The Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit program for veterans who served on active duty But how much does it actually pay per month? The amount depends on several factors In this article, we’ll break down the monthly payment rates for the current 2022-2023 year so you can understand exactly how much you could get.
A Brief Background on the Montgomery GI Bill
First, some quick background. The Montgomery GI Bill, also known as Chapter 30, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to veterans who enrolled and paid $100 per month during their first year of active duty service.
It covers degree and certificate programs at colleges and universities, as well as flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses The Post-9/11 GI Bill has largely replaced the Montgomery GI Bill, but some veterans still use it.
Monthly Payment Rates
The VA determines your monthly payment rate based on two factors
- The type of education or training program
- Your training time (full-time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time, etc)
The more classes you take, the higher your payment will be, up to the full-time rate. The VA also prorates payments based on the number of days you attend classes each month.
Here are the current monthly rates for 2022-2023:
For College Degree Programs
If you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, your payment rate depends on how many credit hours you are taking.
- Full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours): $2,229 per month
- 3/4-time enrollment (9-11 credit hours): $1,672 per month
- 1/2-time enrollment (6-8 credit hours): $1,115 per month
- Less than 1/2 time (3-5 credit hours): $1,115 per month (or tuition/fees cost if less)
- 1/4 time or less (0-2 credit hours): $557 per month (or tuition/fees cost if less)
For Non-College Degree Programs
If you are enrolled in a trade school, vocational program, or other non-degree program, your rate is based on weekly clock hours:
- Full-time enrollment: $2,229 per month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,672 per month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $1,115 per month
- Less than 1/2 time: $1,115 per month (or tuition/fees cost if less)
- 1/4 time or less: $557 per month (or tuition/fees cost if less)
For Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training
If you are in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, your monthly rate decreases as you progress:
- Months 1-6: $1,672 per month
- Months 7-12: $1,236 per month
- After 12 months: $785 per month
For Correspondence and Flight Training
- Correspondence courses: 55% of approved fees
- Flight training: 60% of approved costs
As you can see, your full monthly rate could be up to $2,229 if you are enrolled full-time in 2022-2023. Of course, your actual payments will be prorated if you are attending for just part of a month.
Some Key Points
Here are some other key things to keep in mind about Montgomery GI Bill monthly payments:
- You must verify your enrollment to receive payments
- Payments go directly to you, not the school
- Payments typically arrive at the beginning of each month
- You can receive up to 36 months of total payments
- You must use benefits within 10 years of leaving active duty
- Having a kicker can increase your monthly rate
How to Estimate Your Monthly Rate
Figuring out your exact monthly payment amount can be tricky. Check out the GI Bill Comparison Tool to get an estimate based on the school and program you are interested in.
The tool will factor in your eligibility, enrollment, tuition/fees, and housing costs to give you an idea of the monthly and total GI Bill benefits you could receive. This can help simplify the process as you research education options.
Apply for Your Benefits
Once you have decided on a school and program, submit your GI Bill application along with your enrollment paperwork. This will allow the VA to formally determine your monthly entitlement amounts and begin issuing payments.
Be sure to report any changes in enrollment status to avoid payment issues or debts. And reach out to your school’s VA certifying official if you have any questions about applying for or receiving your Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Enlistment of 2 to 3 Years
The rates in the following two tables apply to those having completed an enlistment of two to three years on active duty.
| Training Time | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Full time | $1,978.00 |
| ¾ time | $1,483.50 |
| ½ time | $989.00 |
| Less than ½ time more than ¼ time | $989.00 ** |
| ¼ time or less | $494.50** |
** Tuition and fees only. Payment cannot exceed the listed amount.
| Training Period | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| First six months of training | $1,483.50 |
| Second six months of training | $1,087.90 |
| Remainder of training | $692.30 |
Correspondence and flight training: 55% and 60% of approved costs, respectively
Enlistment of 3 or More Years
The rates in the following two tables apply to beneficiaries completing an enlistment of three years or more.
| Training Time | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Full time | $2,438.00 |
| ¾ time | $1,828.50 |
| ½ time | $1,219.00 |
| Less than ½ time more than ¼ time | $1,219.00 ** |
| ¼ time or less | $609.50 ** |
** Or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less.
| Training Period | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| First six months of training | $1,828.50 |
| Second six months of training | $1,340.90 |
| Remainder of training | $853.30 |
Correspondence and flight training: 55% and 60% off approved fees, respectively.
Montgomery GI Bill: Unlocking Your Veteran Education Benefits
FAQ
How much does the Montgomery Reserve GI Bill pay?
How much is a GI Bill monthly payment?
How much does chapter 35 pay monthly in 2024?
|
Type of Enrollment
|
Monthly Pay Rates (Effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025)
|
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Months 1-6
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$975.00 per month
|
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Months 7-12
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$733.00 per month
|
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Months 13-18
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$481.00 per month
|
|
More than 19 months
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$245.00 per month
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How much does the Montgomery GI Bill kicker pay?
Does Montgomery GI Bill pay tuition?
Once you leave active-duty service, the GI Bill will pay the full payment rate no matter how much the tuition costs, except for students attending less than half time, who receive enough to cover tuition and fees only. Click here to see the current Montgomery GI Bill payment rates.
What can I use my Montgomery GI Bill for?
Your Montgomery GI Bill can be used to pay for many programs, including: The Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit worth over $87,000. This amount is based on the 2024-25 monthly full-time student payment rate of $2,438 multiplied by the 36-month limit for a single term of service. This “payment rate” automatically increases each Oct. 1.
When do Montgomery GI bill payment rates increase?
Each year in October, the Montgomery GI Bill payment rates increase to meet the growing cost of education.
Do Montgomery GI Bill recipients get stipends?
Eligible Montgomery GI Bill recipients receive monthly stipends while they are attending classes at a qualified training institution. The checks are payable to the student and not to the school. If you are using corporate education benefits to pay for your tuition, you may be able to save your MGIB payments or use them for other expenses.
Can I get a Montgomery GI Bill refund?
For correspondence, flight training, accelerated payments for high-cost, high-technology courses and tests for licenses or certifications, determine the entitlement charge by dividing the amount you received by your MGIB monthly rate for full-time training. You may qualify to get a Montgomery GI Bill refund in limited circumstances.
When can I start using my Montgomery GI Bill?
Click here to see the current Montgomery GI Bill payment rates. If you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, you can begin using your benefit after two years of service. Those who left the military on Jan. 1, 2013, or later have no time limit to use it.