Many National Guard and reserve service members and veterans activated after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If you are a Guard or reserve member or veteran who has served at least 90 consecutive days on active duty in the Armed Forces after Sept. 10, 2001, youre eligible.
The bill goes well beyond helping to pay for tuition. Many veterans who served after Sept. 10, 2001, will get full tuition and fees paid directly to their school, a monthly housing stipend, and up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies.
Determining Your Payment Amount. The amount of benefits you receive under this program is determined by the actual amount of accumulated post-9/11 active-duty service you have. To be eligible for the full benefit, you must have served 36 months on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001, or have been discharged due to a service-connected disability. Here is a quick reference showing the percentage of total combined benefit eligibility based on the following periods of post-9/11 service:
All forms of inactive duty training (drills and funeral honors) as well as annual training do not qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit.
Tuition Rates. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will be provided up to full tuition at any public school. If you attend a private or foreign school, the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay you an annual maximum of $27,120.05 for the 2023-2024 academic year. That amount goes up to $28,937.09 in 2024-2025.
Monthly Housing Stipend. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also pays a monthly housing allowance based on the ZIP code of the location of the school where you attend the majority of your classes — not your home ZIP code. This stipend currently averages $2,109 a month but can exceed $3,000 depending on where you go to school. This average goes up to $2,355.00 in 2024-2025. Students taking 100% of their courses online are eligible for a monthly stipend equal to half of the national average stipend, which is currently $967.40. It goes up to $1,177.50 in 2024-2025.
Book and Supply Stipend. You will receive a lump-sum payment the first month of each quarter, semester, or term. The payment will help cover the cost of books, supplies, equipment, and other educational fees for that academic term. The payment amount will be equal to either a quarter or half of the annual $1,000 cap for that academic year, depending on how the academic year is divided — quarter or semester terms.
Extended Benefits Expiration Date. If you left the service on or after Jan. 1, 2013, you have no time limit on using your GI Bill. If you got out before that date, you have 15 years to use it.
The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits offered to members of the military, providing financial assistance for education and training programs While the main GI Bill programs apply to active duty members, there are also GI Bill options specifically for reservists So how much does the GI Bill pay for reservists? Let’s take a closer look.
GI Bill Background
First some background. There are a few main GI Bill programs
- Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30)
- Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606)
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The MGIB-AD is for active duty members who contribute $100 per month for 12 months to qualify. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for active duty members who serve at least 90 aggregate days after 9/11.
The MGIB-SR is specifically for reservists – members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard.
MGIB-SR Eligibility
To qualify for MGIB-SR benefits, you must:
- Have a 6-year obligation in the Selected Reserves
- Complete initial active duty training
- Stay in good standing and regularly drill with your unit
If you qualify, you can receive up to 36 months of education benefits. Your eligibility lasts for 10 years after separation from the Selected Reserves.
MGIB-SR Payment Rates
For full-time training, the monthly payment rate for MGIB-SR for 2023 is $481. This increases slightly each year.
For less than full-time training, the rates are pro-rated:
- 3/4 time: $360/month
- 1/2 time: $240/month
- Less than 1/2 time: $120.25/month
These are the maximum amounts payable. Your actual payment may vary based on your tuition/fees costs.
MGIB-SR will pay an approved amount directly to your school for tuition and fees. You also receive a book/supply stipend up to $83 per month.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Reservists may also qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if they have qualifying active duty service after September 10, 2001.
Benefits are tiered based on cumulative length of active duty service:
- 100% of benefits: 36+ months
- 90%: 30 months
- 80%: 24 months
- 70%: 18 months
- 60%: 12 months
- 50%: 6 months
- 40%: 90+ days
At 100%, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides full tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a $1,000 yearly book stipend. Benefits are pro-rated for percentage tiers.
Choosing Between Programs
If you qualify for both MGIB-SR and Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must pick one or the other – you cannot use both for the same period.
Usually Post-9/11 is more financially valuable, but consider your individual circumstances. Also note that Post-9/11 has a 15 year time limit, while MGIB-SR is 10 years.
Applying
To apply for MGIB-SR, fill out VA Form 22-1990. For Post-9/11, use VA Form 22-1990e. Submit application forms to the VA regional office that serves your area.
The GI Bill provides outstanding education benefits for reservists. Determine your eligibility and apply to start utilizing this valuable military benefit.
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
Amanda Miller is an editor and writer for Military.com specializing in coverage of military and veteran pay and benefits. She became a journalist in the 1990s, began covering the military in 2007 for Military Times, and has since contributed to a number of military-oriented publications including Military Officer Magazine, The War Horse, and Air & Space Forces Magazine. Read Full Bio © Copyright 2024 Military.com. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Military.com, please submit your request
GI Bill for National Guard & Reservist | How to Get 100%
FAQ
How much GI Bill do reservists get?
How much is the GI Bill Selected Reserve?
How much money does the GI Bill give you?
Do the reserves get VA benefits?
What is the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve?
Learn about the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, which offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits for Reserves or National Guard.
How long do I have to use my GI Bill?
For The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, you usually have 10 years to use your benefits, depending on your situation. For The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, your eligibility usually ends the day you leave the Selected Reserve, but there are exceptions to this rule. Can my spouse or child use my GI Bill? Is it transferable?
How much does the GI Bill pay for college?
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will be provided up to full tuition at any public school. If you attend a private or foreign school, the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay you an annual maximum of $27,120.05 for the 2023-2024 academic year. That amount goes up to $28,937.09 in 2024-2025. Monthly Housing Stipend.
Can a service member claim GI Bill benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recommends that all service members file a claim for benefits to receive a formal decision on their eligibility. The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members.
What does the GI Bill cover?
The GI Bill helps Soldiers and veterans pursue an education along with a range of career opportunities. The GI Bill covers: AFFORDABLY. Explore three different GI Bill programs. The GI Bill helps pay for schooling, trainings, and certifications to support your career goals both during and after your time with the Army.
Do I qualify for GI Bill benefits?
Find out if you qualify. If you have 2 or more qualifying periods of active duty, you may now qualify for up to 48 months of entitlement. You must be eligible for benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and either Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) or Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).