The Complete Guide to Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty

The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 was the country’s effort to give back to the military personnel of the US Armed Forces by providing certain benefits that allowed them to pursue higher education and training after military service with the intent to re-enter civilian life with marketable skills. Known as the GI Bill, this legislation has undergone numerous changes over the years, significantly evolving from its original form. Presently, the GI Bill comprises two main sections: the Montgomery GI Bill, or Chapter 30, and the Post-911 GI Bill, or Chapter 33. These two portions of the Act apply to different military personnel in various situations and provide different educational benefits in the form of Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments for tuition and a stipend for education materials, such as books. Certain types of military service receive different amounts, the duration of benefits, and a variety of other factors. Montgomery GI Bill eligibility requirements also differ from the requirements of other portions of the bill. This article examines the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty, its eligibility requirements, Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments, and explains the benefits that eligible personnel can receive toward their education.

Overview of Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill, also referred to as the Chapter 30 GI Bill, is a program that provides up to 36 months of benefits to Servicemembers and Veterans who have served on active duty. The Montgomery GI Bill eligibility is limited to those who served in active duty. The Montgomery GI Bill benefits purpose is to assist military personnel in pursuing higher education through a variety of different programs, some of which include degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, licensure or certification, tuition assistance, certification tests, and correspondence or online courses. The types of educational expenses covered through Montgomery GI Bill benefits depend heavily on the type of training a Servicemember takes, the length of time in service, a Servicemember’s category, and how many courses you are taking. Montgomery GI Bill eligibility requirements might vary depending on a Servicemember’s record. There is usually a ten-year time limit to claim these Montgomery GI Bill benefits. Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments include tuition coverage, coverage for certain fees, a stipend for books and other materials, and in some cases covering qualification tests. For Veterans who take advantage of this program, many are able to attend college or university, or some other form of secondary education through the Chapter 30 GI Bill, where they otherwise might not have been able to do so. In fact, individuals from lower-income families often cite the GI Bill and its benefits as a primary motivator for joining the military.

Eligibility Requirements for Chapter 30 GI Bill

Different portions of the GI Bill cover different eligibility requirements for Veterans and Servicemembers in different service situations. However, the Montgomery GI Bill eligibility requirements typically focus on the following:

• You have at least two years of active duty service on or after July 1, 1985.
• You received an honorable discharge.
• You have seen a reduction in pay of $1,200.
• You have contributed at least $1,200 to the MGB–AD during your time in service.
• You served at least two years on active duty for an 80% rate or three years for a 100% rate.
• You have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit.
• You qualify for Category II if you entered active duty before January 1, 1977.

There are four categories under the Montgomery GI Bill eligibility requirements, with Category I applying to those who entered active duty after June 30, 1985, and Category II for those who entered active duty before January 1, 1977. Those who fall in the years in between might have special circumstances usually fall into the Category III and IV sections for service dates, and should contact their local VA office for further answers to questions about their Chapter 30 GI Bill eligibility. The GI Bill and all of its incarnations apply equally across all branches of service, so there are no special Montgomery GI Bill eligibility requirements by branch. All Servicemembers from all branches must meet the same Montgomery GI Bill eligibility requirements.

How to Apply for Chapter 30 GI Bill Benefits

If you meet the Montgomery GI Bill eligibility requirements and are ready to apply for the Montgomery GI Bill benefits, you can do so either online or at your local Veterans Affairs office. To apply either way, you must first complete an application for VA educational benefits, VA Form 22–1990. From there, you can either print it out and bring it to your regional office or upload it to the VA education website. To get started, follow these steps:

• Download and fill out the application VA Form 22–1990.
• Log into the VA website using your Login.gov or ID.me account.
• Upload the application to your “documents” section.

If you need further assistance on applying for the Chapter 30 GI Bill, call 888–442–4551 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM Eastern time for assistance. The VA can also mail the application to you if you need it. When making use of your benefits, you will need information about the educational institution you plan to attend and the Certificate of Eligibility that the VA will mail you after processing your application for Montgomery GI Bill benefits. Be sure to contact your institution’s admissions office to make sure they accept GI Bill benefits, as many admissions officers will already be familiar with the process and can assist you.

Benefit Rates and Payment Amounts for the Montgomery GI Bill

The amount you will receive in benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill monthly payment will vary, depending on your length of service and type of service. Typically, Chapter 30 GI Bill benefits will not be enough to cover the full cost of some educational institutions, such as private universities, but Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments can usually cover the cost of state universities and community colleges. Below, you will find the current rates for 2024 Montgomery GI Bill benefits.

• Full-time rate: $2438 per month
• 3/4-time rate: $1828 per month
• Halftime rate: $1219 per month
• Less than halftime and more than 1/4 time: $1219 a month
• 1/4-time enrollment or less: $609 per month

The buy-up program allows eligible service members to contribute additional funds during their active duty, resulting in a higher Montgomery GI Bill monthly payment amount. This is in addition to the previously stated rates.

Other factors, such as the type of education you are receiving, the number of courses you are taking, and how far along you may be in an apprenticeship program, influence the amount of money you receive in Montgomery GI Bill benefits. For online or correspondence classes, the VA will pay 55% of the established cost of the number of lessons you complete in Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments. The VA will also pay 60% of the approved charges for flight training in Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments. Read more about the various rates of degree programs covered and other factors at this link.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions about your Montgomery GI Bill benefits, contact the admissions office of your educational institution or your local regional VA office. For answers to some of the more common questions on the Chapter 30 GI Bill, see below.