Check the rates for VA education benefits to find out how much money you can get to help pay for school or cover expenses while you’re training for a job. You may also be eligible for money to help pay for housing, books, and supplies while you study.
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) provides education benefits to veterans who served on active duty A common question is whether the MGIB pays a housing allowance similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Overview of Montgomery GI Bill
The MGIB, also known as Chapter 30, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans. The main benefits include:
- Monthly education payments directly to the veteran
- Up to $19,198 per year for tuition and fees
The MGIB does not pay a monthly housing allowance or cover books/supplies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill,
No MGIB Housing Allowance
The MGIB does not pay a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or monthly housing allowance. This is a key difference from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides a housing allowance based on the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents.
While the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers generous housing benefits, the earlier MGIB program does not. Veterans receiving MGIB benefits must pay for their own housing costs while in school.
Why No Housing Allowance?
When the MGIB was established in 1984, monthly housing allowances were not part of the program. The intent was to provide a basic tuition/fees benefit.
At the time, BAH was only paid to active duty service members, not veterans using education benefits.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, created in 2008, took a more expansive approach by including BAH-equivalent housing allowances. But the MGIB’s original provisions remained unchanged.
While the MGIB lacks a housing allowance, its benefits can still be valuable for eligible veterans pursuing higher education.
Eligibility for MGIB Benefits
To qualify for the MGIB, veterans generally must:
- Have an honorable discharge
- Complete at least 2 years of active duty service
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pay $1200 contribution while in service
Higher payment rates apply for veterans with 3+ years of active duty.
MGIB Monthly Payments
Instead of a housing allowance, the MGIB provides monthly education payments directly to the veteran.
For full-time enrollment, the payment for 2023 is $2,264 per month. Rates are reduced for less than full-time enrollment. Payments are prorated if not enrolled for the full month.
These MGIB payments can be used to cover any education-related costs, including housing, tuition, books, transportation, and other living expenses.
Combining MGIB with Other Benefits
Veterans who qualify for both MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill can use a combination of benefits that maximizes their total education funding.
For example, using the MGIB for tuition/fees while getting the housing allowance under Post-9/11. Or vice versa, using Post-9/11 for tuition while relying on MGIB payments for housing.
Veterans enrolled in ROTC can also receive a monthly ROTC stipend in addition to MGIB benefits.
Apply for MGIB Benefits
Interested veterans can apply for MGIB benefits online using the VA website. Supporting documents like DD-214 discharge papers will be required.
The application process can take 30-45 days for review and processing. It’s recommended to apply at least 2 months before the desired school start date.
While the MGIB has limitations compared to newer education programs, it remains a valuable resource for eligible veterans working towards degrees and careers after military service.
Montgomery GI Bill $600 Buy-Up program rates
Find out how much you can increase your Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments when you take part in this program.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 160 rates
Find out how much money you can get through the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) to help you pay for education and cover expenses while you’re training for a job.
GI Bill Housing Allowance Explained (BAH)
FAQ
What benefits does Montgomery GI Bill?
How much does Montgomery GI Bill pay per month?
What bah rate do you get with a 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
|
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CA
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San Diego
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$3,882
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|
CA
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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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Is the VA still paying full BAH for online classes?
What is the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)?
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an older GI Bill program that differs greatly from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Click here to learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Your Montgomery GI Bill can be used to pay for many programs, including: The Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit worth over $87,000.
Does the GI Bill Pay Bah?
A: No GI Bill pays BAH. However, the Post 9/11 GI Bill does pay a monthly housing allowance (MHA). While it is based on BAH tables, it is entirely different. The MHA calculates based on the zip code of the school, the number of credits taken and the tier level percentage.
What is the 3rd GI Bill Bah calculator?
The 3rd calculator is for Post-9/11 GI Bill users looking for their GI Bill BAH rate by the school they wish to attend. ** UPDATED for 2024** Calculate your 2024 BAH rate by entering your pay grade, location, and dependent status.
What can I use my Montgomery GI Bill for?
Your Montgomery GI Bill can be used to pay for many programs, including: The Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit worth over $87,000. This amount is based on the 2024-25 monthly full-time student payment rate of $2,438 multiplied by the 36-month limit for a single term of service. This “payment rate” automatically increases each Oct. 1.
Does Montgomery GI Bill pay tuition?
Once you leave active-duty service, the GI Bill will pay the full payment rate no matter how much the tuition costs, except for students attending less than half time, who receive enough to cover tuition and fees only. Click here to see the current Montgomery GI Bill payment rates.
When can I start using my Montgomery GI Bill?
Click here to see the current Montgomery GI Bill payment rates. If you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, you can begin using your benefit after two years of service. Those who left the military on Jan. 1, 2013, or later have no time limit to use it.
