Post-9/11 GI Bill® vs. Montgomery GI Bill
The GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or “Post-9/11 GI Bill®,” boasts the most comprehensive military education benefits package since the original GI Bill® was signed into law in 1944. If you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and other GI Bill® benefits such as the Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB), you will at some point be required to decide which education benefit you wish to receive.
There are many things to consider before choosing which education benefit you wish to receive and whether or not to participate in the Active Duty or Reserve GI Bill® programs. Consider these important factors when making your choice: your preferred type of training and the amount of benefits you will get under each education benefit.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will pay eligible individuals a monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school.
For those enrolled solely in distance learning, the housing allowance payable is equal to half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents, and then is prorated to your percentage of eligibility under Post-9/11 GI Bill® and rate of pursuit (half-time, three-quarters-time, or full-time). The rate of pursuit for a single undergraduate course at UAGC is considered three-quarters time.
To calculate your housing rate:
- Visit the GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
- Search for your school.
- Refine your search based on attendance, i.e., online classes only, and your benefit.
- “View details” for that school. You are able to adjust the refinements to see how changes can impact your MHA rate.
To receive the full BAH amount while attending UAGC, you will need to participate in the Concurrent Enrollment plan under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Consult with a UAGC advisor as limitations on utilizing the Concurrent Enrollment plan do exist.
Note: UAGC encourages everyone currently under Chapter 30 benefits to carefully compare and choose before making the irrevocable decision of switching to Chapter 33.