The MGIB is a voluntary educational assistance program designed to offset the cost of your education. Members are automatically eligible for the program and make an election to enroll or disenroll on DD Form 2366.
Once you decide to dis-enroll, it is a permanent decision. This is your only chance to enroll in the MGIB. Whether you enlisted for two, four or six years, you may still qualify (find out more information by visiting the DVA website: http://www.gibill.va.gov).
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Received a fully Honorable Discharge (discharges “under honorable conditions” or “general” do not qualify)
- Entered active duty (AD) for the first time after 30 June 1985
- Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for the first 12 months
- Continuously served for 3 years OR 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for OR 2 years if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving AD and served 4 years (“2 by 4” Program)
Rates
You may use the MGIB while serving on AD after 2 years of AD service OR after separating from AD (many items affect your monthly payments so it is best to see the education office at your first duty station for individualized payment information).
Rates increase 01 October of every year. Rates and months of entitlement are adjusted proportionally according to your enrollment (e.g., full time, ¾ time or ½ time). Thus, if you are enrolled for less than full-time, the months of entitlement will increase.
$600 Buy-Up Program (DD Form 2366-1)
You may contribute up to an additional $600 while serving on AD in increments as little as $20 per month to receive increased benefits. Contributing an additional $600 will increase your benefit by $5400.
Time Period
Your eligibility usually ends when you either reach 10 years from your date of separation from AD or you use all of your months of entitlement.
Standards
You must maintain satisfactory attendance, conduct and progress to continue receiving benefits. The DVA will stop your benefits if you fail to maintain these standards.
Training
The MGIB pays for a variety of different training options. You must meet specific requirements and the DVA must approve each program before you begin using your MGIB benefits. The MGIB provides up to 36 months of educational benefits for eligible veterans. If you have more specific questions related to training, contact the DVA. Refer to Fig 25-2, for specific information on approved types of training and specific training restrictions.
MGIB Pay Reduction Rules
At the end of the GI Bill Programs class, you will complete the DD Form 2366, Montgomery GI Bill Act of 1984 (MGIB) Basic Enrollment, confirming if you want to enroll in or disenroll from the MGIB.
If you decide to enroll in the MGIB, your base pay will be reduced by $50 per pay period ($100 per month) for 12 consecutive months of AD (a total of $1,200) beginning 45 days from the date of this class.
The $1,200 pay reduction cannot be refunded, suspended or stopped, unless you convert to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (discussed later in this chapter).
Reasons to Stay Enrolled in the BGIB
- Education, college and training costs are very expensive—the MGIB only cost $1,200 ($100 per month for 12 months).
- It provides more options to you. You can keep your options open by staying enrolled.
- The MGIB is a tax-free program.
- Only MGIB participants have the option to use both GI Bill programs (MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill).
- MGIB participants who do not use all of their MGIB entitlements and decide to convert to the Post-9/11 GI Bill may get their $1,200 initial pay reduction refunded. Refunds are disbursed by the DVA.