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The Chapter 1606 benefit, also known as the Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program, provides financial assistance for education and training to of the Selected Reserve.
This program offers up to 36 months of benefits for those serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army and Air National Guard.
Everything about the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
To qualify for the MGIB-SR program, you must meet specific requirements.
One of the following must be true:
You have a six-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve.
If you're an officer, you've agreed to serve an additional six years beyond your initial service obligation.
Your service obligation must have started after June 30, 1985.
You also need to complete your initial active duty training, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and remain in good standing with your Selected Reserve unit.
Even if you are discharged due to a disability not caused by misconduct, you may still be eligible.
The MGIB-SR program s a wide variety of educational paths, including:
- College, business, technical, or vocational schools.
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
- Licensing or certification programs.
- Tuition assistance, correspondence courses, and national tests.
In some instances, the program may also cover remedial, deficiency, and refresher training, as well as flight training.
Your monthly benefit depends on the type of training you're pursuing and your rate of pursuit (full-time, part-time, etc.).
Payments are typically prorated based on how many days you attend each month, and you'll receive your payment at the end of each month.
How to Apply for Chapter 1606 Benefits
If you're eligible, the first step is to obtain your Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384-1) from your unit.
Once you have this document, your unit will code your eligibility into the Department of Defense system.
Before enrolling in a program, make sure the VA has approved it.
You can do this by ing the school or using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
If the program isn't approved, the school will need to request approval from the VA.
Once you're ready to apply, submit VA Form 22-1990 online to start the process.
If you're already in training, provide the required forms (VA Form 22-1990, your Notice of Basic Entitlement, and VA Form 22-1999) to your school or employer for certification.
You may qualify for up to 48 months of benefits if you've had more than one qualifying period of active duty.
Additionally, if you're called to active duty, your eligibility period may be extended by the length of time you're mobilized plus four months.
Be sure to your enrollment each month to continue receiving payments.
This can be done through your school's financial aid or veterans' office or, for on-the-job training, through your employer's human resources or training office.