Montgomery GI Bill User's Guide

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. 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. You get the annual increase no matter when you became eligible or begin using it.

The term "36 months of benefits" refers to academic months -- time actually enrolled at the full-time rate of pursuit. This means you will have up to eight semesters (four years) of traditional academic education.

Note: Your actual benefits may be higher if you signed up for the Army, Navy or Marine Corps College Funds; and members who serve two or more terms of service may qualify for 48 months of benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill Eligibility

You qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill if:

You contribute $100 a month for the first 12 months you are on active duty or qualify under Veterans' Educational Assistance Program conversion.
You have completed high school or have an equivalency certificate before you apply for benefits.
You have served at least two years on active duty.
If discharged from active duty, you received an honorable discharge.

Check out our detailed explanation of Montgomery GI Bill eligibility for more information.

Your Montgomery GI Bill Payment Rate (How Much You Get)

Your GI Bill monthly payment rate is determined by two factors: your student status (full time, half time or part time) and your duty status. In most cases, you would be considered a full-time student if you were taking 12 or more credits per semester.

If you are on active duty, the GI Bill will reimburse you only for the actual tuition and expenses. 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 to Use Your Montgomery GI Bill

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.

If you are still on active duty, it’s usually not a good idea to use the Montgomery GI Bill because the Department of Veterans Affairs administers the program differently for active-duty members and veterans.

For instance, a veteran is charged one month of benefits for each $2,438 -- the fiscal 2024 GI Bill "payment rate" -- in education benefits used.

Example: If a veteran receives $8,533 and the current full-time payment rate is $2,438, divide $8,253 by $2,438. The veteran will be charged 3.5 months of the 36 months of benefits.

However, a service member on active duty who goes to school full time for four months will still be charged four months of benefits even if their tuition is only $1,000. Therefore, it makes sense to use the Montgomery GI Bill on active duty only if your tuition costs are high or you use your "GI Bill Top-Up" benefit.

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.

Always consult your education service officer before using your GI Bill or taking any college classes. These officials are trained to help you avoid wasting your time and benefits.

Once you begin attending classes, you need to certify your attendance with the VA before you can receive your monthly benefits payments.

Note: Only Department of Veterans Affairs representatives can answer specific questions about your GI Bill account. You can reach them at 888-GIBILL-1.

Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Although the GI Bill application process can be time-consuming, it is relatively easy and worth the time invested. In most cases, the process will take you four steps or less.

Step 1: Find a VA-Approved Program

Institutions that receive federal funding, including through the Montgomery GI Bill, must adhere to principles such as cost transparency among other guidelines.

Find a school with VA-approved training or education programs. Most regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities have them. Be sure to confirm with the admissions counselor that the school meets the requirements to use the GI Bill.

Step 2: Apply for Education Benefits

Complete the Application for Education Benefits.

After you apply for benefits, you will eventually receive a declaration of eligibility and a letter explaining your GI Bill benefits. Don’t worry if the VA sends you a letter requesting more information; this is common. You do have to respond to get your benefits, though.

Step 3: Enroll in School

Enroll in school, and verify that the school submits your enrollment information to VA.

You first can apply for your Montgomery GI Bill benefit without being enrolled in school, and in many cases, this is best. When you choose a school, you can take your eligibility notification from VA to your school when you enroll. This can sometimes speed up the receipt of your benefits.

Step 4: Verify Attendance

Once you are enrolled, you will get a letter from VA explaining your benefits and how to receive payment. For the Montgomery GI Bill, you will have to verify to the VA that you are attending school each month before you are paid. You can do this online or via telephone.

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.