Military members who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001 are eligible for new education benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. But what about veterans who served before then? They aren’t left out in the cold; they can still receive benefits through the MGIB program. Here we’ll take a look at the main differences between these two programs.
What is MGIB?
MGIB is a federal program that provides financial assistance to eligible veterans who wish to pursue a college education. MGIB benefits may be used for degree programs, vocational or technical training, correspondence courses, and tutorial assistance. MGIB benefits are paid directly to the educational institution on behalf of the veteran.
Veterans may also receive a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of living expenses while enrolled in school. MGIB is just one of the many programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans succeed in their post-military careers. For more information on MGIB and other educational benefits offered by the VA, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
What is Post-9/11?
The Post-9/11 benefits program is a federal initiative that provides financial assistance to individuals who were affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks.
- The program offers a variety of benefits, including tuition assistance, housing assistance, and employment assistance. The Post-9/11 benefits program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Individuals who are eligible for Post-9/11 benefits must have been employed or attending school in the World Trade Center complex on September 11th, 2001.
- They must also have been employed or attending school in New York City, Washington D.C., or Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001. To date, over $4 billion has been awarded to individuals through the Post-9/11 benefits program.
Difference between MGIB and Post-9/11
- MGIB and Post-9/11 are two types of benefits available to veterans. MGIB is available to veterans who have served at least two years on active duty, while Post-9/11 benefits are available to veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since September 11, 2001.
- MGIB provides up to 36 months of education benefits, while Post-9/11 benefits provide up to 36 months of education benefits. MGIB also provides a monthly stipend, while Post-9/11 benefits do not.
- MGIB is available for 10 years after separation from active duty, while Post-9/11 benefits are available for 15 years after separation from active duty. Finally, MGIB can be used for approved apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs, while Post-9/11 benefits cannot be used for these programs. Veterans should consult with their Base Education Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine which benefit is best for them.
Conclusion
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill are both education benefits programs offered to service members, but there are some key differences. Let’s take a look at those now. First, eligibility for the MGIB is based on time in service, while eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is based on length of service.
The MGIB also has a lower benefit amount than the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Additionally, under the MGIB program you have to pay back your benefits if you don’t use them within 10 years, while there is no such requirement under the Post-9/11 program. Finally, the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers more educational opportunities, including tuition assistance for non-degree programs and apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training (OJT).
