Can I use TA and my GI Bill at the same time ?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:08:43 -0400

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 3:13 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:13:13 -0400

My humble advice is not to touch the GI Bill while on active duty

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 3:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:15:42 -0400

Yes you can. But you really should not.
Some people use the GI Bill for top up when going for a Master degree and the per credit cost exceeds TA. Some people use it to take a full load when TA doesn't cover everything.
The second you touch your GI Bill it is no longer eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program, so be very, very sure you never plan on using it later on.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 4:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:12:17 -0400

I’d strongly discourage the use of your GI Bill while on active duty. If I remember correctly, the last time I was on active duty TA covered up to 4200(ish) dollars or 16 credit hours a year. I’d recommend you visit the GoArmyEd for the current guidance.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 23 at 2020 4:23 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:23:05 -0400

I would not recommend it. You'll end up using a fraction of what the GI bill provides and by the time you realize it that resource will be used up. Lean on the TA and use all of that while you can. Save the GI Bill for when you get out or pass it to your dependents.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 4:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:40:49 -0400

I have been having to use my GI bill because I max my TA every year by March. What do they expect me to do? Wait until October to start taking courses again..... Doesn't make sense to me.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 5:02 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:02:04 -0400

Yes, I did. My GI Bill went towards my primary college in the fall and spring semester. Then I used TA when I took summer classes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 5:11 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:11:45 -0400

Yes you can. I did while working on my BS. There are multiple ways to use GI, but only you can use TA. It depends on your situation and the cost of school. Montgomery GI and post 911 have a huge difference in amount. Only you can decide how to use our benefits.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 10:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 22:41:20 -0400

I personally wouldn't. Dont be so sure of your future. You are still young and may wish to use TA for education and give the G.I. Bill to your spouse or child later down the road. Would be a very nice burden off of your child's finances when they go to college.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2020 10:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 22:49:03 -0400

Yes you can but I would advise you not too. I'm Currently Active Guard Reserve and the whole purpose of me applying for AGR was because the reserve GI Bill doesn't pay nearly as much as the Reserve GI Bill.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Apr 26 at 2020 4:28 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 16:28:11 -0400

If you have TA available use that. Leave your GI Bill alone.
Having said that, if you're attending a college, I would check to see if there are scholarships available. Most schools have veteran only scholarships. I've received a few over the years. In addition, there is FASFA. You may be eligible for Pell and other grants. If you really,really need the funds, there are student loans, but I strongly suggest you steer clear of those.