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MSgt Nicole Heussner is your Retention Office Manager.
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Disclaimer - The VA is the authority on this program and manage all payments, approvals and changes. I've done my diligence in referencing their guidance, but changes could be made without my knowledge, so it is best to always refer to the VA.GOV website for current information.
Two most common GI Bills for our Air National Guard members are the GI Bill Chapter 1606 and GI Bill Chapter 33.
Question: Why do I care?
"GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs..."
(Ref. https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/ )
Why do I need this brief if all the information is on-line already?
The VA.gov website is excellent in providing details, however, because there is so much information, it is easy to get lost. I am here to help guide you.
What is the first thing to know about the GI Bill?
There is more than one GI Bill program & the names of the programs sound very similar. It is common to have them get mixed up with each other.
For example, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 is also referred to as MGIB-SR, and is also referred to as Montgomery GI Bill and GI Bill.
There is also a GI Bill called Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty Chapter 30. This is also referred to as MGIB-AD, Montgomery GI Bill, and GI Bill.
There is a third GI Bill called Post 9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33. This is also referred to as Post 9/11, the "other GI Bill", and the GI Bill.
As you can see, this can get pretty confusing, pretty quickly...
The best way to clear up the differences is to refer to the program by it's Chapter, not by it's name.
Start to think of the GI Bill program as a chapter book. The more military service time you put in, the more chapters of the GI Bill program you may be able to unlock and each chapter has various types of benefits.
So there is Chapter 1606, Chapter 30, and Chapter 33.
We will cover Chapter 1606 and Chapter 33 in this brief.
CHAPTER 1606 OVERVIEW
CHAPTER 1606 OVERVIEW
( Ref. Chapter 1606 Details on VA website )
Members who enlist for 6 years, complete tech school, & have a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible to apply for Chapter 1606. This Chapter pays a monthly stipend to members while in school. The benefit is good for 36 months and only pays out when the member is actively in school. So if you take the summer months off, you will not recieve this payment.
How do I apply for this benefit?
Once a member completes tech school, they will in-process with my office and complete the first step in the application process by signing off on a document called Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE).
Once the NOBE is complete, the member must create an account with VA.gov and apply for Chapter 1606 GI Bill, linked up here: Apply For The GI Bill .
Within about 30 days after applying, you will recieve a COE (Certificate of Eligibility) in the mail from the VA. Schedule an appointment with your VA Representative at your school and bring that COE with you.
How much money do I get with Chapter 1606?
( Ref. Chapter 1606 Rates )
Is this money taxed?
No. Payments from all GI Bill programs are tax-free.
(Ref. https://www.va.gov/resources/how-va-education-benefit-payments-affect-your-taxes/ )
How do I receive payment?
Direct Deposit. You'll provide your banking information during the application process.
Can I transfer Chapter 1606 to my dependents?
No. Chapter 33 is the GI Bill authorized to be transferred. The transfer needs to be approved and if approved, the member incurs an additional 4 year service obligation.
(Ref. https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/ )
Can I use State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) while using Chapter 1606?
Yes. The STR program pairs perfectly with Chapter 1606. For information on the STR check out the State Incentive Circular found linked up here and read Chapter 2.
Basically, STR is different than the Chapter 1606. It will reimburse a member up to $18,000 a school year for undergraduate work OR up to $28,000 a school year for graduate and higher work.
This program is managed by your Unit Training Manager (UTM) or other delegated authority within your unit.
(Ref. State Incentive Circular SFY23 )
CHAPTER 33 OVERVIEW
CHAPTER 33 OVERVIEW
( Ref. Chapter 33 Details on VA website )
How much money do I get?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill program is comprised of multiple payments including tuition and fees, as well as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
To start the VA will look at your service records and determine a percentage based on the following table.
36 months or more: 100% of the benefit
Between 30 months and 36 months: 90% of the full benefit
Between 24 months and 30 months: 80% of the full benefit
Between 18 months and 24 months: 70% of the full benefit
Between 6 months and 18 months: 60% of the full benefit
Between 90 days and 6 months: 50% of the full benefit
Note: Tech School time is not counted as qualifying time until you get to more than 24 months of qualifying time.
(Ref. How We Determine Your Percentage Of Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) )
Another variable is the school you are attending and it's location.
It's best to use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to clarify that even further.
( Ref. GI Bill® Comparison Tool | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) )
Can I use Chapter 33 and STR?
No. Because both cover tuition, you cannot use both at the same time.
Can I transfer this benefit to my dependants?
Yes! The process for transfer is all self-help, and starts in myFSS. Additionally, here is a step-by-step process to accomplish this.
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