GI Bill – Reserve Benefits

GI Bill Reserve Benefits

August 9, 2011

By: Marisol Garza

 

Prior to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, only two types of programs were available for Reservists and National Guard members: the Montgomery GI Bill Selective Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP).  Today, eligible Reservists and National Guard members may have the option between using MGIB-SR, REAP or the new benefits offered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

 

Post-9/11 GI Bill [1]

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Reservists and National Guard members are eligible for the same benefits as an Active Duty member.  Benefits are simply paid out proportionate to the amount of cumulative time you serve on Active Duty; Figure 1 shows the percentage of benefits for which you may be eligible.

 

Benefits Overview

• 36 Months of maximum payable tuition and fees
• Housing allowance
• Stipend for books and supplies
• Ability to use benefits up to 15 years after your release date following at least 90 days on active duty

 

Eligibility

• Served at least 90 days of aggregate active duty after September 10, 2001
• Received an honorable discharge or other qualifying hardship or medical discharge

Figure 1: Percentage of Maximum Payable Benefit [2]

 

 

 

 

Types of Training

• An undergraduate or graduate degree through
  • o A public or private college or university including overseas institutions
  • o A business, technical, or vocational school
  • o An accredited online/ correspondence program
  • An apprenticeship or OJT program
  • A flight training program

The Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Ch 1606)[3]

Benefits Overview

• Up to 36 months of a fixed monthly educational benefit – currently, the monthly rate is $329 for full-time students
• Kickers of up to $350 per month

Eligibility

• 6 year selective service obligation
• Complete your IADT
• Maintain selective reserve status in good standing
• Complete a high school diploma or GED
• Must be certified as eligible by the DoD
• May use benefits up to 14 years after the date you became eligible or on the date you leave the selected reserve

Types of Training

• An undergraduate or graduate degree through
  • o A public or private college or university including overseas institutions
  • o A business, technical, or vocational school
  • o An accredited online/ correspondence program
  • An apprenticeship or OJT program
  • A flight training program

 

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, Ch 1607)[4]

 

The Benefits

• Monthly payment of $1,140.80 for individuals with at least 2 years of consecutive active- duty service;
• $855.60 for at least 1 year but less than 2 years;
• $570.40 for at least 90 days but less than 1 year
• Benefits for up to 36 months
• Kickers up to $350 per month
• You have up to 10 years after you are discharged from active duty to start using your BI Bill benefits

Eligibility

• Member of a reserve component
• Served on active duty for at least 90 consecutive days on or after 9/11/01
• Received an honorable discharge

 

Types of Training

• An undergraduate or graduate degree through
  • o A public or private college or university including overseas institutions
  • o A business, technical, or vocational school
  • o An accredited online/ correspondence program
  • An apprenticeship or OJT program
  • A flight training program

Your GI Bill benefits can help you attain your educational aspirations.  You earned your benefits, so do not let them slip away.  While reservist benefits may not cover 100% of your educational expenses, they can help dramatically reduce the cost.

After you review the information about each benefit type contact your military unit, a financial aid advisor, or VA advisor at the school you wish to attend.

 

 

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