MGIB vs. Post 9/11

Attribute	MGIB	Post 9/11
Tuition and Fees Coverage	Up to a maximum amount set by law	Covers full in-state tuition and fees for public schools, or up to a national maximum for private or foreign schools
Housing Allowance	Not provided	Monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents
Book and Supply Stipend	Not provided	An annual stipend of up to $1,000 per year
Yellow Ribbon Program	Not applicable	Provides additional funding for tuition and fees not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill
Transferability	Not applicable	Allows service members to transfer unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children
Active Duty Service Requirement	At least 2 years of active duty service	At least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, or 30 days for individuals discharged due to a service-connected disability
Time Limit to Use Benefits	Generally, 10 years from the date of last discharge or release from active duty	Generally, 15 years from the date of last discharge or release from active duty

Introduction

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post 9/11 GI Bill are two significant educational assistance programs provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support veterans in pursuing their educational goals. While both programs aim to assist veterans in obtaining a quality education, they differ in several key attributes. In this article, we will explore and compare the attributes of the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill to help veterans make informed decisions about which program best suits their needs.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill differ slightly. Under the MGIB, veterans must have served at least two years on active duty and contributed $1,200 towards the program during their first year of service. On the other hand, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is available to veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days. This difference in eligibility criteria allows a broader range of veterans to qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Benefit Structure

The benefit structure is another area where the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill differ. Under the MGIB, veterans receive a fixed monthly payment based on their length of service and type of training pursued. The payment amount is adjusted annually to account for changes in the cost of living. In contrast, the Post 9/11 GI Bill provides a more comprehensive package of benefits, including payment of tuition and fees directly to the educational institution, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. The Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are generally more generous and flexible, making it an attractive option for many veterans.

Transferability

One significant advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is its transferability option. This feature allows eligible veterans to transfer their unused educational benefits to their spouse or dependent children. This transferability provision provides an opportunity for family members to pursue their educational goals, making the Post 9/11 GI Bill a valuable resource for veterans with dependents. On the other hand, the MGIB does not offer a transferability option, limiting its benefits solely to the eligible veteran.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a unique feature of the Post 9/11 GI Bill that provides additional financial support to veterans attending private or out-of-state institutions with higher tuition costs. Participating institutions enter into an agreement with the VA to contribute a specified amount towards the tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The VA matches the institution's contribution, effectively reducing or eliminating the out-of-pocket tuition expenses for eligible veterans. The MGIB does not offer a similar program, making the Post 9/11 GI Bill more advantageous for veterans seeking education at private or out-of-state institutions.

Time Limitations

Both the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill have time limitations for utilizing the benefits. Under the MGIB, veterans have ten years from their date of discharge to use their benefits. If the benefits are not used within this timeframe, they are lost. On the other hand, the Post 9/11 GI Bill allows veterans to use their benefits for up to 15 years from their date of discharge. This extended timeframe provides veterans with more flexibility in planning their educational pursuits and allows for potential career changes or life circumstances that may delay the use of benefits.

Conclusion

Both the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill offer valuable educational assistance to veterans, but they differ in several key attributes. The MGIB has specific eligibility requirements and provides a fixed monthly payment, while the Post 9/11 GI Bill has broader eligibility criteria and offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including tuition payment, housing allowance, and book stipend. The Post 9/11 GI Bill also allows for transferability of benefits to dependents and provides additional financial support through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Additionally, the Post 9/11 GI Bill offers a longer timeframe for utilizing benefits. Veterans should carefully consider their individual circumstances and educational goals to determine which program best suits their needs. Ultimately, both programs aim to support veterans in their pursuit of higher education and a successful transition to civilian life.