Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)

You may qualify for additional entitlement under the Rudisill decision.
If you have two or more qualifying periods of active duty, you may now qualify for up to 48 months of entitlement. See "What is the 48-Month Rule?” below. You must be eligible for benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30).
Note: Even if you gave up your right to use MGIB-AD benefits in the past (this is called “relinquishing” your benefits), you may now qualify to use some of that entitlement.
Contact ngwi.edu@army.mil or 608.242.3447 with questions on how the Rudisill decision may affect you.

The Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30) is a benefit administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides education assistance for veterans who served on active duty or Active Guard Reserve (AGR) for at least two years.

1. What you get:
   1. Up to 36 months of entitlement.
   2. Current payment rates for full-time enrollment (Effective 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2025):
      1. 3 or more years of service: $2,438 per month
      2. 2 years of service: $1,978 per month
      3. Find more information on payment rates here: Montgomery Active Duty Rates
      4. Did you enlist with a GI Bill Kicker? You can receive your GI Bill Kicker monthly with your Chapter 30 payment.
   3. If on active duty, you can use Chapter 30 as a “Top-UP” to your Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA).
      1. With the Top-Up program, Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is paid first. Then, Chapter 30 will cover any remaining tuition and fees not paid by FTA, up to your monthly Chapter 30 benefit rate.
   4. While using Chapter 30, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at public schools, even if you are not a state resident. To qualify, you must live in the state when classes start and meet criteria as a qualifying individual. Visit the VA’s Veterans Choice Act webpage for more information.
2. How to qualify:
   1. Served at least two years on active duty on or after July 1, 1985, and received an honorable discharge.
   2. Served at least two years in the AGR program after November 29, 1989, and received an honorable discharge.
   3. Pay into the program during your first eligible period of service.
      1. If you are AGR, you can choose to pay a lump sum or set up deductions from your paycheck of $100 per month for 12 months.
      2. You may contribute up to an additional $600 ONLY while on Active Duty orders.
      3. To buy-in, contact our office at ngwi.edu@army.mil or 608.242.3449.
   4. Optional Plus-Up program
      1. You may contribute up to an additional $600 ONLY while on Active Duty.
      2. Every $20 contribution increases you monthly payment by $5 – the full $600 contribution increases your monthly payment by $150 if you’re a full-time student.
      3. Soldiers on Active Duty will NOT receive the additional payment.
3. Period of eligibility:
   1. Chapter 30 benefits expire 10 years from the end of your last period of qualifying active duty service. This 10-year window can be reset if you complete a new period of qualifying service. For example, if you previously served in the Regular Army and then joined the AGR program, your benefits will expire 10 years from your AGR separation date.
4. 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. If you have a Kicker, select “Yes” when asked.
   3. 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.
   4. Continue to verify your enrollment each month.
5. How to use it:
   1. You can use your GI Bill while pursuing opportunities like undergraduate and graduate (including doctorate) degrees, non-college 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.

6. Can I use other benefits?
   1. Yes. You can typically combine your Chapter 30 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.
7. 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 30 benefits, you might be able to receive an additional 12 months from the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
8. Can I receive a refund of my $1,200 buy-in?
   1. You may receive a refund of your $1,200 buy-in if you chose to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits instead of your Chapter 30. The $600 Plus-Up is not refundable. Learn more on the VA’s website.