As a vet on IRR, can I still use Montgomery GI Bill? Or is it better to use the Post 9/11 Gi Bill

SPC Megan Mckenzie — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 18:59:18 -0500

I spent 6 years in the National Guard, but I worked on active duty orders for a while. I'm just not exactly sure how long, since the NGB22 only shows points earned while in service. I don't really know if I'm eligible to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill, or if I'm still able to use the Montgomery GI Bill that I had in my contract with the army. I just wanted opinions on which is better to use and how I can check my eligibility for each of them. Any advice or info will be greatly appreciated.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 31 at 2015 7:04 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 19:04:12 -0500

SPC Megan Mckenzie I would call to ask the experts at [login to see] at the VA. I know you get more bang for your buck using the 9-11, however it depends what the state cap is for your state.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2015 7:42 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 19:42:17 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL has it right. Unlike many divisions at the VA, the 800# for the GI Bill benefits usually provides timely & accurate service.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 31 at 2015 7:50 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 19:50:45 -0500

I used both the GI Bill (first) and the post 9/11. They can both be used. However, each has different rules. Call the VA and talk to them and find out what your options are.

Response by SGT Robert Zuniga made Dec 31 at 2015 7:54 PM

SGT Robert Zuniga — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 19:54:34 -0500

If you qualify for the Ch 30, use it first. No matter what. I have been out for 9 years. I recently got my BS/CJ. I am currently in a masters program and have a few months of the Montgomery left. When it gets close to running out, I will apply for the post 9/11. I should be able to finish it out with that. A friend o mine at work got was talked into applying for the 9/11 because it pays a little more monthly with the housing stipend. Little did he know, he automatically lost his Montgomery. Message me if you need any help.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2016 12:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:26:03 -0500

Usually the college you are attending has VA reps that can help guide you with this.

Response by LCDR Jamie Galus made Jan 1 at 2016 12:57 PM

LCDR Jamie Galus — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 12:57:11 -0500

Before, getting on the phone I would go over what the VA already has on you to see if it is correct. A good place to start is the eBenefits website: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 10:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 10:46:23 -0500

There should be somebody in your schools registrars office that can answer that for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 1:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 13:28:27 -0500

In order to receive the full amount of the 911 GI Bill, you must have served 36 months on active duty (can be non consecutive). Anything less than 3 years and the amount is prorated, which sounds like you haven't been on active duty orders for long have you? Chapter 30 sounds like your only option.

Response by SSG Arron Daniels made Jan 3 at 2016 12:01 AM

SSG Arron Daniels — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 00:01:48 -0500

SPC Megan Mckenzie I was in the Guard for a while and your Montgomery GI Bill benefits can be used within 10 years of separation. Regarding POST 9/11 GI Bill, you must be on federal title 10 orders, not state issued orders, and those orders must not be for initial entry training. If you have been deployed as a National Guard Member, you can also take advantage or the REAP which depending on what benefits you have left and it depends on what orders you were on. Here is a really good tool for you to use as well that can help answer some questions.

https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool

Additionally, you may want to set up an appointment with your VA rep at your school, but they may not be aware of everything, so research as much as you can.

GI Bill Comparison Tool - Vets.gov

Post 9/11 GI Bill recipients serving on Active Duty (or transferee spouses of a servicemember on active duty) are not eligible to receive a monthly housing allowance.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 10:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 22:30:16 -0500

To be honest, most likely the active duty orders you were on were Title 32, which is not eligible for Federal Benefits.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 11:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:02:55 -0500

If your active service was not Federal (as in you were not deployed) you are most likely not eligible for Post 9/11. Your eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (which is what Guardsmen get) expires the day you leave the service unless you left due to a service related disability.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_sr.asp

Is it possible for you to get out of IRR status and start drilling again? You'd be able to use Federal TA benefits. Also, does your state offer any additional benefits?

Montgomery GI Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) - Education and Training

The GI Bill provides education benefits to veterans and their dependents.

Response by SGT Don Schaffer made Sep 13 at 2017 9:47 AM

SGT Don Schaffer — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:47:57 -0400

Post 9-11 far superior

Response by SPC Megan Mckenzie made Sep 13 at 2017 11:26 AM

SPC Megan Mckenzie — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 11:26:37 -0400

Well here's an update for everyone on here... I finally found out from the VA that the active duty orders I was on do not qualify me for the post 9/11 GI bill. I was told they were the wrong kind of active orders..however, I can still use my Montgomery GI bill. So I've filled the paperwork with my school, and I'm hoping to start getting my allowance starting this month. Thanks for everyone who gave advice, I really appreciate it.