Additional MGIB Features and Details

25 Feb Additional MGIB Features and Details

The MGIB program offers myriad features and opportunities for service members in all stages of their service, including both active duty and reserves. As the program has continued to improve over the years, additional features have become available beyond those in the MGIB’s original conceptualization. For those of you who don’t know the MGIB program very well, or who may need more information before applying, first take a look at the newer additional features and details of the program to maximize the amount of benefits for which you are eligible. Let’s take a look at some of the other features of the MGIB VA education program.

The Buy-Up Feature

The “buy-up” opportunity (also known as the GI Bill kicker amongst Air Force enlistees), is a feature of the MGIB-AD program that allows individuals who are currently serving in active duty to reap an additional $150 monthly allowance, which averages out to roughly $5,400 across the terms of the program. In order to be considered eligible for the buy-up feature, you must submit a minimum of $600 before separating. This is due in addition to your initial MGIB-AD buy-in, which roughly costs an average of $1,200. The total you will spend, therefore, between the initial MGIB-AD installment and the new “buy-up” feature, your payment installations will total roughly $1,800. To apply, use form DD-2366-1, and submit to the appropriate officials.

Expanded Vietnam-era Veteran Benefits

If you are a Vietnam-era veteran with entitlement remaining from your Vietnam-era GI Bill, you are likely eligible to transform your Vietnam-era GI Bill benefits into the modern day MGIB program. To be eligible for this benefits transfer, you must have served in active duty on or before January 1st, 1977. Furthermore, your service must have occurred for a total of at least 1 day between October 19th, 1984 and June 30th, 1985. This term must have remained active through to June 30th, 1988. Select reserve members who served four years in the reserves, and entered within 1 year of leaving active duty, are also eligible for this benefits transfer.