Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB) Chapter 30
The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.
Who is Eligible?
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 Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served 4 years ("2 by 4" Program)
Note: If you were on active duty between 12/1/88 and 6/30/89, AND withdrew your election not to participate in MGIB AND had your military pay reduced, you may be eligible under Category I. Call 1-800-827-1000 for details.
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 Selected Reserve within 1year 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
How Much Does VA Pay?
The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training
you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD
put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers").
You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the
time limit can vary depending on the circumstances. Click
here for payment chart.
How Can I Apply?
When you find an approved training program, bring a copy of
your DD-214 member four, Receipt of $600.00 top up (if applicable),
and Kicker Contract (if applicable) to the Veterans Affairs
Office. Complete VA Form 22-1990 (PDF),
Application for Education Benefits. The VA office will send
your paper work to the Atlanta RPO for processing.
Related Benefits
Work-Study Program
Tutorial Assistance
For more information contact us at:
University of Florida Veterans Affairs
Office
222 Criser Hall, PO Box 114000
Gainesville FL, 32611-4000
Phone: 352-392-1374, ext. 7413
Fax: 352-846-1126
Email: Vacounselor@ufl.edu
jgebhar@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu
Coordinator: John Gebhardt