Education Home > Are You Eligible for the G.I Bill

Are You Eligible for the G.I Bill?

Enrollment for the G.I. Bill is available to servicemembers during their first three days of active service. A decision must be made within this time period and cannot be changed. Enlisted servicememebers are automatically enrolled and must formally withdraw from enrollment. Officers and Select Reserve members are not automatically enrolled but are given the opportunity to enroll during their first three days of duty or training. Generally benefits end ten years after the last discharge or release from service; however, some upgrade options are available to lengthen this benefit.

Things to Know about Your G.I. Bill Eligibility:

Filling out the Enrollment/Disenrollment form, DD Form 2366, is initiated by the MEPS (Military Entrance and Processing Station). It must be finalized after you receive your G.I. Bill briefing, which will occur during the first duty station processing.
If you choose to disenroll from the program, you may not change your decision later.
When you sign the DD Form 2366, you agree to a $100 per month reduction in pay for your first twelve months of active service. This deduction is not taxable or refundable.
Your discharge must be fully honorable in order to use you G.I. Bill benefits.
You must hold a high school diploma, have passed an equivalency program or have completed at least twelve hours of college-level courses before using your G.I. Bill benefits.

Do You Fit into One of the Following Eligible Groups?

To take advantage of your benefits, you should also fit into one of the following four categories.

Eligible Group #1

You entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, and
Your military pay was reduced by $100 a month for the first twelve months of duty, and
You served continuously for three years, OR two years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR two years if you are a part of the "2 by 4 Program” (meaning you entered Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served four years).

Eligible Group #2

You entered active duty before January 1, 1977, and
Served at least one day between 10/19/84 and 6/30/85, and
Remained on active duty through 6/30/88, (OR 6/30/87 if you entered Selected Reserve within one year of leaving active duty and served at least four years), and
On 12/31/89, you had entitlement left from the Vietnam Era G.I. Bill.

Eligible Group #3

You do not meet the requirements of groups one or two, listed above, and
You were on active duty on 9/30/90 AND separated involuntarily after 2/2/91, OR you involuntarily separated on or after 11/30/93, OR you voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program, and
Prior to separation, your military pay was reduced by $1200.

Eligible Group #4

Your military pay was reduced by $100 a month for twelve months or you made a $1200 lump-sum contribution, and
You were on active duty on 10/9/96
AND you had money remaining in a VEAP account on 10/9/96
AND you elected MGIB by 10/9/97
OR you entered full-time National Guard duty under title 32, USC, between 7/1/85 and 11/28/89
AND you elected MGIB during the period 10/9/96, through 7/8/97.

Generally your G.I. Bill benefits are paid out in monthly installments. The amount you’ll receive depends upon you length of duty, your service branch, and if you have any “kickers” included in your plan. You can start to receive your benefits by filling out the Application for Education Benefits, which is VA Form 22-1990. Ask your Education Officer for more details or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.