GI Bill Calculator Facts

Military.com created a GI Bill Calculator to help estimate the cash value of your benefits and help you compare the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post 9/11 GI Bill based on your specific profile and declared needs. The GI Bill Calculator estimates Tuition and Fee Payment Rates, Monthly Housing Stipend, Annual Book Stipend and the Monthly and Annual value of your benefits.

The GI Bill Calculator results are based on the following:

• Your current duty status
• The location of the school you are considering attending
• The number of months you have served on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001
• Number of classes you intend to enroll in
• Number of semesters you intend to attend each year
• And whether you intend to take courses in the classroom or online

The Post-9/11 GI Bill began paying benefits in August 2009. As the new GI Bill moves forward servicemembers and veterans will be required to choose the benefits package (Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill) that best suits their needs. The choice to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill is irrevocable, making it critical for you to choose the benefit that best suits your personal needs. The GI Bill Calculator makes understanding your options and the differences between the old and new benefits easier to understand.

The choice between GI Bills should be based on more than money, making the wrong choice can result in lost benefits and/or derailed education and career goals.  When choosing between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill you must consider the following before making your final decision:

• Compared Cash Values
• Your Eligibility Status
• Your Current Duty Status
• Transferability
• Your Education Goals
• Online vs. In-Classroom
• Your School Choice
• Remaining Montgomery GI Bill Benefits
• How Soon Do You Want to Use It

The GI Bill Calculator results are unofficial, the tool is designed to aid in the decision process, not replace VA representatives and local school veteran advisors. No matter what you choose the decision irrevocable - choose wisely.

Be sure to speak directly to a VA representative or the veterans program administrator at your school before you make an irrevocable decision. You can reach the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or through the VA Question & Answer portal.