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Careers and job training

GI Bill On-the-Job Training (OJT) Guide

Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below

On this page
01

What GI Bill on-the-job training is (and how it differs from an apprenticeship)

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

02

Who can use OJT benefits

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

03

How much OJT pays: Post-9/11 vs Montgomery GI Bill (FY2026 rates)

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

04

How entitlement is charged and how long programs run

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

05

How to find a VA-approved OJT employer

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

06

How to set up OJT step by step (forms, SAA, certifying official)

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

07

What employers must do to get approved

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

08

OJT vs classroom GI Bill: worked example

This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.

09

What your state adds

10

Common questions

How much does the Post-9/11 GI Bill pay for on-the-job training?
You receive a monthly housing allowance based on the E-5-with-dependents BAH rate for the training location: 100% for months 1-6, 80% for months 7-12, 60% for months 13-18, 40% for months 19-24 and 20% after that, plus up to $83 per month for books and supplies.
How much does the Montgomery GI Bill pay for OJT?
For Oct 1 2025 through Sep 30 2026, veterans with 3+ years of service receive $1,888.50 per month for the first six months, $1,384.90 for months 7-12 and $881.30 after the first year.
Can I get paid wages and GI Bill at the same time in OJT?
Yes. Your employer pays your regular wages and VA pays the GI Bill benefit on top; the employer's wages must increase as you progress toward the fully trained wage.
How do I know if an employer is approved for GI Bill OJT?
Search the GI Bill Comparison Tool at va.gov and filter for OJT/apprenticeship, or contact your State Approving Agency, which approves employers' training programs.
Can active-duty service members use OJT benefits?
No. Active-duty members and spouses using transferred Post-9/11 benefits cannot use OJT or apprenticeship benefits; veterans, reservists and dependents using Fry or Chapter 35 can.

Sources

  1. Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty OJT/apprenticeship rate for 3+ years of service is $1,888.50 per month for the first six months, effective Oct 1 2025.
  2. Post-9/11 GI Bill OJT trainees receive 100% of the applicable MHA for the first six months, 80% for the second six months, 60% for the third, 40% for the fourth and 20% thereafter.
  3. Active-duty service members and spouses of active-duty members using transferred benefits are not eligible for OJT or apprenticeship GI Bill benefits.
  4. Employers' training programs must be approved by a State Approving Agency before VA will pay OJT benefits.

Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice, and Veterans Alliance is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change; the linked VA.gov pages are always the authoritative source.