Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty

About the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty

The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to those qualifying. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. You may use the education benefits under the MGIB program if you qualify under one of the following categories:

• Category I: You entered active duty after June 30, 1985 and had your military pay reduced by $1,200. If you are now on active duty, you may begin using these benefits after completing two years of service. You may also be eligible if you enlisted for two years of active duty with an obligation to serve four in the Selected Reserve. You must have entered the Selected Reserve within one year of your release from active duty. If you are separated from active duty, you must have an honorable discharge, and you must have completed your initial obligation.

• Category II: You had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill on December 31, 1989 and served on active duty between October 19, 1984 and June 30, 1985, and continued to serve through July 1988. You must also have obtained a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before December 31, 1989 or completed 12 college credits. In addition to the basic MGIB benefit rate, you will receive half of the Vietnam Era GI Bill rate, including the allowance paid for veterans with dependents. If you qualify for this category, your military pay will not be reduced.

• Category III: If you were eligible for the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) at one time, you may still be eligible.

How to Get Started

1. Apply online through the VA Education Benefits portal.

2. Submit your Certificate of Eligibility to the Veterans Services Office at Atlantic Cape.

3. Register for courses and follow up with the Financial Aid Office to ensure your benefits are processed

Any individual currently under contract with any branch of the U.S. military in an active duty status may qualify for Tuition Assistance. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is an agreement between the member's command and the Atlantic Cape Bursar's office. This benefit is separate from VA Education benefits.

Prior to enrolling in Atlantic Cape, service members need to first check with an education counselor or Educational Services Officer (ESO), for the specifics involving TA by visiting their local installation education office, contacting your education counselor or ESO, or by going online to a virtual education center.