Getting to WAVE : Frequently Asked Questions

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an education benefit available to Active Duty, Selected Reserve, and National Guard servicemembers and veterans. Designed to help cover education or training expenses, the MGIB offers several programs administered with respect to eligibility and duty status. To help past and present military personnel better understand the MGIB, this FAQ section addresses some of the common questions regarding the program's benefits and their distribution. Questions tackle eligibility, administration of payment, educational programs available, transferability to family members, and many more situations you'll encounter as you get to WAVE (the VA's enrollment verification system).

With a new version of the GI Bill on the horizon (The Post-9/11 GI Bill), servicemembers have come out of the woodwork looking for information on how a potential GI Bill transfer could affect them. Do I need to transfer to the new program? Are payment methods the same? Are the same educational programs covered? As a National Guard member, will my benefits change? How are my other student loans affected by the Post-9/11 Bill? Our FAQs discuss many of the important aspects of the upcoming Post-9/11 GI Bill, and provide links to pages where interested parties can further their research.

Q: What determines my GI Bill eligibility?

A: Your eligibility for GI Bill benefits depends on a number of general factors, including the nature of your discharge from the military, your educational experience, the date of your entrance into the service, and the length of time you served. In addition, each version of the GI Bill has its own special set of criteria. To view these details, check out the VA's general information pages on the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve, and the new Post-911 GI Bill.

Q: How can I use GI Bill benefits?

A: Some common ways that servicemembers use GI Bill benefits include enrollment at a college or university, distance learning, certification tests, apprenticeships, and, in some cases, flight training. Eligible expenditures can include tuition and fees, a monthly housing stipend, a book stipend, a relocation allowance, and licensing exams. However, each version of the GI Bill covers different types of training. Check out our GI Bill Comparison Chart for more information.

Q: How does GI Bill transferability work?

A: Transferability is granted to servicemembers who have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to an additional 4-year commitment. Those meeting the requirements can transfer up to 36 months of benefits to their dependents. Transferability goes into effect on August 1, 2009, and is available only to servicemembers using the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Q: What is the GI Bill WAVE and how do I access the technology?

A: Each month, you are required to access the VA's Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) website or call the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone at 1-877-823-2378 to verify your enrollment so you can continue receiving benefit payments.

Q: How do I verify my GI Bill eligibility?

A: GI Bill verification is one of the most important things you can do to ensure continued receipt of funds. If you're unable to verify your GI bill eligibility from the information provided on this Web site, please call toll free 1-888-GI-BILL-1 and speak to a counselor for more information.