If you’ve served in the military, you can use helpful benefits to further your education. The specific benefits you earn depend on when you served, but the focus of all forms of the GI Bill is on providing a clear path forward for service members, Veterans, and their dependents to take the next step in their education.
Introduction
The GI Bill dates back to the end of World War II, when millions of active duty military members, or GIs, were returning after the war. Recognizing that they faced unemployment and a difficult adjustment back to the workforce, the federal government signed legislation that provided financial assistance, counseling, and training for returning Veterans as they pursued higher education.
Two forms of the GI Bill exist to provide benefits: the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
When deciding which GI Bill package to use, it’s important to consider everything that comes with each option.
We’ll dive into each one, outlining everything they include, so you can make the best decision.
What Is the Montgomery Bill?
The Montgomery GI Bill was named for G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, a Veteran and Congressman who spearheaded the legislation. It became a law in 1984 and has provided benefits for education, among other things, ever since.
The Montgomery GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits. These include tuition, a monthly stipend, and related costs like books and supplies. This is paid directly to the student, who is responsible for paying the bill to their school.
What Is the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill updated the existing legislation to increase benefits and restructure how those who served after September 10, 2001, were paid. This GI Bill can also be transferred to qualifying dependents to cover their educational expenses.
Most service members and recent Veterans prefer the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It is the most widely used program, mostly because it has a greater range of benefits.
What Is the Difference Between the Bills?
There are some key differences in what the two benefits provide, as well as who can use them. When deciding between the two, you’ll need to consider which one you qualify for and how you plan to pursue your education.
Eligibility
One of the first questions is which version of the GI Bill people qualify for and if they can use it. Currently serving military members likely qualify for both, but typically elect the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Montgomery GI Bill: Anyone who served in the military after June 30, 1985, for at least three years (sometimes two years for those under specific two-year contracts) qualifies for the Montgomery GI Bill. You must have a high school diploma to take advantage of the benefits and have paid into the program, typically through an allotment in your pay during a portion of your service.
Post-9/11 GI Bill: Anyone who served in the military after September 10, 2001 for at least 90 days qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This includes breaks in service, and the time requirement lowers to 30 days for those who were honorably discharged following a service-connected disability. Purple Heart recipients who served after September 10, 2001 are automatically eligible regardless of length of service.
You have up to 10 years after active duty service to use the Montgomery GI Bill benefits and up to 15 years for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. However, recent legislation under the Forever GI Bill Act removed the 15-year time frame for the Post-9/11 GI Bill for those who served after January 1, 2013.
Tuition
Once you determine your eligibility, it’s key to analyze the benefits of each closely and which works best for your goals, starting with education costs. Tuition is by far the biggest expense, although both versions of the GI Bill also cover some related expenses like books.
Montgomery GI Bill: Up to 36 months of tuition and fees, based on your length of service, type of program, and number of hours or credits, are covered. Monthly benefits typically don’t exceed $2,438.00, although the number is adjusted periodically.
Post-9/11 GI Bill: Up to 36 months of tuition and fees, based on your length of service and location, are covered. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full-time tuition and fees for public universities in your state, although you can use this amount toward private university tuition.
Some universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which reduces tuition and fees to the Post-9/11 GI Bill amount. This helps service members attend a more expensive school without paying out of pocket.
Living Expenses
While attending school, it can be difficult to maintain a full-time job that pays for housing and living expenses, especially if you are a full-time student. In some cases, the GI Bill provides a housing allowance, or MHA, for basic living expenses, including mortgage and rent payments.
Montgomery GI Bill: No housing allowance included.
Post-9/11 GI Bill: Up to 36 months of housing allowance at the E-5 with dependents rate for your geographic area is provided. You must be enrolled in in-person classes and attending classes more than half-time to receive a housing allowance. Some recipients can get a one-time allowance to cover the costs of moving from a rural area to pursue an education.
Transferability
If you’ve already earned all the degrees you need or want, understanding your GI Bill benefits is important for your spouse and dependent children. You may be able to transfer your benefits to cover their tuition, housing costs, and books.
Montgomery GI Bill: You are unable to transfer benefits.
Post-9/11 GI Bill: After six years of service, you can transfer your benefits to a dependent family member, but you are obligated to serve an additional four years after making that switch in your record.
Regardless of which version you apply for, you will have the ability to transfer your benefits from one school to another if you decide to enroll in a new institution. This can come in handy when you are conducting a PCS while also utilizing your GI Bill benefit. Learn more about conducting a military PCS through AHRN’s interactive PCS Toolkit.
Post 9/11 Bill Advantages
The major benefit of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and why so many servicemembers elect this option, is that it provides more flexibility and doesn’t require paying into the system to use it.
- Most eligible after 90 days of service
- Works with Yellow Ribbon Program
- 15 years to use the benefit
- Includes housing allowance
- May qualify for relocation assistance
- Transferability to qualifying dependents
Montgomery GI Bill Advantages
The Montgomery GI Bill doesn’t include as many benefits, but it does work for some people. If you served earlier or just like the fixed amount provided, it might be a better option.
- Eligible if served after 1985
- Fixed rate each month
- Amount not based on tuition (which can change)
- Potential to get more each month than expenses
FAQs
Can you switch from Post-9/11 to Montgomery?
No, once you have elected either the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11 GI Bill by applying and enrolling, you cannot switch between the two. You will be unenrolled if you attempt to switch.
You’ll also need to verify your enrollment monthly to keep receiving benefits. You may need to provide proof of residency, enrollment in your program, tuition amounts and expenses, and report cards.
Can I use both Post-9/11 and the Montgomery GI Bill at the same time?
Generally, you cannot use both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill benefits at the same time. However, if you use your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and still qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill under a different period of service, you might be able to use those additional benefits.
What GI Bill is Best For You?
Before deciding which GI Bill is best for you, consider these key aspects:
- Do you need a housing allowance while you attend school? (Only Post-9/11)
- What is the cost of tuition at your school? (Post-9/11 covers full tuition for public schools, Montgomery GI Bill covers a fixed amount)
- Do you want to transfer benefits to your dependents? (Only Post-9/11)
- Do you prefer a fixed or variable monthly stipend? (The Montgomery GI Bill offers fixed payments, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can fluctuate)
Conclusion
Both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill are important benefits for active duty service members, Veterans, and their eligible family members to obtain higher education. The best option depends on your program goals, how you plan to pursue your education, and what you need while enrolled. Learn more about using the benefits you earned for education, housing, and more by following our blog.
Learn more: Check out some of the coolest ways to utilize your GI Bill.