Gi Bill
gibill - frequent questions
Published: 2010-04-06 19:42:16.0
GIBILL -Montgomery and Post 9/11 links and FAQs
What Education Benefit is best for me? Step-by-step decision-making tool! New! Nov 2009
Education Benefit Comparison Chart New! Nov 2009
(Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill-Reserves, REAP) based on type of training and money)
THE POST 9/11 IS A COMPLEX AND HIGHLY PERSONAL GIBILL.
Questions and Answers are based on different sets of variables for different people with different life situations. A simplified answered may not be the best answer.
Information and details are disseminated through the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) GIBill website. The AFPC GIBill resources and Post 9/11 GI Bill Toolbox is also quite helpful. Within the decision-making process, eligibles for both the Montgomery and Post 9/11 GIBills should evaluate the benefits and limitations of each program.
GAME PLAN to better understanding the Post 9/11 MGIB
- Carefully read DVA online information including frequently asked questions and AFPC Post-9/11 GI Bill Frequently Asked Questions
- Ensure FAQ answers match on both DVA and AFPC sites! Read unofficial sources with care.
- Submit ASK A QUESTION if your specific question is not answered (allow 5-7 working days)
- Email specific questions along with received "Ask A Question" responses to counselor for additional followup.
Post 9/11 GIBill general orientation counseling handout
Post 9-11 GIBill Orientation slide show
Post 9-11 GIBill Transfer Education Benefits (TEB) tutorial for airmen New! Dec 2009
DVA for State of Washington
DVA Education Benefits home page
DVA Education Benefits GI Bill pamphlets and fact sheets
DVA Education FAQS answers to specific questions
ASK A QUESTION - Get answers to specific questions here. Be clear/brief/thorough; allow 3-7 days response time
Call 1-888-442-4551 (with a knowledge base already) and ask your specific question.
It is also recommended to contact the Veteran Affairs School Representative where you plan to attend.
VA Regional Processing Center (Washington) is Muskogee OK
Completed VA22-1990 & approved TA forms can be faxed to 1-918-781-7863 or mailed to
VA Regional Processing Office
125 South Main Street
Muskogee, OK 74401
G.I Education handbook 2008-2009 (military members/family)- SUPERSIZE MY GI BILL and other useful articles
Frequent Questions on mostly MGIB Chapter 30
How do I start using the MGIB?
You may start using the MGIB after completing 2 years active duty (but remain on active duty 3 years total). Members may complete 2 years active duty and go 4 years active reserve to maintain benefits. Full honorable discharge is required. The process entails sending the VA22-1990 through VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) to appropriate VA processing office. Allow 2-4 weeks to receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Those separating may complete it prior to separation. Contact school VA school representive about 'certifying official' forms and when to expect electronic deposits into your account. Active duty members cannot 'double dip' by using full GIBill and AF Tuition Assistance programs for the same courses.
How do I use Chapter 30 MGIB program for apprenticeship programs?
Some companies/businesses/organizations have been approved for VA benefits. See Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board for a list of those in Washington state. For additional information contact or call 360-753-7821. Also see National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) for additional information in other states.
How do I get a copy of my initial MGIB enrollment form?
A copy can be requested using the SF-180
Where can I find monthly pay rates for veterans on Chapter 30 MGIB ?
MGIB monthly rates effective Oct 2009. Active Duty members are 'capped' at full tuition if the veteran entitlement is more and may wish to consider "Top Up".
What is the $600 Plus-Up/Supplement Contribution Program (kicker) program about?
To learn more about this $5400 benefit through your additional $600 contribution option See DVA $600 Increased Contribution. This supplement does NOT apply under Post 9/11 GIBill nor is it reimburseable.
How do I apply for the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)?
CLRP was a contractual recruitment tool where $10,000 (before taxes, $7,000 after taxes) may pay toward previous college loan debts. Initial CLRP contracts are not binding unless CLRP funds have been received. MGIB eligibility may be established during a second enlistment. Airmen considering this should consider short/long term implications and request a counseling appointment before applying.
What is 'Top Up' and how does it work?
Top Up offsets what Air Force TA does not covers (beyond $250 per semester hour and $4,500 per fiscal year). See DVA Top Up presentation for additional information. Eligibles may print an additional copy of approved AF Form 1227 (TA form) and send it along with a completed VA22-1990 to the servicing VA regional office for reimbursement. Subsequent requests require forwarding the TA form only. You may mail document/s to servicing Regional Office (Washington) at VA Regional Office, PO Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-8888 or fax it to: 1-918-781-7863. CLRP individuals are not eligible for Top Up until completion of two years on their second enlistment.
Where can I find more information about the GI Bill Education benefits?
See Department of Veteran Affairs MGIB Education Benefits webpage for details on each of the various programs.
Am I eligible for the Chapter 30 MGIB or Post 9/11 MGIB or perhaps both?
Perhaps both. See details at http://www.gibill.va.gov
May I stop payment or request a refund of $1200 into/of Chapter 30 MGIB?
In some cases, stop payments may be authorized once several steps are completed. Stop by customer service for additional information. Refunds may be possible once the entire 36 months of Post 9/11 benefits have been used. The DD Form 2366 MGIB Basic Enrollment contains this statement of understanding: "...My basic pay will be reduced $100 per month until $1200 has been deducted; this basic pay reduction cannot be refunded, suspended or stopped, this is an irrevocable decision.
May I use the Chapter 30 MGIB toward private pilots license?
A flying program must be part of a VA approved apprenticeship program or part of a regionally accredited college degree program. Contact Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board for additional information . Locally, two potential options are available. Spokane Falls Community College Aviation/Airway Science (flying program coordinated through U of North Dakota). Call 533-3503 for additional information. Moody Northwest-Spokane offers a flying program for future missionaries. Call 487-1769 for additional information. AF TA will fund courses toward degree, but not lab/flying hours.
May I transfer a portion of my GIBill benefits to my spouse or children?
The new Post 9-11 MGIB program provides a transfer of benefits to spouses and/or children as of August 2009. Details at: http://www.gibill.va.gov.
How does an activated reservist/guardsman under Title 10 USC enroll into Chapter 30 MGIB or Post 9-11 MGIB?
Contact your respective Guard unit Retention Office Manager (ROM) and Reserve Wing Education & Training (E&T) office for guidance. Active duty education office personnel are not authorized to complete any enrollment actions on your behalf. The ROM and Reserve E&T offices will provide all necessary counseling and processing for initial enrollments as well as the $600 Plus-Up. Any Reservist or Guardsman experiencing difficulty with the process is to resolve any and all issues through Reserve or Guard channels. Education & Training POC at DSN: 926-7036, COMM: (303) 676-7036 or http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/
What Education Benefit is best for me? Step-by-step decision-making tool! New! Nov 2009
Education Benefit Comparison Chart New! Nov 2009
(Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill-Reserves, REAP) based on type of training and money)
THE POST 9/11 IS A COMPLEX AND HIGHLY PERSONAL GIBILL.
Questions and Answers are based on different sets of variables for different people with different life situations. A simplified answered may not be the best answer.
Information and details are disseminated through the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) GIBill website. The AFPC GIBill resources and Post 9/11 GI Bill Toolbox is also quite helpful. Within the decision-making process, eligibles for both the Montgomery and Post 9/11 GIBills should evaluate the benefits and limitations of each program.
GAME PLAN to better understanding the Post 9/11 MGIB
- Carefully read DVA online information including frequently asked questions and AFPC Post-9/11 GI Bill Frequently Asked Questions
- Ensure FAQ answers match on both DVA and AFPC sites! Read unofficial sources with care.
- Submit ASK A QUESTION if your specific question is not answered (allow 5-7 working days)
- Email specific questions along with received "Ask A Question" responses to counselor for additional followup.
Post 9/11 GIBill general orientation counseling handout
Post 9-11 GIBill Orientation slide show
Post 9-11 GIBill Transfer Education Benefits (TEB) tutorial for airmen New! Dec 2009
DVA for State of Washington
DVA Education Benefits home page
DVA Education Benefits GI Bill pamphlets and fact sheets
DVA Education FAQS answers to specific questions
ASK A QUESTION - Get answers to specific questions here. Be clear/brief/thorough; allow 3-7 days response time
Call 1-888-442-4551 (with a knowledge base already) and ask your specific question.
It is also recommended to contact the Veteran Affairs School Representative where you plan to attend.
VA Regional Processing Center (Washington) is Muskogee OK
Completed VA22-1990 & approved TA forms can be faxed to 1-918-781-7863 or mailed to
VA Regional Processing Office
125 South Main Street
Muskogee, OK 74401
G.I Education handbook 2008-2009 (military members/family)- SUPERSIZE MY GI BILL and other useful articles
Frequent Questions on mostly MGIB Chapter 30
How do I start using the MGIB?
You may start using the MGIB after completing 2 years active duty (but remain on active duty 3 years total). Members may complete 2 years active duty and go 4 years active reserve to maintain benefits. Full honorable discharge is required. The process entails sending the VA22-1990 through VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) to appropriate VA processing office. Allow 2-4 weeks to receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Those separating may complete it prior to separation. Contact school VA school representive about 'certifying official' forms and when to expect electronic deposits into your account. Active duty members cannot 'double dip' by using full GIBill and AF Tuition Assistance programs for the same courses.
How do I use Chapter 30 MGIB program for apprenticeship programs?
Some companies/businesses/organizations have been approved for VA benefits. See Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board for a list of those in Washington state. For additional information contact or call 360-753-7821. Also see National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) for additional information in other states.
How do I get a copy of my initial MGIB enrollment form?
A copy can be requested using the SF-180
Where can I find monthly pay rates for veterans on Chapter 30 MGIB ?
MGIB monthly rates effective Oct 2009. Active Duty members are 'capped' at full tuition if the veteran entitlement is more and may wish to consider "Top Up".
What is the $600 Plus-Up/Supplement Contribution Program (kicker) program about?
To learn more about this $5400 benefit through your additional $600 contribution option See DVA $600 Increased Contribution. This supplement does NOT apply under Post 9/11 GIBill nor is it reimburseable.
How do I apply for the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)?
CLRP was a contractual recruitment tool where $10,000 (before taxes, $7,000 after taxes) may pay toward previous college loan debts. Initial CLRP contracts are not binding unless CLRP funds have been received. MGIB eligibility may be established during a second enlistment. Airmen considering this should consider short/long term implications and request a counseling appointment before applying.
What is 'Top Up' and how does it work?
Top Up offsets what Air Force TA does not covers (beyond $250 per semester hour and $4,500 per fiscal year). See DVA Top Up presentation for additional information. Eligibles may print an additional copy of approved AF Form 1227 (TA form) and send it along with a completed VA22-1990 to the servicing VA regional office for reimbursement. Subsequent requests require forwarding the TA form only. You may mail document/s to servicing Regional Office (Washington) at VA Regional Office, PO Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-8888 or fax it to: 1-918-781-7863. CLRP individuals are not eligible for Top Up until completion of two years on their second enlistment.
Where can I find more information about the GI Bill Education benefits?
See Department of Veteran Affairs MGIB Education Benefits webpage for details on each of the various programs.
Am I eligible for the Chapter 30 MGIB or Post 9/11 MGIB or perhaps both?
Perhaps both. See details at http://www.gibill.va.gov
May I stop payment or request a refund of $1200 into/of Chapter 30 MGIB?
In some cases, stop payments may be authorized once several steps are completed. Stop by customer service for additional information. Refunds may be possible once the entire 36 months of Post 9/11 benefits have been used. The DD Form 2366 MGIB Basic Enrollment contains this statement of understanding: "...My basic pay will be reduced $100 per month until $1200 has been deducted; this basic pay reduction cannot be refunded, suspended or stopped, this is an irrevocable decision.
May I use the Chapter 30 MGIB toward private pilots license?
A flying program must be part of a VA approved apprenticeship program or part of a regionally accredited college degree program. Contact Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board for additional information . Locally, two potential options are available. Spokane Falls Community College Aviation/Airway Science (flying program coordinated through U of North Dakota). Call 533-3503 for additional information. Moody Northwest-Spokane offers a flying program for future missionaries. Call 487-1769 for additional information. AF TA will fund courses toward degree, but not lab/flying hours.
May I transfer a portion of my GIBill benefits to my spouse or children?
The new Post 9-11 MGIB program provides a transfer of benefits to spouses and/or children as of August 2009. Details at: http://www.gibill.va.gov.
How does an activated reservist/guardsman under Title 10 USC enroll into Chapter 30 MGIB or Post 9-11 MGIB?
Contact your respective Guard unit Retention Office Manager (ROM) and Reserve Wing Education & Training (E&T) office for guidance. Active duty education office personnel are not authorized to complete any enrollment actions on your behalf. The ROM and Reserve E&T offices will provide all necessary counseling and processing for initial enrollments as well as the $600 Plus-Up. Any Reservist or Guardsman experiencing difficulty with the process is to resolve any and all issues through Reserve or Guard channels. Education & Training POC at DSN: 926-7036, COMM: (303) 676-7036 or http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/