Overview
The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans. It can cover tuition, housing, books, and more for college, graduate school, trade programs, and certifications. There are several versions — understanding which one applies to you is the first step.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The most commonly used and generally most generous GI Bill.
Eligibility
- At least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001
- Or 30 continuous days if discharged for a service-connected disability
- Honorable discharge
What It Covers
- Tuition & fees — Paid directly to the school (up to the in-state maximum at public schools, or up to a yearly cap at private schools)
- Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) — Based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents at your school's ZIP code (online-only students receive a reduced rate)
- Books & supplies stipend — Up to $1,000 per year
- One-time rural benefit — $500 for eligible veterans in rural areas
Percentage of Benefits
Your benefit percentage depends on your total active duty time after 9/11:
| Active Duty Time | Benefit Level |
|---|---|
| 36+ months | 100% |
| 30+ months | 90% |
| 24+ months | 80% |
| 18+ months | 70% |
| 12+ months | 60% |
| 6+ months | 50% |
| 90+ days | 40% |
Transfer to Dependents
Active-duty service members can transfer their GI Bill benefits to a spouse or children, subject to service obligations. This must be done while still on active duty.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB — Chapter 30)
The older GI Bill program, primarily for veterans who entered service before 9/11 or opted into the program.
Key Differences from Post-9/11
- Pays a flat monthly rate (currently ~$2,200/month full-time) regardless of school cost
- You pay it, the VA pays you — not the school directly
- Generally less generous than Post-9/11 for most veterans
- Required a $1,200 pay reduction during first year of service
When MGIB Might Be Better
- Short programs where the flat rate exceeds actual costs
- If you're attending a very low-cost school
- Certain overseas situations
Other Education Benefits
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31) — For veterans with service-connected disabilities. Can cover education, training, and job placement. Can be used alongside or instead of the GI Bill.
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35) — For dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.
- Yellow Ribbon Program — Participating private schools and the VA split costs above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap.
- Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship — Additional benefits for veterans in STEM fields who have exhausted their GI Bill.
How to Apply
- Determine your eligibility at VA.gov/education
- Apply online using VA Form 22-1990
- Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Provide your COE to your school's veterans certifying official
Important Deadlines
- Post-9/11 GI Bill has no expiration date for veterans who separated after January 1, 2013 (thanks to the Forever GI Bill)
- MGIB expires 10 years after separation for most veterans
- Use your benefits wisely — you get 36 months of full-time benefits total
Tips
- Compare both GI Bills before deciding — you can switch from MGIB to Post-9/11, but not back
- Check Yellow Ribbon availability if attending a private school
- Consider VR&E if you have a service-connected disability — it can provide more comprehensive support
- Talk to your school's VA certifying official — they handle the paperwork on the school's end