Each year the VA releases Montgomery GI BILL payment rates and the news is often good. Still, there are many stories of lost opportunities, due to valuable Montgomery GI Bill benefits that have been allowed to exceed their 10 year expiration date.
Each year the VA releases the Montgomery GI BILL payment rates, and oftentimes, the news is good. For example, the 2017 payment rates increased by 3.8 percent to $1,928 a month, making the total value of the Montgomery GI Bill program more than $71,000 over 36 months for those who have not yet started using their Montgomery GI Bill benefit.
Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the MGIB rates for full-time, three quarter, half, and less than half-time are relatively straightforward. Take 2017 for instance once more. A veteran carrying a full load of classes (12 credit hours per semester) earned the full Montgomery GI Bill monthly payment rate of $1,928, while the halftime-time student got half that amount ($964).
But what if the 10-year limit on your MGIB benefits has expired? Can you still receive educational support?
There are too many stories of lost opportunities about valuable Montgomery GI Bill benefits that have been allowed to exceed their 10 year expiration date:
Take heart; even if your Montgomery GI Bill benefits have set sail, you still have the Vocational Rehabilitation Program on your horizon.
If you qualify, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program will pay for your school, books, and supplies, and gives you a small monthly allowance. This allowance may vary by state or by country; speak to a VA representative in order to find out if you can avail these benefits.
Here's a valuable tip: if you do qualify, use your Vocational Rehabilitation funds first. The program is set up to retrain those whose military vocation aggravates their disability. Make use of your Vocational Rehabilitation funds before the Montgomery GI Bill benefits you’ve earned, (within the 10-year period) to further your education.
