
Veterans can model potential GI Bill apprenticeship payments using the zip code of their work location. Here’s an example:
Post 9/11 GI Bill
BAH for Tampa, FL (zip 33602)
- 100% of $1,755 for first 6 months = $10,530
- 80% of $1,755 for second 6 months = $8,424
- 60% of $1,755 for third 6 months = $6,318
- 40% of $1,755 for fourth 6 months = $4,212
- 20% of $1,755 for remaining months = $2,106
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
- $1,768.50 per month for first 6 months = $10,611
- $1,296.90 per month for second 6 months = $7,781
- $825.30 per month for remaining months = $4,952
The Post 9/11 GI Bill would provide over $31,000 in housing allowance for a 36 month apprenticeship, while MGIB-AD would provide $23,344 in stipends.
Completing Paperwork and Applying
Veterans must complete some paperwork and application steps to start receiving GI Bill apprenticeship benefits:
- Enter a training contract agreement with the employer
- Submit VA Form 22-1999 to apply for benefits
- Verify program approval using the GI Bill Comparison Tool
- Report enrollment status each month to receive payments
The process is very straightforward. And GI Bill coordinators at the employer can provide assistance.
An Investment in Your Future
Embarking on an apprenticeship is an investment in a vocational skillset and career. The GI Bill’s financial assistance makes this path more feasible for veterans. Understanding GI Bill apprenticeship pay rates helps maximize this earned benefit during on-the-job training.
Am I eligible for education benefits?
You may be eligible for benefits if you qualify for the GI Bill and want to work in an industry or job that has on-the-job training, like:
- Veterans
- Spouses and children getting benefits through either the Fry Scholarship or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
- Children getting transferred benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (also called Chapter 33)
Exception: You can’t get on-the-job training if you’re an active-duty service member or a spouse using a transferred benefit.
What benefits can I get?
- Money for books and supplies
- Money for housing, if you use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
How Much Money I Made Using The Post 9/11 GI Bill
FAQ
How does the GI Bill work with apprenticeships?
How much do I get monthly from GI Bill?
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State
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City
|
BAH Rate
|
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CA
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Los Angeles
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$3,636
|
|
CA
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San Diego
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$3,882
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|
CA
|
Monterey
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$3,318
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|
CA
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Riverside
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$3,099
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How much is the Chapter 35 stipend per month?
What is the 48 month rule with GI Bill?
How much does GI Bill training cost?
On a similar scale at the reduced rates selected GI Bill participants will be paid by VA .The following reduced rates are:-For the first six month of training $275.25 monthly, for the second six month of training $201.85 monthly and for the rest of training $128.45. The employer may be local, private or state government.
What happens when you finish GI Bill training?
When you finish your training, you’ll get a job certification or journeyman status. Learn how GI Bill training programs can help you pay for books, supplies, and housing while you’re learning a trade or skill through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Find out how to get these education benefits.
What is a GI Bill earn-and-Learn program?
These earn-and-learn programs provide veterans with the ability to learn a new skill without accumulating college debt, and eligible veterans in these programs can use their GI Bill benefits to receive a tax-free monthly housing stipend.
How does GI Bill training work?
The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay your GI Bill benefits on a sliding scale depending on how long you are in training. You will also receive a salary from your employer. The VA benefit usually decreases every six months as your salary increases. At the end of your training, you will be certified in your skill.
Can I get GI Bill training if I’m a veteran?
If you are a veteran or currently in the Guard or reserve, the GI Bills’ on-the-job training (OJT) or apprenticeship programs offer you an alternative way to use your benefits. When you are trained for a new job, you can receive monthly training benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs in addition to your regular salary.
Can I get GI Bill education benefits?
Learn how GI Bill training programs can help you pay for books, supplies, and housing while you’re learning a trade or skill through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Find out how to get these education benefits. Am I eligible for education benefits?
