Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30

Overview
Chapter 30 is an education program that applies to veterans who served on active duty or AGR, served two or three years, had pay reduced by $1,200 and received an honorable discharge (Reference: Title 38 USC Chapter 30; DoDD 1322.16). 

Important information! 

• This benefit will sunset on 1 October 2030. There will be no enrollments after this date; however, eligible Soldiers will be able to continue to use the benefit until their expiration date.  
• The enrollment window for Chapter 30 is between 180 and 270 days after starting on qualifying active duty service. 

1. How Do I Qualify?

• Have qualifying active duty service on or after July 1, 1985 or AGR service after November 29, 1989
• Complete two years on Active Duty or AGR (Title 10/32) for 80% rate
  • Must complete 20 months before use
• Complete three years on Active Duty or AGR (Title 10/32) for 100% rate
  • Must complete 24 months before use
• Complete mobilization of at least two continuous years (730 days)
• Complete a DD Form 2366 during your eligibility window. The eligibility window opens 180 days after starting qualifying active duty and ends 90 days later
• Paying a $1,200 Buy-In
  • If you are on AGR, you can choose to pay in a lump sum or set up deductions from your paycheck of $100/month for 12 months.
  • If you are mobilized, you must pay the $1,200 in a lump sum
  • To enroll, contact your State Education Services Officer
    

2. What Do I Get?

• A monthly payment paid directly to you based on the amount of active duty time served
• Effective October 1, 2024, rates for those completing an enlistment of three years or more:
  
  

Effective October 1, 2024, rates for those completing an enlistment of less than three years:

Payments are limited by several factors including:

• Payment Tier
• Rate of Pursuit (if you are going to school full-time, half-time, etc.)
• Use of Federal Tuition Assistance
• Active Duty/Drilling Status

If on active duty, you can use the benefit as a Top-Up to your Federal Tuition Assistance

• Top–Up means that FTA will pay first then Chapter 30 will pay the cost of tuition and fees that were not covered by FTA, not to exceed your monthly Chapter 30 rate
• You have 10 years from the last day of qualifying active duty time to use this benefit
  • Your 10-year window can be reset if you complete a new period of qualifying time by submitting a VA Form 21-4138 along with your DD 214 to your VA Regional Processing Center

3. How Do I Apply?

Step 1. Contact your State Education Services Officer. The ESO will reply to you via email with enrollment instructions.

Step 2. Once you receive confirmation of enrollment from your ESO, apply online.

Step 3. After you apply online, the DVA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) in the mail. Take the CoE to the DVA representative (DVA Rep)/School Certifying Official (SCO) at the college (or your place of employment if you are in a job-training program).

Step 4. Verify your enrollment each month online.