GI Bill On-the-Job Training (OJT) Guide
Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below
On this page
- What GI Bill on-the-job training is (and how it differs from an apprenticeship)
- Who can use OJT benefits
- How much OJT pays: Post-9/11 vs Montgomery GI Bill (FY2026 rates)
- How entitlement is charged and how long programs run
- How to find a VA-approved OJT employer
- How to set up OJT step by step (forms, SAA, certifying official)
- What employers must do to get approved
- OJT vs classroom GI Bill: worked example
- What your state adds
- Common questions
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.
Who can use OJT benefits
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What your state adds
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Active-duty service members and spouses of active-duty members using transferred benefits are not eligible for OJT or apprenticeship GI Bill benefits.
- Employers' training programs must be approved by a State Approving Agency before VA will pay OJT benefits.
Related guides
Education, Training & Careers
Every guide in this section
The full Education, Training & Careers guide
Start-to-finish overview
GI Bill Apprenticeship Programs: Earn a Wage and a Housing Allowance While You Train
Education, Training & Careers
VA Career Training Programs: Your Options Beyond a Degree
Education, Training & Careers
Montgomery GI Bill: Rates, Eligibility and How It Compares to Post-9/11
Education, Training & Careers
Post-9/11 GI Bill: 2026-27 Rates, Eligibility Tiers and How to Apply
Education, Training & Careers
VR&E (Chapter 31): How to Qualify, What It Pays and How to Get Approved
Education, Training & Careers
GI Bill Certification and Non-College-Degree Programs Guide
Education, Training & Careers
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.