Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)


You may qualify for additional entitlement under the Rudisill decision.
If you previously relinquished your Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill, you may be eligible for additional months of entitlement.
Contact ngwi.edu@army.mil or 608.242.3448 with questions on how the Rudisill decision may affect you.

The Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) is a benefit administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides a monthly stipend for Soldiers in the Selected Reserve who pursue civilian education.
  1. What you get:
    1. Up to 36 months of entitlement.
    2. $481 per month for full-time enrollment (Effective 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2025) paid directly to you.
      1. Find more information on payment rates here: Montgomery Selected Reserve Rates
    3. Did you enlist with a GI Bill Kicker? You will receive your GI Bill Kicker monthly with your Chapter 1606 payment.
  2. How to qualify:
    1. Sign a six-year enlistment contract or Officer Service Agreement (OSA) to serve in the National Guard.
    2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
    3. Complete Initial Active Duty Training (IADT) or Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).
    4. Not be flagged for unsatisfactory participation (AWOL).
    5. Not be using a ROTC Scholarship under Title 10 USC, Section 2107.
    6. Be actively serving in the National Guard (cannot be in the Inactive National Guard-ING or Individual Ready Reserve-IRR).
      1. You can continue to receive Chapter 1606 benefits if you meet the eligibility requirements and are separated due to a disability not caused by willful misconduct. If you became eligible on or after June 30, 2008, you have up to 14 years from your discharge date to use these benefits.
          Note: AGRs who gained eligibility for Chapter 1606 after 30 June 2008 are eligible to keep their eligibility after starting AGR orders. Reach out to our office with questions!
 
  1. How to apply:
    1. Gather the following information:
      1. social security number
      2. bank account direct deposit information
      3. education and military history
      4. name of school you want to attend or are attending
    2. Submit the online application at www.va.gov.
      1. You are not required to send a copy of your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) to the VA when you apply. If you qualify, we make sure the VA knows you’re eligible.
    1. If you have a Kicker, select “Yes” when asked.
    1. The VA will mail you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at least 30 days after your application.
      1. Provide your COE or statement of benefits to your School Certifying Official (SCO), so they can certify your enrollment to the VA.
    2. Continue to verify your enrollment each month.
Note: If you receive a denial letter from the VA, email a photo or scan of your letter to ngwi.edu@army.mil or call 608.242.3449 for assistance.
  1. How to use it:
    1. You can use your GI Bill while pursuing opportunities like undergraduate and graduate (including doctorate) degrees, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships.
    2. Your GI Bill can only be used while taking classes that are required for your degree. It’s often a good idea to declare your major early and verify your courses meet requirements with your SCO before starting classes.
Other Things to Know:
  1. Can I use other benefits?
    1. Yes. You can typically combine your Chapter 1606 with a tuition-paying benefit like the Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant, the Wisconsin GI Bill, Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private/Non-Profit Colleges, or Federal Tuition Assistance.
  2. What is the 48-Month Rule?
    1. Federal GI Bills generally provide benefits for up to 36 months. It's possible to receive up to 48 months of GI Bill benefits overall if you qualify for more than one GI program. For instance, if you've used all 36 months of your Chapter 1606 benefits, you might be able to receive an additional 12 months from the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
  3. Can my Chapter 1606 be reinstated if I have a break in service?
    1. Yes. If you are assigned to the Inactive National Guard (ING) or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for less than 12 months (or 36 months for missionary work), your benefits may be reinstated. If you are not actively drilling for a longer period of time or enter the ING / IRR for a second time, your Chapter 1606 will be terminated. However, your Chapter 1606 benefits will be terminated if you are not actively drilling for a longer time period, or if you re-enter the ING/IRR a second time.
  4. Do my monthly payments stop if I’m flagged?
    1. Typically, no. Your Chapter 1606 will be terminated if you are flagged for being AWOL. Otherwise, your payments will continue.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at the official U.S. government website.