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VA Education Benefits

Veterans of the armed services are entitled to various education benefits depending on when and how long they served. See below for details on the types of VA chapters and eligibility. Dependents of veterans may also be eligible for benefits. 

For Veterans 

Below are details on the different types of VA chapters and who is eligible for each. To apply for VA education benefits under any of these chapters, follow the Steps to Process VA Education Benefits

If you are unsure which chapter of benefits you should use, contact us at va@montgomerycollege.edu.

For all chapters of VA education benefits, you will be required to submit a Certification Request for VA Benefits (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) to the VA Coordinator at Montgomery College after registering for classes. This allows the College to process your payment from the VA. If you do not submit the Certification Request, your classes will be dropped for nonpayment. 

Summer 2024 FAQs (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
Winter – Spring 2024 FAQs (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Chapter 33: The Post-9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is for individuals with at least 90 days of accumulated service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. An honorable discharge is required to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is for individuals with at least 90 days of accumulated service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. An honorable discharge is required to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®

To apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, follow the Steps to Process VA Education Benefits

Eligibility Requirements

Visit the VA's website for information about Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits and eligibility requirements.

Service Requirements after 9/10/01

Chapter 33 benefits are contingent upon time in service after September 11, 2001. 

  • At least 36 months: 100% of maximum benefit payable
  • At least 30 months, but less than 36 months: 90% of maximum benefit payable
  • At least 24 months, but less than 30 months: 80% of maximum benefit payable
  • At least 18 months, but less than 24 months: 70% of maximum benefit payable
  • At least 12 months, but less than 18 months: 60% of maximum benefit payable
  • At least 6 months, but less than 12 months: 50% of maximum benefit payable 
  • At least 90 days, but less than 6 months: 40% of maximum benefit payable

As your time in service increases, you will need to request an updated DD Form 214, Discharge Papers, and Veterans Separation Documents from the VA to be eligible for an increase in benefits. 

Chapter 30 & 1606: Montgomery GI Bill®

The Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) is available for both active duty and Selected Reserves.

The Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) is available for both active duty and Selected Reserves.

Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

Under Chapter 30, active duty military members enroll into MGIB and pay $100 per month for 12 months. Once you have completed a minimum service obligation with your branch, you are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit. To apply for MGIB-AD, follow the Steps to Process VA Education Benefits

Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

Under Chapter 1606, a Selected Reservist member must be actively drilling and have a 6 year obligation in the Selected Reserve to be eligible. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

Your unit will give you DD form 2384-1, Notice of Basic Eligibility, when you are eligible for MGIB-SR. The VA will verify your eligibility after your unit codes you into the Department of Defense personnel system. Then follow the Steps to Process VA Education Benefits

For more information about MGIB, visit the VA's Montgomery GI Bill® website.

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program

VR&E helps veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable careers.

VR&E helps veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable careers. For more information, visit the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment pagenew window.

Vocational rehabilitation students may receive vouchers for books. This program requires course approval from your counselor at the VA. You must have VA Form 28-1905 on file with the Montgomery College VA Office in order to receive vouchers for books. After you register for classes, visit the VA Office to pick up your voucher. Take the voucher to the Campus Store for books and supplies that are required for the registered courses. Supplies should be for items listed on course syllabus only. (Clothing items, briefcases, PC, expensive pens, or items for personal use are not be allowed.)

 

For Dependents 

Students that are dependents of veterans (children and spouses) may qualify for VA Education Benefits under Chapter 33 or Chapter 35. Dependents should follow the steps on the VA Education Benefits for Dependents page to apply. 

VA Forms

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairsnew window.