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The GI Bill is one of the most significant education benefits ever created for military service members and veterans. What many veterans do not realize is that there are multiple GI Bill programs, and in some cases, you may be eligible for more than one. The two most common are the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30). Each program has different benefits, eligibility requirements, and payment structures. Understanding both programs, and knowing that you can potentially use both, is key to maximizing your education benefits.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, established in 2008, is the more generous of the two programs for most veterans. It provides up to 36 months of education benefits that include: tuition and fees paid directly to the school (up to the maximum in-state tuition rate at public schools, or a capped amount for private schools); a monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents at the school ZIP code; and an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000. The percentage of these benefits you receive depends on your length of qualifying active duty service after September 10, 2001. Veterans with at least 36 months of qualifying service, or those discharged for a service-connected disability after 30 continuous days, receive 100% of the benefit.
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30) works differently. Rather than paying tuition directly and providing a housing allowance, the MGIB-AD provides a flat monthly payment to the veteran. As of 2026, the full-time rate is approximately $2,200 per month for up to 36 months. This payment goes directly to the veteran, who then pays tuition and living expenses out of that amount. To be eligible for the MGIB-AD, you must have enrolled in the program during service and paid the $1,200 buy-in (deducted from your military pay at $100 per month for 12 months). You must also have served at least two years of continuous active duty and received an honorable discharge.
A critical fact that many veterans miss is that you can use both programs under certain circumstances. Under 38 USC 3695, the total combined entitlement from multiple VA education programs is capped at 48 months. This means that if you have 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement and are also eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, you could use your 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill first and then switch to up to 12 additional months of Montgomery GI Bill. This can be valuable if you need more time to complete a degree, pursue a second degree, or obtain professional certifications.
The choice between using the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill first depends on several factors. For most veterans attending college or university, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is more valuable because it covers full tuition (at public schools), provides a housing allowance that often exceeds the MGIB monthly payment, and includes a book stipend. However, there are situations where the Montgomery GI Bill may pay more. For example, if you are attending a low-cost school (such as community college with very low tuition), the MGIB flat monthly payment might exceed what you would receive in housing allowance and tuition coverage under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The VA allows you to compare estimated benefits using the GI Bill Comparison Tool on VA.gov.
Transferability is another important distinction. The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows eligible service members to transfer unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. To transfer benefits, you must be an active duty service member with at least six years of service who agrees to serve an additional four years. The transfer must be initiated and approved while still serving. The Montgomery GI Bill does not offer transferability to dependents. If transferring benefits to your family is a priority, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the only option.
The Fry Scholarship (Section 33 Fry Scholarship) is a related benefit that provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Fry Scholarship recipients receive 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, including tuition, housing allowance, and book stipend. Children can receive benefits until age 33. Surviving spouses must use benefits within 15 years of the service member death (for deaths on or after January 1, 2013) or lose eligibility upon remarriage. The Fry Scholarship and transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits cannot be used simultaneously, but a dependent may be eligible for both and can choose which to use.
When switching between programs, timing matters. If you start with the Post-9/11 GI Bill and want to switch to the Montgomery GI Bill for additional months, you must notify the VA and your school of the change. The switch is not automatic. You should also be aware that some benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (such as the housing allowance) do not apply under the Montgomery GI Bill. Planning your program switch around academic terms and your financial situation will help you avoid gaps in support.
To apply for either GI Bill program, submit VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits). You can submit this form online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. When applying, you will select which program you want to use. If you are unsure which program is better for your situation, you can apply and then use the VA comparison tool or speak with a VA education counselor. Your school Veterans Certifying Official (SCO) can also help you understand how each program applies to your specific situation.
A few additional considerations: Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits have a 15-year delimiting date for veterans who last served before January 1, 2013 (this restriction was removed for those who separated on or after that date). Montgomery GI Bill benefits generally expire 10 years after your last discharge. If you paid the $1,200 Montgomery GI Bill buy-in but elect to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill instead, you may be eligible for a refund of the $1,200 after you have exhausted your full 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement. This refund is not automatic; it is included in your final housing allowance payment.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, or VA claims advice. VA regulations, fee structures, and enforcement actions are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at VA.gov or consult with an accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent before making decisions about your benefits.
Written by Scott, ClaimRecon