VA Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
Comprehensive guide for VASCOs certifying students using Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve educational benefits
Quick Facts
Program Overview
The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) provides education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.
Unlike other VA education benefits, MGIB-SR is available to currently servingReserve and National Guard members. This means students are simultaneously serving their military obligations while pursuing education.
Key Difference: Benefits terminate if the member leaves the Selected Reserve, receives a commission as an officer, or completes their service obligation. Payment is a fixed monthly stipend paid directly to the student.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Eligibility
- ✓Have a six-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve
- ✓Currently serve in a drilling Selected Reserve unit
- ✓Remain in good standing and continue drilling satisfactorily
- ✓Have completed Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT)
- ✓Meet high school diploma or equivalency requirements
Qualifying Reserve Components
- •Army Reserve
- •Navy Reserve
- •Air Force Reserve
- •Marine Corps Reserve
- •Coast Guard Reserve
- •Army National Guard
- •Air National Guard
Loss of Eligibility
Benefits terminate immediately upon:
- ✗Separation from the Selected Reserve (ETS, discharge, etc.)
- ✗Assignment to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
- ✗Appointment as a commissioned officer (unless officer was a Reserve enlisted member)
- ✗Unsatisfactory participation (missing drills without authorization)
- ✗Other than honorable discharge
Important for VASCOs: Verify the student is still in the Selected Reserve before certifying each term. Benefits cannot be used after separation, even if the student was eligible when the term started.
Monthly Benefit Rates (2024)
| Training Type | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Full-Time | $445/month |
| 3/4 Time | $334/month |
| 1/2 Time | $222/month |
| Less than 1/2 Time | $222/month (maximum) |
Payment Details:
- • Rates adjusted annually on October 1st
- • Payment goes directly to the student
- • Student responsible for tuition and fees
- • No housing or book stipends
Kicker (Bonus) Programs:
Some service members may have an additional "kicker" bonus that increases their monthly payment. This is determined by their enlistment contract.
VASCO Certification Guidelines
Initial Certification
- 1.Verify student has Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from VA
- 2.Confirm student is enrolled and attending classes
- 3.Ensure program is VA-approved
- 4.Ask student to confirm they are still in the Selected Reserve (drilling status)
- 5.Submit VA Form 22-1999 within 30 days of term start
Ongoing Responsibilities
- •Certify each new enrollment period (semester, quarter, etc.)
- •Verify student is still in Selected Reserve before each certification
- •Report enrollment changes within 30 days (adds, drops, withdrawals)
- •Report immediately if student mentions separating from Reserve
- •Monitor for non-punitive grades that may create overpayments
Special Considerations for MGIB-SR
Critical: Active Duty Activation
If a MGIB-SR student is activated to active duty, their Chapter 1606 benefits are suspended. They may be eligible for Chapter 30 or Chapter 33 benefits instead. Report the activation to VA immediately.
- •Students may need to balance drill weekends with class schedules
- •Annual Training (AT) periods may conflict with exam schedules
- •Consider excused absence policies for military obligations
- •Verify Selected Reserve status each term - IRR transfers are common
Approved Programs of Study
MGIB-SR benefits can be used for a variety of training programs:
Degree Programs
- ✓Associate and Bachelor's degrees
- ✓Graduate degrees (Master's, PhD)
- ✓Certificate and diploma programs
- ✓Correspondence courses
Training Programs
- ✓Technical and vocational training
- ✓Licensing and certification tests
- ✓Entrepreneurship courses
- ✓Apprenticeships and OJT
Limitations: MGIB-SR cannot be used for:
- • Flight training (unless part of approved college curriculum)
- • Bartending or personality development courses
- • Farm cooperative courses
Common Issues & Solutions
Issue: Student separated from Selected Reserve mid-semester
Cause: Student ETSed, transferred to IRR, or received discharge
Solution: Report the separation date to VA immediately using VA Form 22-1999b. Student will likely receive an overpayment debt for benefits received after separation. Benefits terminate the last day of drilling status.
Issue: Student activated to active duty
Cause: Unit activated or individual mobilization orders
Solution: Report activation to VA. Chapter 1606 benefits suspend during active duty. Student may be eligible for Chapter 30 or 33. Coordinate with your military office for tuition assistance or excused withdrawals under SCRA.
Issue: Student missing drill weekends due to class conflicts
Cause: Class schedule conflicts with military obligations
Solution: Work with the student to accommodate military obligations under your institution's military-friendly policies. Unsatisfactory participation terminates benefits. The military obligation takes priority.
Issue: Payment amount lower than expected
Cause: Student or family expected higher payment similar to Chapter 33
Solution: Educate that MGIB-SR has lower rates than other VA benefits. It's designed to supplement, not fully cover, education costs. Students should seek additional financial aid or tuition assistance through their unit.
Issue: Student received commission as officer
Cause: Student commissioned through ROTC, OCS, or direct commission
Solution: Chapter 1606 benefits generally terminate upon commissioning (unless officer was previously an enlisted reservist using benefits). Report the commissioning date to VA. Student may now be eligible for other programs.
Chapter 1606 vs. Other VA Education Benefits
| Feature | Ch. 1606 (MGIB-SR) | Ch. 33 (Post-9/11) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Current Selected Reserve member | 90+ days active duty after 9/10/01 |
| Payment Amount | $445/month (full-time) | Varies by tuition + MHA |
| Payment Method | Fixed stipend to student | Direct tuition payment + MHA |
| While Serving | Must remain in Selected Reserve | Can use after separation |
| Duration | 36 months | 36 months |
| Housing Allowance | None (included in payment) | Separate MHA payment |
| Books Stipend | None | $1,000/year |
Concurrent Benefits: Reserve members who served on active duty may be eligible for both MGIB-SR and Chapter 33. However, they can only use one at a time and cannot receive double payments. Most choose Chapter 33 due to higher benefit amounts.
Additional Resources
Tools & Calculators
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