Chapter 1606, Selected Reserve

What Is the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve?

The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve is an education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. It is the first program that doesn't require a person to serve on active duty in the regular Armed Forces to qualify.

An eligible reservist may get education benefits while in a program approved for VA training. For information about the types of training available, call the toll-free number listed at the bottom of the page.

Payment rates is as follows: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm

Am I eligible?

You may be considered an eligible reservist or National Guard member if:

  • after June 30, 1985, you signed a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve, AND
  • you completed your Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT), AND
  • you got your High School Diploma or GED before you completed your IADT, AND
  • you are in good standing in a drilling Selected Reserve unit

    If you stay in the Selected Reserves, benefits generally end 10 years from the date you became eligible for the program if you became eligible before October 1, 1992. Benefits generally end 14 years from the date you became eligible if you became eligible on or after October 1, 1992. Your period of eligibility may be extended, if you were unable to train because of a service-related disability. Typically, your eligibility ends when you leave the Selected Reserves.

    How Can You Apply?

    Your unit will give you a Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384 or 2384-1) and a DD Form 214, when you become eligible for Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. You would have to complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits .

    You can also apply online through the VA web site at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp .

    *In addition, Stony Brook students need to fill out a Stony Brook Application , and a copy of their current schedule needs to be submitted.

    Note: You must verify your enrollment the last day of every month during the semester you are certified for benefits. Failure to verify will result in failure to recieve payment from the VA.