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Montgomery G.I. and Post 9/11 Bill explained

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  If seeking education is part of your New Year's resolution, be sure to understand the difference between the Montgomery and Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits.

Both bills provide a way for veterans to pay for up to 36 months of schooling, which could include a degree, apprenticeship, internship, license or certification. The main difference between the two are how they're disbursed, but that's not the only thing, said Roland Smith, Education Center manager.

Here's a breakdown of the how the two bills work:

The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill:

· provides the veteran with stipends for additional costs, such as books and housing. The housing allowance for the student is equivalent to that of an E-5 with dependents, but it is also based on geographic location as well.

· allows the user to use the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a program to help offset the cost of tuition and fees if the veteran decides to go to school at a private or graduate school. Veterans are eligible for this after spending at least three years in the military.

· allows the veteran to transfer this benefit to an authorized dependent after having served for at least 10-years.

· has to be used within 15 years after separating from the military.

Montgomery G.I. Bill:

· pays the student a dollar amount each month, which is based on the annual cap during the time they're actively enrolled in class for up to 36 months.

· does not include housing or book stipends.

· does not allow the user to use the Yellow Ribbon Program.

· has to be used within 10 years after separation from the military.

To fully qualify for either of the bills, veterans need to complete three years of honorable active duty military service. Those who separate before their three-year mark, earn a month of schooling for each month they were active duty. Veterans can switch bills if they decide it's better for their situation.

"When people go through basic training, they sign up for the benefits," Smith said. "We don't expect them to know everything about the bills. They just know they're getting educational benefits. One bill could cater to their situation even more-so than the other, so they have the opportunity to change their plan."

The Education Center provides bi-monthly briefings specifically designed to educate members on these bills.

Tammy Gause, education specialist, added, "The G.I. Bill is extremely important, as it is a benefit that helps military personnel, and in some situations, their dependents, to continue their education and pursue exciting, successful careers. The bills also help veterans assimilate into civilian life by affording them the opportunity to obtain the skills and education needed to be marketable in the workforce."

For more information, please visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill or call the Scott Education Office at 256-3327/3328.