Can a Veteran Transfer MGIB Benefits to a Dependent?

I’m afraid that your mother is not eligible to transfer her benefits to a dependent. This is due to two separate reasons.

First, the Montgomery GI Bill cannot be transferred at all. The Transfer of Educational Benefits (TEB) program was introduced in the new Post 9/11 GI Bill that was introduced in August 2009. It is the only form of the GI Bill that can actually be transferred.

Second, even if your mother is eligible for the new GI Bill (and she may be, if she served at least 90 days of active duty after September 11, 2001), she is out of the service now. In order to initiate a transfer of benefits, the service-member must still be in the service, have been in for at least 6 years, and agree to serve at least another 4 years from the date the transfer is initiated.

There is a lot of demand for GI Bill benefits that can be transferred to dependents after the veteran has separated, but as of now, no programs provide that.