The GI Bill Kicker -- also known as the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps College Funds -- is offered by the DoD through each service branch as part of an enlistment or reenlistment contract, or for other reasons they determine. The College Fund is an additional amount of money that increases an individual's basic monthly benefit and is included in his or her monthly GI Bill payment from the VA.
Each service branch (and not VA) determines who receives the College Fund and the amount received. It may be necessary to send VA a copy of your College Fund contract to ensure the correct amount is added to your monthly benefit.
These kickers can increase your monthly GI Bill payment rate by as much as $950 a month. This means that you can actually boost your regular GI Bill benefit value. The amount you receive is determined by a number of factors including when you enlisted, the length of your enlistment contract, the service you joined, the job you chose and where you chose to serve.
Note: The Air Force uses the term GI Bill Kicker to refer to the GI Bill Buy-up program, which is available to Montgomery GI Bill participants.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill
College Funds payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are added to your monthly housing allowance. If you don't qualify for the housing allowance you will not get your college fund payment.
For the Montgomery GI Bill
The College Fund payment is added to your normal monthly payment.
Remember, you can't get your GI Bill Kicker money without receiving the GI Bill. The kicker isn't a separate benefit, but an add-on to your GI Bill benefit.
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.
