Members of the National Guard and Selected Reserve may have access to a monthly VA education benefit worth hundreds of dollars, but Chapter 1606 isn't available automatically to everyone who serves part time.
The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, known as MGIB-SR or Chapter 1606, offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits for eligible members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and Air National Guard.
The money can be used while attending college, completing vocational training or participating in several other approved programs. Current rates remain in effect through September 30, 2026.
A student enrolled full time at a college or university can receive $493 for each full month of enrollment, while three quarter time enrollment pays $369, half time pays $246 and less than half time pays $123.25.
Who can qualify for Chapter 1606?
Eligibility generally begins with the military service commitment. A service member normally must have a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve.
Officers may qualify by agreeing to serve six additional years beyond their initial obligation. The commitment generally must have begun after June 30, 1985.
Applicants must also complete their initial active duty for training, meet education requirements such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, and remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.
The benefit isn't limited to traditional college classes. VA also lists approved uses including apprenticeships, on the job training, vocational programs, correspondence courses, flight training and certain licensing or certification tests.
The amount paid depends on the type of training and how far along the recipient is in the program.
How to apply for Chapter 1606 VA benefits
The process begins with the service member's unit. Eligible members should obtain a Notice of Basic Eligibility, DD Form 2384-1, from their unit. The military unit also records eligibility in the Department of Defense system so VA can verify it.
Applicants can then apply for VA education benefits using VA Form 22-1990. VA allows service members to apply online, and applicants should make sure their school or training program is approved for GI Bill benefits.
Once enrolled, the school or training provider must certify attendance to VA. MGIB-SR recipients also need to verify their enrollment to keep payments moving. VA provides an online enrollment verification option for Chapter 1606 beneficiaries.
Payments can be prorated when a student attends for only part of a month, so someone whose semester begins midway through the month shouldn't expect the full $493 payment immediately. The important distinction is that Chapter 1606 is a monthly education benefit, not an automatic tuition payment for every reservist.
Members who meet the service requirements, obtain their eligibility paperwork and enroll in an approved program can potentially receive assistance for as long as 36 months.
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