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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 50% or less = no BAH

              - Course load at 60% - 90%  = BAH will be prorated

              - Course load at 100% = BAH paid based on E-5 w/ Dependents rate & the JMU zipcode

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

               - Under Post-9/11, JMU must report the "net cost" of tuition and fees to VA.                   

               - Will entitlement to this aid change?

  • At what Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level tier am I eligible?

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

  • 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?

  • Will I pursue a graduate degree?

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

Important: Please refer to the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) "What's Covered" section for answers to some of the questions above.