MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Queries received at the Education Program and Services Branch office at Navy Personnel Command suggest that many Sailors aren't aware that if they are enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and have completed 24 months of active duty, they may begin to use their MGIB benefits. In fact, active-duty Sailors can use regular MGIB payments or MGIB Top-Up (used with tuition assistance) when taking advantage of their education benefits.
The current MGIB full-time rate is $900 per month for 36 months of benefits. While members may use MGIB after 24 months active duty, they are not fully eligible until they complete 36 full months of active duty. In other words, if for some reason a Sailor who has begun using their benefits after 24 months is discharged prior to reaching 36 months of active duty, he is liable to pay back the government.
Sailors who choose to use these benefits can file claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) by submitting a VA Form 22-1990 (available on DVA's website) by mail or online. MGIB Top-Up benefits TA claims are processed by an initial submission of the VA Form 22-1990, along with a copy of the completed TA form clearly marked "Top-Up." Subsequent Top-Up claims require only a copy of the completed TA form marked "Top-Up." No school certification is required. More information is available at VA's website .
In an effort to clarify some of the more complicated aspects of MGIB, Ms. Kathy Wardlaw, head of the Federally Legislated Education Benefits Branch, provided answers to the following questions:
Is there a difference in payment whether you are on or off active duty?
There may be if you are going to a low-cost school. In-service MGIB benefits are limited to payment of tuition and fees, or the normal rate payable, whichever is less. For example, if you are enrolled half-time in school for a three month term and the tuition and fees are $700 total, you will only be paid $700, but you will be charged 1 and 1/2 month of entitlement (3 months at 1/2 time = 1.5 months). If you were off active duty, you would be paid $450 per month for the three month term (1/2 of the full-time rate is $450), regardless of the cost of the course. Both individuals used 1.5 months of entitlement, but received different amounts. If you are going to a low cost school and plan to secure your MGIB benefits to continue your education when you get off active duty, you may want to consider this.
How is use of Top-Up charged to your MGIB entitlement?
VA will pay the portion of tuition and fees listed on the TA form that the service does not pay. Each fiscal year, they will charge one month of entitlement for each $900 paid in TA. For example, if you have been paid $1,800 in FY-03 for top-up benefits, you will be charged for two months of MGIB entitlement.
Will MGIB pay for my books while I am on active duty?
MGIB is not intended to cover all costs of schooling while you are on active duty. MGIB is limited to tuition and fees while on active duty. When benefits are used off active duty, the MGIB payment can be used for any expenses.
If I use MGIB on active duty, will it affect my ability to transfer it to my dependents?
MGIB transferability was authorized by Congress for certain members in critical skills in exchange for a four-year reenlistment. Only 18 months of benefits can be transferred to dependents. Navy has not yet implemented transferability, but one thing is important to remember: transferability is a retention tool and will not be offered to all members enrolled in MGIB.