Comparison of Old Montgomery and Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
Benefit Details
Since the first version of the G.I. Bill was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, active service members and veterans have had the opportunity to make their dreams of higher education a reality. The bill was originally written to assist veterans who were returning from World War II and were having a difficult time re-entering the workforce. Since then, generations of soldiers, seamen, airmen, and marines have used their G.I. Bill benefits to put continuing education within their reach.
On August 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill became the most comprehensive education benefit program available to many veterans, active-duty service members and eligible family members. For some military personnel, the New G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) offers a higher level of benefits and replaces the older Montgomery G.I. Bill MGIB, (Chapter 30).
A revised version of the new G.I. Bill, known as the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act, was signed into law on January 4, 2011. Effective October 1, 2011, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill will allow the military member to use their education benefits for OJT and apprenticeship training. The Bill pays a prorated monthly benefit amount based upon the amount of time they are enrolled in a training program and up to $83 per month for books and supplies. The apprentice will receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at the rate equal to the military ranking of E-5 w/ dependents; based on the zip code of where the training facility is located.
The payment schedule* for the duration of the apprenticeship is as follows (Please note: This is the best case scenario for an apprentice who served three years after September 10, 2001 to receive 100% of their education benefits):
• For the first six months they are eligible for 100% of the allowed BAH
• During the second six months they are eligible for 80% of the allowed BAH
• During the third six month period they are eligible for 60% of the allowed BAH
• During the fourth six month period they are eligible for 40% of the allowed BAH
• After the first 24 months they are eligible for 20% of the allowed BAH until the completion
of the program
Comparison of Montgomery and Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Apprenticeship Benefits
| Benefit Details | Montgomery | Post 9/11 |
| Eligibility requirements | Minimum of a two-year service period after June 30, 1985 and a $1,200 program enrollment fee. | Must have served after September 10, 2001, with a minimum of either 90 aggregate days of active-duty service or 30 continuous days for veterans who were discharged with a service-connected disability. No enrollment fee. |
| Payment Rate for Apprenticeship | The Old GI Bill pays a flat rate nationwide. Rates are adjusted annually, and payments are sent directly to veterans. With three years or more of service, the current payment is $1,104.75 with three years or more. | The apprentice will receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at the rate equal to the military
ranking of E-5 w/ dependents; based on the zip code of where the training facility is located.
*Per payment schedule discussed above |
| Additional Expense Payments | Under the old program, a veteran does not receive any additional payments for these or any other expenses. | The new GI Bill also includes a stipend of up to $83 per month. |
| Benefit Expiration | The old bill benefit period spans 10 years after your last separation or discharge. | The benefit period spans 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 aggregate days or more. |
| Enrollment Fee | For eligibility under the old bill, you had to pay a $100 per month for the first 12 months. | Enrollees pay no fees. |
For more information, log onto:
http://www.gibill.com/info/comparison/
