Frequently Asked Questions
Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) - Chapter 1606
What if I am receiving MGIB-SR benefits and I am called up and have
to drop out of University without receiving credit?
- You are entitled to receive MGIB-SR benefits through the date you dropped
out of University.
- If you were called up under title 10 (federal authority), VA will restore
the entitlement you were charged for the period that you received benefits
upon receipt of a copy of your orders or DD-214 verifying service under title
10. For example, if you were at University for one month and had to drop out,
you keep the money for that period and VA will add back a month to your entitlement
for you to use at a later time. If you were called up under title 32 (state
authority), you don't receive the entitlement restoration benefit.
- If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will postpone collection
action if you are deployed to a combat area. However, once you return from
a combat area, you may be responsible for any overpayment of benefits.
What is the effect of call-up on my period of eligibility for MGIB-SR?
If you are activated for even one day under title 10, VA will extend your
period of eligibility by the length of your active duty plus four months.
You will receive a separate extension for each call-up. This extension is
not available if you were called up under title 32. VA may need evidence of
active service such as copies of orders or DD Form 214.
Can I continue to use MGIB-SR after I have been called up?
Yes, unless your reserve unit suspends your eligibility while you are serving
on active duty. (Your reserve component may restrict your ability to take
courses.)
Can I use the same period of active duty to establish eligibility under
both MGIB-SR and MGIB?
No. You can't use the same period of service to establish eligibility to
MGIB-SR and MGIB. You must choose whichever is best for you. If you file a
claim for VA benefits and you are eligible for both MGIB-SR and MGIB, VA will
send information about your options.
Can I use the same period of active duty to establish eligibility under
both MGIB-SR and REAP?
Yes. You can use the same period of service to establish eligibility under
both MGIB-SR and REAP.
What if I am also eligible for another VA education benefit such as
MGIB, DEA, or REAP? (The MGIB eligibility would have to be based on a separate
period of service.)
You may still be eligible for MGIB-SR even though you're currently eligible
for another VA education benefit. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of
benefits under any combination of VA education benefit programs you qualify
for.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) - Chapter 30 - Questions affecting
those already eligible for MGIB
What if I'm receiving MGIB benefits and I'm called up and have to drop
out of University without receiving credit?
- You are entitled to receive MGIB benefits through the date you dropped out
of University.
- If you were called up under title 10 (federal authority), VA will restore
the entitlement you were charged for the period that you received benefits
upon receipt of a copy of your orders or DD-214 verifying service under title
10. For example, if you were attending University for one month and had to
drop out, you keep the money for that period and VA will add back a month
to your entitlement for you to use at a later time. If you were called up
under title 32 (state authority), you don't receive the entitlement restoration
benefit.
- If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will postpone collection
action if you are deployed to a combat area. However, once you return from
a combat area, you may be responsible for any overpayment of benefits.
What if I am already on active duty and must stop University due to
a new duty assignment or increased workload?
The same principle applies as if you were called up to active duty. You are
entitled to MGIB benefits through the date you dropped out and you are entitled
to the entitlement restoration benefit.
What are the effects of call-up if I am beyond my original 10-year
period of eligibility?
If you serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty, you become eligible
again for the MGIB. You receive a new ten-year period of eligibility from
the end of your call-up period. If you served less than 90 continuous days
and are discharged or released for a service connected disability, for a non-service
connected medical condition which preexisted the later active duty service,
for hardship, or because of a reduction in force for the convenience of the
government, you will still get a new ten-year period of eligibility. VA may
need evidence of active service such as copies of orders or DD Form 214. You
would not receive an extension of your eligibility if you were called up under
title 32 (state authority) orders for operational purposes.
What are the effects of call-up if I am within my original 10-year
period of eligibility?
If you serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty, you receive a new
ten-year period of eligibility from the end of your call-up period. If you
served less than 90 continuous days and are discharged or released for a service
connected disability, for a non-service connected medical condition which
preexisted the later active duty service, for hardship, or because of a reduction
in force for the convenience of the government, you will still get a new ten-year
period of eligibility. VA may need evidence of active service such as copies
of orders or DD Form 214. You would not receive an extension of your eligibility
if you were called up under title 32 (state authority) for operational purposes.
Can I receive benefits during the call-up period?
If you are establishing eligibility based on the call-up period, you must
wait until you have served 24 months to use your benefits. However, while
on active duty you are only entitled to a monthly rate that is the lesser
of (1) the rate that will reimburse you for the tuition and fees of the courses
you are currently enrolled in or (2) the rate you would be entitled to as
a veteran.
What if I am also eligible for another VA education benefit such as
DEA, MGIB-SR, or REAP? (The REAP eligibility would have to be based on a different
period of service than that used to establish MGIB eligibility.)
You may still be eligible for MGIB even though you are currently eligible
for another VA education benefit. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of
benefits under any combination of VA education benefit programs you qualify
for.
Can I contribute $600 while on active duty during a call-up period
and receive an increase in my MGIB benefits?
Yes, if you first entered active duty after June 30, 1985.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) - Chapter 30 - Questions affecting
those NOT already eligible for MGIB
What if I am called up for less than two years under title 10 and I
have never established MGIB eligibility?
Generally, such service is not qualifying for MGIB.
What if I am called up for two years or more under title 10 and I have
never established MGIB eligibility?
You will be eligible for MGIB in most cases unless you decline MGIB in writing.
VA may need evidence of active service such as copies of orders or DD Form
214.
What if I am initially called up for two years but I am released early
so that I don't serve at least two years?
If you are released early after being called up for two years, you may be
eligible depending on the separation reason.
What if I am initially called up for less than two years but I am extended
so that I do serve at least 2 years?
In most cases, you will be eligible for MGIB.
Does the military collect $1,200 from me if I am going to be eligible
for MGIB?
Yes. The fact that a person did not have the $1,200 pay reduction does not
preclude eligibility.
Can I use the same period of active duty to establish eligibility under
both MGIB and MGIB-SR or REAP?
No, you can't use the same period of service to establish eligibility to
MGIB and MGIB-SR or REAP. If you file a claim for VA benefits and you are
eligible for MGIB and either MGIB-SR or REAP, or both, VA will send information
about your options. (Note -- you can use the same period of service to establish
eligibility under both MGIB-SR and REAP.)
What if I am also eligible for DEA, MGIB-SR, or REAP? (The REAP would
have to be based on a different period of service than that used to establish
MGIB eligibility.)
You may still receive MGIB benefits even though you are eligible for another
VA education program. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits under
any combination of VA education benefit programs you may qualify for.
Can I receive MGIB benefits while called up?
If you are establishing eligibility based on the call-up period, you must
wait until you have served 24 months to use your benefits. However, while
on active duty you are only entitled to a monthly rate that is the lesser
of (1) the rate that will reimburse you for the tuition and fees of the courses
you are currently enrolled in or (2) the rate you would be entitled to as
a veteran.
Can I establish MGIB eligibility if I am in the National Guard and
I am called up under title 32?
Such service may be qualifying for MGIB if it is for the purpose of organizing,
administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard. You
must serve two years to be eligible while on active duty. However, if you
are discharged before two years, you must have a qualifying separation reason.
Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program
(VEAP) - Chapter 32
What if I am receiving VEAP benefits and I am called up and have to
drop out of University without receiving credit?
- You are entitled to VEAP benefits through the date you dropped out of University.
- If you were called up under title 10 (federal authority), VA will restore
the entitlement you were charged for the period that you received benefits
upon receipt of a copy of your orders or DD-214 verifying service under title
10. For example, if you were attending University for one month and had to
drop out, you keep the money for that period and VA will add back a month
to your entitlement for you to use at a later time. If you were called up
under title 32 (state authority), you don't receive the entitlement restoration
benefit.
- If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will postpone collection
action if you are deployed to a combat area. However, once you return from
a combat area, you may be responsible for any overpayment of benefits.
What if I am already on active duty and must stop school due to a new
duty assignment or increased workload?
The same principle applies as if you were called up to active duty. You are
entitled to VEAP benefits through the date you dropped out and you are entitled
to the entitlement restoration benefit.
What are the effects of call-up if I am beyond my original 10-year
period of eligibility?
If you serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty, you become eligible
again for VEAP. You receive a new ten-year period of eligibility from the
end of your call-up period. If you served less than 90 continuous days and
are discharged or released for a service connected disability, for a non-service
connected medical condition which preexisted the later active duty service,
for hardship, or because of a reduction in force for the convenience of the
government, you will still get a new ten-year period of eligibility. VA may
need evidence of active service such as copies of orders or DD Form 214. You
would not receive an extension of your eligibility if you were called up under
title 32 (state authority) for any purpose.
Can I receive benefits during the call-up period?
Yes
What if I am also eligible for another VA education benefit such as
DEA, MGIB-SR, or REAP ?
You may still be eligible for VEAP even though you are currently eligible
for another VA education benefit. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of
benefits under any combination of VA education benefit programs you qualify
for.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) -
Chapter 35
What if I am receiving DEA benefits and I am called up and have to
drop out of University without receiving credit?
- You are entitled to DEA benefits through the date you dropped out of University.
- If you were called up under title 10 (federal authority), VA will restore
the entitlement you were charged for the period that you received benefits
upon receipt of a copy of your orders or DD-214 verifying service under title
10. For example, if you were attending University for one month and had to
drop out, you keep the money for that period and VA will add back a month
to your entitlement for you to use at a later time. If you were called up
under title 32 (state authority), you don't receive the entitlement restoration
benefit.
- If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will postpone collection
action while you are deployed to a combat area. However, once you return from
a combat area, you may be responsible for any overpayment of benefits.
What are the effects of call-up on my period of eligibility?
If you are activated during your period of eligibility under title 10 or
section 502(f) of title 32, VA will extend your period of eligibility by the
length of your active duty plus four months. You will receive a separate extension
for each call-up. This type of extension is not subject to any age limitation.
For children entitled to DEA benefits who are in the reserves or National
Guard, this type of extension is in addition to a separate extension you would
receive for your first period of military service which occurs between your
18th and 26th birthdays. Under this latter extension, your eligibility period
would extend eight years from your release from active duty from this period
of service but not beyond your 31st birthday.
Example: You are eligible for DEA between your 18th and 26th birthdays. You
are called to active duty for 12 months from March 1, 2003, at age 20 and
you are discharged on March 1, 2004. Because of your first period of active
duty, your period of eligibility would be extended 8 years from March 1, 2004.
Because of your call-up, you would receive one additional year plus 4 months
in addition to the 8-year extension.
Can I receive DEA benefits during the call-up period?
No. You may not receive DEA benefits while you are on active duty.
Do I have to meet character of discharge requirements from each period
of any military service I may have?
Yes. Your discharge must be under other than dishonorable conditions.
What if I am also eligible for another VA education benefit such as
MGIB, MGIB-SR, or REAP?
You may still be eligible for DEA even though you are eligible for another
VA education benefit. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits under
any combination of VA education benefit programs you qualify for. You are
not eligible for DEA benefits while you are on active duty.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) - Chapter 1607
What is REAP?
REAP is an educational assistance program for members of the Selected Reserve
and Ready Reserve who are called to active service.
How can I become eligible for REAP?
You may be eligible for REAP if you are called or ordered to active service
from the Ready Reserve (Individual Ready Reserve) or the Selected Reserve
for an authorized Department of Defense (DoD) contingency operation. Each
service department will determine service member eligibility.
How much educational assistance can I receive under REAP?
You can receive up to 36 months of educational assistance under REAP. The
educational assistance allowance payable is based on a percentage of the MGIB
three-year rates, and on the number of continuous days served on active duty.
The table below shows the rate for institutional training under REAP effective
October 1, 2005.
Member Serves Percentage of 3-Year Rate Full-Time Rate for Fiscal Year 2006
90 days but less than one year 40% $413.60
One year but less than two years 60% $620.40
Two continuous years or more 80% $827.20
Reduced rates will apply for flight training, correspondence, apprenticeship/OJT
and may apply to other types of training.
While on active duty you are only entitled to a monthly rate that is the
lesser of (1) the rate that will reimburse you for the tuition and fees of
the courses you are currently enrolled in or (2) the rate you would be entitled
to as a veteran.
How will I know for sure that I am eligible for REAP?
The law requires DoD to give you written notification of eligibility for
REAP.
If I am called up for 24 months, can I be eligible for both REAP and
MGIB based on the same period of service?
No. You may not use the same period of service to qualify for benefits under
REAP and MGIB. You will have to make an irrevocable election as to which program
the 24 months of active service will be credited under. If you file a claim
for VA benefits and you are eligible for both REAP and MGIB, VA will send
information about your options. (Note that you may use the same period of
service to establish eligibility under both MGIB-SR and REAP.)
What if I am eligible for another VA education benefit such as MGIB,
DEA, or MGIB-SR? (The MGIB-SR would have to be based on a different period of
service than that used to establish MGIB eligibility.)
You may still be eligible for REAP even though you are currently eligible
for another VA education benefit. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of
benefits under any combination of VA education benefit programs you qualify
for.
Can I use REAP while I am still on active duty and for the same educational
programs approved for MGIB?
Yes. You can use REAP while still on active duty. The law allows you to use
REAP for the same approved educational programs as under MGIB.
Can I continue to receive my MGIB-SR kicker while receiving REAP benefits?
Yes. If you were eligible for the MGIB-SR kicker before being called to active
service you may receive the MGIB-SR kicker while receiving REAP benefits.
The law does not allow you to receive the MGIB kicker (chapter 30) while receiving
REAP benefits.
Where can I get additional information?
Go to www.GIBILL.va.gov <http://www.GIBILL.va.gov>.
From there, you can click on additional links such as "Ask a Question
and Find Answers," "Education Benefit Programs," "Electronic
Application Form," etc.
|
![[ Murdoch University logo and link to homepage ]](/images/header/cs/logo/mu_logo_lhs_45.gif){kind=logo}