I Am Going to Attend College, Which GI Bill Should I Choose?

Hi Robert, First I am assuming that you are eligible for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the New GI Bill, and that you are eligible for full benefits under both.  I will describe the 2 possible benefit scenarios, and you can choose which works best for you.  The course of study you are choosing must meet the requirements of the New GI Bill, the new bill does not cover all of the programs the MGIB did.

The maximum you would receive per month for tuition under the MGIB is $1368, the maximum under the New GI Bill in New York is $3457 for a semester. In addition, under the New GI Bill if you carry more than a 1/2  course-load of classes per semester, as determined by the school, you can be eligible for a housing allowance, which in that school’s zip code is $1650 per month, paid directly to you.  You will also be eligible for up to $1000 a year for books, which is also paid to you.  So, the max under the MGIB is $5472 for a 4 month semester,  and the max under the New GI Bill is $3457 + $6600 housing + $500 books, for a 4 month semester.  Keep in mind that the $3457 max tuition is paid to the school, and only the amount of tuition up to the max is paid.  With the MGIB the $5472 is paid to you, and you pay tuition and any other related costs that you may have.

To get started you need to go the the VA online site, VONAPP, and fill out the application.  The VA will determine if you are eligible for benefits, and will send you a Certificate of Eligibility.  You will present that to the school when you register, and they will send the paperwork to the VA.  Once the paperwork is through the channels, the school will receive their money, and you should receive yours, as long as you continue to meet the schools standards, and continue to maintain your status in WAVE.