A-to-Z Index

Factors to Consider Before Switching from MGIB to Post-9/11

Please consider the following factors before switching from the Montgomery GI Bill and irrevocably electing Post-9/11 (Chapter 33):

  • Which benefit pays me more? (MGIB Chapter 30, 1606, 1607, or Post-9/11)

  • What is the training rate of pursuit?

              - Course load at less than 50% = no BAH

              - Course load at greater than 50% = BAH can be paid

  • Am I receiving aid, such as free tuition and fees from other sources?

               - Under Post-9/11, JMU cannot bill VA for what is not billed to a student's
                  account

               - Will entitlement to that aid change?

  • What Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level tier am I eligible for?

  • How much, if any, of the training will be online/distance learning?

                - If one course is taken on-campus as "IN-RESIDENCE," BAH can be
                   paid

  • Where will I be living while pursuing training?

  • Is the delimiting date (the timeframe to utilize benefits) important?
                - 10 yrs vs. 15 yrs

  • Do I have remaining entitlement under MGIB Chapters 30, 1606, or 1607?

  • Do I plan to exhaust that MGIB entitlement before electing Post-9/11 GI Bill?

  • Am I eligible for Transfer of Entitlement? Do I want to transfer entitlement?

Note: Eligibility for transfer of entitlement is determined by the military branches of service with final approval for transfer made my DoD/DHS.