When most people think of education and the Army they immediately think of the GI bill, but veterans and US Army active duty personnel are entitled to more. With choices including the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), the Post Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Program (VEAP), and the Montgomery GI Bill you will be able to pursue your professional dreams with Army support. Protecting our country is an important job, and the time you give the US Army should not keep you from reaching long-term professional goals. Your Army service can actually become the doorway to an educational future that might not otherwise be in reach.

Respecting Our Army Veterans

The US Army is committed to honoring the service of its dedicated service people and has tools available to guide you step-by-step to the best choice or combination of benefit programs for you. Some of the important determining factors in selecting the right combination are the length of your active service, whether you desire to attend school full or part time, and if you need a housing allowance. Take advantage of the planning tools the Army offers on its easy to navigate site to consider different combinations.

Since the Army made changes in 1984 to the GI Bill, creating the Montgomery GI Bill, benefits available to veterans have only improved and choices expanded. In exchange for active duty US Army personnel forfeiting $100 pay per month for a year to the Montgomery GI program they receive a significantly increased educational benefit for 36 months.

The Army makes this option even more attractive by including a buy-up option. While on active duty US Army service personnel can contribute up to $600 toward their Montgomery Bill. The Army matches this contribution 8 to 1, for every dollar the service person contributes, the Army contributes 8. What investment has a return of this magnitude!

US Army Support

The Army understands the importance of having time to adjust to life outside the service. Reconnecting with family and finding jobs and housing can be a challenging adjustment when leaving. US Army veterans have up to 10 years to use these benefits. There are informal and formal educational opportunities while in the Army that simply can’t be measured.

Training experienced during your Army service would cost you thousands of dollars in the civilian world. When you add to that the significant educational support the US Army offers for its active personnel and veterans and the Army is a choice that simply can’t be beat.

Eligibility is Based on Length of Service

The total amount of benefits granted is based on the length of time a veteran has served in the Armed Forces.  Assistance is also available to service members who have either received an honorable discharge, or was discharged because of a medical condition (provided it wasn’t a result of misconduct).

To find out exactly how the duration of your service affects your personal benefits, log on to the Military.com web site and go to the page entitled “New GI Bill Overview: Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefit Tiers.”  Or, if you’d like to inquire about your eligibility status, contact the Veterans Administration directly at 1-888-838-7697.  They are the only ones that have the authority to determine your personal eligibility for benefits.

A Summary of Educational Benefits

Individuals who qualify and are enrolled in approved education programs are entitled to receive benefits for a period of up to 36 months, which is equivalent to four years of college, to cover the costs of tuition, fees, living expenses and other expenses associated with the pursuit of education.

However, a student may not receive funds that exceed the maximum in-state amount of established charges at the highest priced public school in that particular state.  For those attending part-time or less, the amount is further reduced if the actual costs are less than the educational benefit would otherwise be.

Funds for books, supplies, equipment, and other expenses for educational purposes are limited to $1,000 per academic year and are paid proportionately by term.  Payments are dispersed as follows:

- Book allowance is paid directly to the student at the start of each term

- Stipends for housing are paid directly to the student on a monthly basis

- Tuition payments are sent directly to the institution

Active-Duty Members of the Armed Forces

If you are on active duty, you can still receive education benefits up to the maximum in-state charge at the most expensive public school in the state, however, benefits are not provided for housing or books.

For more explicit details regarding what the GI Bill provides if you are on active duty, log on to the Military.com web site and check out the Active Duty GI User’s Guide.

Transferring Your Benefits to Dependents

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, eligible members may transfer a portion of the education benefits to their dependents, including their spouse and children under the age of 26.  Note that only active members of the military who have completed at a minimum of six years of service and agree to serve at least four more qualify for this benefit.

For questions, contact the Office of Veteran and Military Education at 1-800-867-5941 or 518-587-2100.