You may be eligible for several types of VA education and training benefits, but there are many things to consider before you apply for a GI Bill program. For most participants, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the best option. Other students would benefit more from the Montgomery GI Bill. The following comparison tools may make it easier to decide which education and training benefits are best for you:
A Decision with Consequences
Your decision to apply for a certain education benefit could impact your eligibility for other benefits. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
Use the chart below to compare the education benefits available through the following programs:
Post-9/11 GI Bill | MGIB-AD | MGIB-SR | REAP | VEAP | DEA | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Length of Service |
90 days active aggregate service (after 9/10/01) or 30 days continuous if discharged for disability |
2 yr. continuous enlistment (minimum duty varies by service date, branch, etc.) |
6 yr. commitment (after 6/30/85) |
90 days active continuous service (after 9/10/01) |
181 continuous days active service (between 12/31/76 and 7/1/85)1 |
Not applicable |
Maximum # of Months of Benefits 2 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
45 |
How Payments Are Made |
Tuition: Paid to school Housing stipend: Paid monthly to student Books & Supplies: Paid to student at the beginning of the term |
Paid to student |
Paid to student |
Paid to student |
Paid to student |
Paid to student |
Duration of Benefits |
15-year time limitation. Lifted for Veterans who left |
Generally 10 years from last day of active duty |
Ends the day you leave Selected Reserve |
Generally 10 years from the day you leave the Selected Reserve or the day you leave the IRR 4 |
10 yrs from last day of active duty |
Spouse: 10 - 20 years 3
Child: Ages 18-26 |
Degree Training |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Non College Degree Training |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
On-the-Job & Apprenticeship Training |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Flight Training |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Correspondence Courses |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Licensing & Certification |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
National Testing Programs |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Work-Study Program |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Tutorial Assistance 5 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |