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DNG Education Program JOIN THE GUARD!
By 1LT Deborah L. Welch, Education Services Officer, Delaware National Guard
2006
COLLEGE AND CAREER GUIDE
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EDUCATION MAIN PAGE
Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 1606 Program
Chapter 1606 Program Description
Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 1606 Program is a Reserve Component program. The program started on 1 July 1985 and has continued with numerous updates and changes over the past 15 years. Your Unit Administrator (UA), your state's Education Services Specialist (ESS) or your unit's retention personnel can address eligibility issues, processing procedures and basic questions about MGIB Chapter 1606.
Chapter 1606 Benefit Eligibility
Soldiers obligate themselves for a period of six years in the Selected Reserve (TPU program). The Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE), DD Form 2384, is the basic form used to assist in certifying eligibility for Chapter 1606 benefits. This form is completed once a soldier successfully completes his/her Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and has an MOS awarded. Currently, NGB has a 90-day wait period for the NOBE. For soldiers reenlisting or for officer personnel, this may be different.
Complete the NOBE at your unit/agency and make sure the Soldier receives the original copy, a copy is posted in the soldier's MPRJ (201 file) and a third copy is forwarded through the school VA rep to the Regional Office of the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
The MGIB program applies to enlisted, officer and warrant officer personnel who are participating members assigned to the Selected Reserve. Once you transfer from the Selected Reserve to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or Retired Reserve, your eligibility is terminated unless you are eligible for transition assistance. If you separate from the Selected Reserve, generally your benefits end the day you separate. If you stay in the Selected Reserve, generally your benefits end 10 years from the date you become eligible for the program. Effective October 1, 2002 , the delimiting date for certain Selected Reserve soldiers eligible under Chapter 1606 MGIB (MGIB-SR) was extended from 10 years to 14 years . This change applies only to persons who signed an enlistment/reenlistment contract on or after October 1, 1992 .
Receiving Benefits
Receiving benefits is an easy 5-step process:
• Soldiers, with assistance from State's MGIB manager, complete the NOBE form (DD Form 2483).
• Unit personnel electronically input eligibility codes and dates into Reserve Component Manpower System (RCMS).
• Soldiers need to meet with their college/trade school Veteran's Education Certifying Official and enroll in classes and complete an Application for VA Education Benefits ( VA Form 22-1990 ) and Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999) (available only through school officials).
• The school's Veteran's Education Certifying Official will certify all forms and send them to the VA Regional Office.
• The VA pays entitlements based upon electronic eligibility codes and enrollment forms received.
You must complete all five steps to ensure the VA pays your benefits in a timely manner. You receive your education benefits on a monthly basis via a check or electronic funds transfer from the VA. Entitlement amounts vary depending upon the number of courses you enroll for (and successfully complete) per semester. You must meet with your school's Veteran's Education Certifying Official each semester to certify/recertify the number of credit hours for which you enrolled.
Application Forms
You need to complete VA Forms 1990 and 1999 to apply for MGIB benefits. These forms are available at your school's VA or guidance counselor's office. Your Veteran's Education Certifying Official at school may request that you provide a copy of your NOBE form (DD Form 2483). We highly recommend that you have your official signed copy of your NOBE form available for your guidance counselor's use.
Processing Time / Use of RCMS
Allow a minimum of two weeks for all eligibility data to reach the VA Regional Office. Any delays by the soldier in completing the required forms or with the unit/agency input/transmission of electronic data to the VA will delay benefits from being paid to the soldier. Check with your unit/agency personnel to ensure your MGIB eligibility data was properly submitted through RCMS or call your VA Regional Office at 1-888-442-4551 to speak with a VA representative regarding your current status.
Concurrent Use of MGIB Benefits and Tuition Assistance
Selected Reserve (SELRES) soldiers taking at least a half-time course schedule are eligible to utilize tuition assistance and MGIB concurrently. Check with the state education office for the appropriate tuition assistance forms while also completing the appropriate VA certification forms at your educational institution.
Sample Benefits Chart
Check the VA Web site for monthly entitlements under Chapter 1606 .
Soldier's Responsibilities
Be proactive in your efforts to receive your Chapter 1606 entitlement checks for education benefits in a timely manner. Nothing happens automatically. There are five critical checkpoints:
• Completion of the NOBE. Complete it as soon as practicable.
• Completion of all enrollment forms at school.
• Effective August 1, 2002 , all students receiving MGIB Selected Reserve benefits must verify their enrollments monthly to receive payments. This verification can be done either by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) application found at the VA Web site: http://www.gibill.va.gov or by using an automated telephone system (IVR) at 1-877-823-2378 and following the prompts.
• Maintain Selected Reserve status . You must be satisfactorily participating as a SELRES member in order to receive MGIB benefits. Failing to maintain SELRES status may result in recoupment action taken.
You can contact various personnel to assist you with completing the NOBE and submitting your eligibility information electronically. Your Unit Administrator (UA), State MGIB manager, or unit retention personnel should be able to direct your efforts. Only the Veteran's education certifying official (or an appropriate school representative) may assist and certify enrollment forms.
Montgomery GI Bill "Kicker" Incentive Program
The MGIB "Kicker" Program was implemented during Fiscal Year 2000. Initially, only non-prior service (NPS) and prior service (PS) personnel who enlisted in a critical MOS (as designated by DOD) were eligible for an additional "kicker" incentive. In November, 2000, the "Kicker" Incentive Program was expanded to include ROTC/SMP cadets. Monthly "kicker" amounts vary from $100 to $350 per month. The MGIB basic amount varies depending upon the number of approved courses an individual is enrolled in each semester.
Montgomery GI Bill for ROTC/SMP Cadets
For information on the ROTC/SMP Program and how a Cadet may become eligible for MGIB-SR basic benefit, download and review the ROTC/SMP Cadet Information Paper (.PDF format).
In November, 2000, the "Kicker" Incentive Program was expanded to include ROTC/SMP cadets. For detailed information on how to process a ROTC/SMP cadet for the "Kicker" incentive, download and review the ROTC/SMP MGIB Eligibility Checklist (.PDF format).
Need More information? To ask a question regarding the MGIB "Kicker" or ROTC/SMP Cadet Program , Email us at Mgib.support@hrcstl.army.mil .
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