The GI Bill Can Pay for On-the-Job Training

If you are a veteran or currently in the guard or reserve, the On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program offers you an alternative way to use your VA (GI Bill) education and training benefits. The following is a summary of these GI Bill alternatives.

When you are trained for a new job, you can receive monthly training benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in addition to your regular salary.

This means that if you are using the Montgomery GI Bill you can receive up to $1173 a month ($267 for Reserve/Guard) tax-free, on top of your regular salary! That's over $12,000 in cash benefits over two years, for training in an OJT or apprenticeship training program. This payment differs for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill veterans recieve the housing stipend as follows:

 
• During the first six months of training 100% of  your applicable housing stipend.
 
• During the second six month period of training  80% of your applicable housing stipend.
 
• During the third six month period of training  60% of your applicable housing stipend.
 
• During the fourth six month period of training  40% of your applicable housing stipend.
 
• Any remaining pursuit of training 20% of your  applicable housing stipend.

VA pays Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve participants on a similar scale but at the following reduced rates; $267 a month for the first six months of training, $195 for the second six months of training and $124 for remaining training. Selected Reserve participants.

Qualifying Jobs

To qualify, your job must meet the following criteria:

• You must be supervised at least 50 percent of the time.
• Job training must lead to an entry-level position. (Management training programs do not qualify.)
• You must be a full-time paid employee - not on commission.
• Your training must be documented and reported.
• You cannot have previous experience job experience in that field.
• You must be recently hired (within one to two years).
• The job must require at least six months training to become fully trained.
• The employer may be private, local or state government.

Companies Who Participate in the Apprenticeship Program

Here is a list of well-known companies who participate in the VA's Apprenticeship Program:

• Pirelli Tire Co.
• Proctor & Gable Co.
• Merck Pharmaceuticals
• Cessna Aircraft
• Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Bell South
• World Toyota
• Comcast
• Pratt and Whitney Engine Co.
• Law enforcement (police, sheriff, State Patrol)
• Dept. of Corrections (prisons, detention centers)
• Local Fire Departments

Eligibility

• You are no longer on active duty
• You were recently hired or promoted
• You left active duty less than 10 years ago or
• You are currently a member of the Guard or Reserve (Reserve GI Bill)

So, if you are qualified for the GI Bill and you have started a new job or apprenticeship program, you should apply for this little known GI Bill benefit. In some cases, the VA will even pay retroactively for OJT from the past 12 months.

Note: You may not receive GI Bill OJT benefits at the same time you receive the GI Bill education benefits.

Click here for the latest information on the exact amounts the GI Bill will pay.

Take the Next Step

Your next step should be to contact your nearest VA Regional Office or local State Approving Agency (SAA). Your SAA will help you get started on the process and answer any questions you may have.