The Montgomery G.I. Bill

by Lisa Sousa

What Is The Montgomery G.I. Bill?

The Montgomery G.I. Bill (aka the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944) is a bill that provides a cash education incentive for those who join the military and serve a tour of duty. This bill can be applied to all branches of service including Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard as well as their National Guard and Reserves. To veterans who are eligible, the G.I. Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits for flight training, correspondence courses, job training/apprenticeship, business, vocational of technical training or college. This bill can be used while on active duty or after a full honorable discharge from active duty.

How Much Does The Montgomery G.I. Bill Pay?

Those who serve in the Reserves or National Guard part time can receive up to $11,124 with the rate of $309/month. People who serve a tour of active duty in the military services can receive up to $38,700 with rates of $873/month for periods of active duty of two years and $1,075/month for periods of active duty of three years or more.

What Is The Time Limit On G.I. Bills?

The benefits of a Montgomery G.I. Bill may be used up to 10 years from the date of release from active duty or discharge. This period can be extended due to any of the following:

If one has a disability or was held by a foreign government or power thus preventing them from training over a certain period of time.

If one reenters active duty for 90 days or more after becoming eligible.

Periods of active duty of less than 90 days only if one was separated for a disability that was service connected, a hardship or reduction in force of a medical condition that existed before active duty.

How Do You Apply For Benefits?

Find out if the program of study has been approved for VA benefits if you have already decided on a program. Contact the VA, training facility employment office or the schools Financial Aid Department to see if you are eligible. Ask the school or training facility official to contact the VA to request approval if the facility hasn't requested approval before. After approval, make sure to complete the form VA Form 22-1990 and send it to the appropriate VA regional office. The last step in the process is to ask your training official or school to certify your enrollment to VA.

If you have not decided on a program yet or if you want to determine your eligibility for the Montgomery G.I. Bill, just submit your application (VA Form 22-1990) to the appropriate VA regional office. A Certificate of Eligibility that shows how long you are eligible and how many months of benefits you can receive will be given to you upon eligibility.