The New GI Bill

What this may mean to you

Come August, the latest version of the Montgomery G.I. Bill will take effect, and veterans will be faced with the decision to make the switch to the Post-9/11 version, known as Chapter 33, or to stick with their current Chapter 30 benefits.

What makes the decision a tricky one for the veterans is the fact that once a switch has been made, they must stick with their new military benefits.
In other words, the decision is not a reversible one.

The new G.I. Bill will pay a monthly amount equivalent to the BAH rate of an E-5 (with dependents) for the zip code in which the school resides, which is an estimated monthly amount around $1300 for MCC.

Currently, the tuition at MCC is $71 per credit hour, or about $852 for full-time during a regular semester, which is 12 credit hours. This figure does not include fees. The Chapter 33 option will take care of tuition expenses, not to exceed the most expensive in-state tuition rate. Additionally, it includes a stipend of $1000 a year for textbooks, which is split between the semesters.

All stats and figures are estimated and subject to change while the final details of the change are figured out. Additionally, the new system will take effect in August, and there may be a delay in ironing out the wrinkles.

Before a veteran chooses to request their certificate of eligibility, their best bet is to come into the VA Office at MCC and discuss the possibilities. For those looking to attend classes online, they must attend at least 1 credit hour in person to receive their benefits.

Reservists need to discuss their particular situations with the VA. They will be paid a certain percentage based on their time on active duty; to be eligible for the new benefits, a service member must have served at least 90 total days on active duty. From there, they will be paid a certain percentage of the benefits, depending on whether they served 90 or more days, a year or more, and at 2 years, they receive full benefits.