Programs:

Veteran Access, Choice, and Accountability Act 0f 2014

Please contact the Veteran Support Center for the most up to date language on those who qualify as supported individuals under the Choice Act. 406-994-3661 vets@montana.edu

Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, entrepreneurship training, and tutorial assistance. All training programs must be approved for GI Bill® benefits.

The Post 9-11 GI Bill® will pay eligible individuals:

  • Your tuition & fees, based on your percentage of eligibility, directly to the school for all public school in-state students.
  • For those attending classes at the greater than ½ time rate, a monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school.
  • For those enrolled solely in distance learning (online courses) the housing allowance payable is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
  • An annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.

This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits.

See more information about Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill® to dependents.

See more information about transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.  This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.  The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution for 100% eligible Post 9/11 GI Bill® veterans’.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees. You may have tuition and fees that exceed that amount if you are attending a private institution, graduate school or attending in an out-of-state status.  If you are enrolled at a Yellow Ribbon participating institution and the tuition and fees exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition or fees, additional funds may be available for your education program without an additional charge to your entitlement.

See more information about the Yellow Ribbon program.

Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (MGIB)

The Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Vocational flight training is approved from September 30, 1990. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.

See more information about Active Duty Benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (MGIB - SR)

The Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

You may use this education assistance program for degree programs, certificate or correspondence courses, cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and vocational flight training programs. Remedial, refresher and deficiency training are available under certain circumstances.

Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components. VA makes the payments for this program.

You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits. Your benefit entitlement ends 10 years from the date of your eligibility for the program, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve.

See more information about the Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).

 

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

See more information about Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (VRE)

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service Program provides a comprehensive program of vocational rehabilitation assessment and services for veterans who have incurred or aggravated a physical or mental disability while in the armed forces of the United States. Veterans who have the potential to become employed are assisted in making viable occupational choices, and if necessary, are provided the skills needed to qualify for suitable employment. When the veteran reaches the point where he or she is "job-ready", VR&E staff assists that person in the employment search process. For those persons who do not have the option of employment by virtue of the severity of disabling conditions, VR&E may be able to provide independent living services designed to assist the individual to live in the community as independently as possible. Whether the rehabilitation plan calls for a vocational goal or independent living, the VR&E staff work very closely with the veteran and his/her family to assure progress in the program and success in the goals.

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a number of educational benefit programs for eligible service members, veterans, and dependents. As an integral part of these benefits, educational and vocational counseling is available to help the individual to choose a vocational direction or area of study and select a school or other facility which the person might attend to achieve the chosen goal. Counseling is provided by qualified counselors and is offered at no charge.

See more information about Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.

 

"GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."