Many National Guard and reserve service members and veterans activated after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If you are a Guard or reserve member or veteran who has served at least 90 consecutive days on active duty in the Armed Forces after Sept. 10, 2001, youre eligible.
The bill goes well beyond helping to pay for tuition. Many veterans who served after Sept. 10, 2001, will get full tuition and fees paid directly to their school, a monthly housing stipend, and up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies.
Determining Your Payment Amount. The amount of benefits you receive under this program is determined by the actual amount of accumulated post-9/11 active-duty service you have. To be eligible for the full benefit, you must have served 36 months on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001, or have been discharged due to a service-connected disability. Here is a quick reference showing the percentage of total combined benefit eligibility based on the following periods of post-9/11 service:
All forms of inactive duty training (drills and funeral honors) as well as annual training do not qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit.
Tuition Rates. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will be provided up to full tuition at any public school. If you attend a private or foreign school, the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay you an annual maximum of $27,120.05 for the 2023-2024 academic year. That amount goes up to $28,937.09 in 2024-2025.
Monthly Housing Stipend. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also pays a monthly housing allowance based on the ZIP code of the location of the school where you attend the majority of your classes — not your home ZIP code. This stipend currently averages $2,109 a month but can exceed $3,000 depending on where you go to school. This average goes up to $2,355.00 in 2024-2025. Students taking 100% of their courses online are eligible for a monthly stipend equal to half of the national average stipend, which is currently $967.40. It goes up to $1,177.50 in 2024-2025.
Book and Supply Stipend. You will receive a lump-sum payment the first month of each quarter, semester, or term. The payment will help cover the cost of books, supplies, equipment, and other educational fees for that academic term. The payment amount will be equal to either a quarter or half of the annual $1,000 cap for that academic year, depending on how the academic year is divided — quarter or semester terms.
Extended Benefits Expiration Date. If you left the service on or after Jan. 1, 2013, you have no time limit on using your GI Bill. If you got out before that date, you have 15 years to use it.
The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits offered to members of the military. However, there are several different GI Bill programs available each with their own eligibility requirements and payment rates. For members of the Reserves and National Guard the main GI Bill option is the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve program (MGIB-SR).
What is the MGIB-SR?
The MGIB-SR provides education assistance to members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, as well as the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. It offers up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible recipients to cover the costs of approved training programs, colleges and universities.
Eligibility for the MGIB-SR
To qualify for MGIB-SR benefits, you must:
- Have a 6-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve
- Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT)
- Meet the requirement to be actively drilling in the Selected Reserve
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit
The 6-year obligation does not have to be completed consecutively. However benefits generally expire 14 years from the date you become eligible. You must also continue to serve in the Selected Reserve to maintain eligibility.
How Much Does the MGIB-SR Pay?
The MGIB-SR pays a monthly stipend directly to the service member based on their enrollment status in an approved program.
For the 2023 academic year, the rates are:
- Full time: $481/month
- 3/4 time: $360/month
- 1/2 time: $240/month
- Less than 1/2 time: $120.25/month
These rates are adjusted annually on October 1st based on the cost of living increase.
The maximum number of months you can receive benefits is 36 months at the full time rate. This equates to a total maximum of $17,316 for 36 months of full time training.
What Training Programs are Covered?
The MGIB-SR can be used to cover the costs of a wide variety of approved training programs, including:
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College degree programs – covers tuition and fees at accredited colleges and universities leading to an associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree.
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Vocational/technical training – covers tuition and fees for non-degree vocational programs at vocational schools and technical institutes. This includes training in occupations like welding, truck driving, etc.
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Apprenticeship/on-the-job training – can be used for approved apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs.
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Flight training – covers flight training required for a pilot’s license or rating. Pre-flight training programs are also covered.
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Correspondence courses – covers tuition and fees for approved correspondence courses and distance learning programs.
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National testing programs – covers fees for tests like the SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT.
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Licensing and certification exams – covers testing fees for state and federal licensing and certification exams.
In addition to the monthly stipend, the MGIB-SR provides up to $83 per month for books and supplies if you are enrolled at least half time.
How to Apply
To start using your MGIB-SR benefits, you need to fully complete the application process:
- Apply online using the VONAPP website.
- Submit any required documentation.
- Ensure your Selected Reserve unit completes required verification paperwork and submits it.
- Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.
- Work with your school’s VA certifying official to certify your enrollment.
The entire application process can take 2-3 months, so it’s important to plan ahead and apply early. You can start applying up to 6 months before your class start date.
Combining with Federal Tuition Assistance
Members of the Reserves are often eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) which can cover up to $250 per semester credit hour. The MGIB-SR can be used in conjunction with TA to cover any remaining balances. However, you cannot “double dip” and have both programs pay for the same fees.
The MGIB-SR is a great benefit to help Reservists and Guardsmen cover the costs of college, vocational training, and other education programs. With up to $17,316 in total benefits available, it provides a substantial resource to advance your military career and education goals. Be sure to apply early, coordinate with your unit and school, and use TA and MGIB-SR together for maximum coverage.
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. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
Amanda Miller is an editor and writer for Military.com specializing in coverage of military and veteran pay and benefits. She became a journalist in the 1990s, began covering the military in 2007 for Military Times, and has since contributed to a number of military-oriented publications including Military Officer Magazine, The War Horse, and Air & Space Forces Magazine. Read Full Bio © Copyright 2024 Military.com. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Military.com, please submit your request
GI Bill for National Guard & Reservist | How to Get 100%
FAQ
How much GI Bill do reservists get?
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will be provided up to full tuition at any public school. The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay you up to $27,120 a year if you go to a private or foreign school. 05 for the 2023-2024 academic year. That amount goes up to $28,937. 09 in 2024-2025.
How much is the GI Bill Selected Reserve?
Full-time enrollment: $481. 00 for each full month. 3/4-time enrollment: $360. 00 for each full month. 1/2-time enrollment: $240. 00 for each full month. Less than 1/2-time enrollment: $120. 25 for each full month.
How much money does the GI Bill give you?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill: This is the most popular type of GI Bill. It pays up to full college costs at public and in-state schools and more than $25,000 per year at private or foreign schools.
Do the reserves get VA benefits?
Yes, generally, all National Guard and Reserve members qualify for some VA benefits. To see if someone is eligible for a VA benefit, they may look at things like length of service, type of service (like under Title 10 or Title 32), service during wartime, and/or a disability related to service.
What is the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve?
Find out about the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, which helps Reserves and National Guard members pay for school for up to 36 months.
How long do I have to use my GI Bill?
If you are active duty and get the Montgomery GI Bill, you may have up to 10 years to use your benefits. For the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, most people lose their eligibility the day they leave the Selected Reserve, but there are some exceptions to this rule. Can my spouse or child use my GI Bill? Is it transferable?.
How much does the GI Bill pay for college?
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will be provided up to full tuition at any public school. The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay you up to $27,120 a year if you go to a private or foreign school. 05 for the 2023-2024 academic year. That amount goes up to $28,937. 09 in 2024-2025. Monthly Housing Stipend.
Can a service member claim GI Bill benefits?
The VA says that all service members should file a claim for benefits so that they can get a formal decision on their eligibility. The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members.
What does the GI Bill cover?
The GI Bill helps Soldiers and veterans pursue an education along with a range of career opportunities. The GI Bill covers: AFFORDABLY. Explore three different GI Bill programs. The GI Bill helps pay for trainings, classes, and certifications that will help you get a job, both while you are in the Army and after you leave.
Do I qualify for GI Bill benefits?
Find out if you qualify. If you have served in the military for two or more qualifying periods, you may now be able to get up to 48 months of your pay. Please make sure you can get benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill and either the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) or the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).
