Ch 30: The Montgomery GI Bill

Explanation of Benefits:

Eligibility for Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty:

Honorable Discharge, AND a High School Diploma or GED, in some cases 12 hours of college credit, AND you meet the requirements of one of the four categories listed below:

Category I

Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985;
Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months;
Continuously served for 3 years, OR 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR 2 years if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served 4 years ("2 by 4" Program)

Category II

Entered active duty before January 1, 1977
Served at least 1 day between 10/19/84 and 6/30/85, and stayed on active duty through 6/30/88, (or 6/30/87 if you entered the Selected Reserve within 1 year of leaving active duty and served 4 years)
On 12/31/89, you had entitlement left from Vietnam-Era GI Bill

Category III

Not eligible for MGIB under Category I or II
On active duty on 9/30/90 AND separated involuntarily after 2/2/91,
OR involuntarily separated on or after 11/30/93,
OR voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program
Before separation, you had military pay reduced by $1200

Category IV

On active duty on 10/9/96 AND you had money remaining in a VEAP account on that date AND you elected MGIB by 10/9/97
OR entered full-time National Guard duty under title 32, USC, between 7/1/85, and 11/28/89 AND you elected MGIB during the period 10/9/96, through 7/8/97
Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1200 lump-sum contribution

To Apply:

Fill out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits, and follow the instructions provided after the application page.

For more information on the Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill, please visit the MGIB-AD Website or view the MGIB-AD pamphlet

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