Comparing GI Bill Programs

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Use this chart to quickly understand the differences between the various GI Bill programs.

  Post-9/11 GI Bill Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill - Guard/Reserve
Minimum Length of Service 90 days active aggregate service (after 9/10/01) or 30 days continuous if discharged for disability 2 yr. continuous enlistment (minimum duty varies by service date, branch, etc.) 6 yr. commitment
Maximum # of Months of Benefits  36 36 36
How Payments Are Made Tuition: Paid to school

Housing stipend: Paid monthly to student

Books & Supplies: Paid to student at the beginning of the term
Paid to student Paid to student
Duration of Benefits If you left the service on or after Jan. 1, 2013 there is no time limit on when you need to use your benefits. If you left before that date, they expire 15 years from your date of discharge. Generally 10 years from last day of active duty Ends the day you leave Selected Reserve or Guard
Degree Training Yes Yes Yes
Vocational/Technical Training Yes Yes Yes
On-the-Job & Apprenticeship Training Yes Yes Yes
Flight Training Yes Yes Yes
Correspondence Courses Yes Yes Yes
Licensing & Certification Yes Yes Yes
National Testing Programs Yes Yes Yes
Work-Study Program Yes Yes Yes
Tutorial Assistance  Yes Yes Yes

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GI Bill