Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
The GI Bill for Guard and Reserve members, and how it differs from the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
What it is
The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606) is an education benefit for members of the Selected Reserve. It is a different benefit from the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Know which one you hold before you enroll.
Who qualifies
Per VA, you need all of these:
- A 6-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve (or, for an officer, a 6-year commitment beyond your initial service).
- Completion of your initial active duty for training.
- A high school diploma or equivalency (GED) before you finish that training.
- Good standing in your Selected Reserve unit.
- An obligation that began after June 30, 1985 (after September 30, 1990 for certain training types).
What it gives, with the year
Up to 36 months of education and training benefits. VA rates for 1 October 2026 through 30 September 2027 at a college or non-college degree program: $508.00 a month full-time, $408.00 three-quarter time, $253.00 half-time, $127.00 less than half-time. On-the-job training and apprenticeships pay $381.00 (months 1 to 6), $279.40 (months 7 to 12) and $177.80 after the first year. VA also lists reimbursement for licensing and certification tests (up to $2,000) and national tests. Rates change each 1 October, so check the rates page.
What it gives, with the year
When it ends: the deadline that catches people
Generally, your benefit is tied to your Selected Reserve service and ends when you leave the Selected Reserve. VA lists one exception, a benefit that lasts 14 years from the date of your first 6-year obligation, if you (1) were separated for a disability that was not caused by misconduct, or (2) your unit was deactivated between 1 October 2007 and 30 September 2014, or (3) you were involuntarily separated, not for misconduct, between 1 October 2007 and 30 September 2014. Ask the GI Bill hotline whether the exception fits you.
How to get it, step by step
- Ask your unit for your Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384-1).
- Check that your school and program are approved with the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
- Apply online with VA Form 22-1990.
- Your school certifies your enrollment, and you verify your enrollment each month to keep getting paid.
Traps
- Leaving the Selected Reserve early can end the benefit.
- You need the approved school and program before VA can pay.
- Monthly enrollment verification is your job.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- GI Bill hotline, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET: 1-888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1), TTY 711. Source: va.gov/education and va.gov/contact-us
- VA main information line (MyVA411), 24/7: 1-800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). Source: va.gov/contact-us
Official pages