Do you have the option to not participate in the MGIB?

2020-06-28T16:36:39-04:00

So recently I checked my Les and saw that i had a deduction for the mgib bill of $100.00. I talked to NCOs about it and was told by multiple that it is only used for trade jobs. I was also told that i should be able to have the post 9/11 gi bill since im doing three years of active duty. Since im eligible for the post 9/11 bill. Do i even need the mgib? Who would I talk to, to opt out of it.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 28 at 2020 5:29 PM

2020-06-28T17:29:35-04:00

Go to the Education Center and get a briefing. MGIB is NOT just for trades, but it is my understanding is that the Post 9/11 GI Bill supersedes all that. Find out what you are giving up

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 5:31 PM

2020-06-28T17:31:09-04:00

You should learn to do your own research. The MGIB is for college, not trade schools. When you go to use your GI Bill you’ll get to choose whether to use the old or new one. Which one works better for you depends on your situation. Your NCOs have never actually used a GI Bill so they don’t know anything about it. The old one pays cash straight to you. The new one pays the college for your tuition and a prorated BAH to you.
As for opting out, you already opted in to paying the MGIB at the MEPS. That’s why you are now being charged for it. If you use up all of your Post 9/11 GI Bill, you will get your $1200 refunded to you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 1:08 AM

2020-06-29T01:08:39-04:00

the rules were changed in a court ruling recently and now you can use the MGIB after the post 9/11. you have a max of 48 months of entitlements though.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 29 at 2020 9:49 AM

2020-06-29T09:49:14-04:00

So first I would strongly suggest you do some research about the various layers and flavors of the GI Bill before you make a decision that you won't feel the impact until you are too far past the point to fix it.

The GI bill has multiple chapters that do different things. Chapter 30 is Montgomery but don't torpedo the whole thing because you will want to use the post/9-11 chapter 33.

You should reach out to your local VA rep and your base education center before you cut ties because you will most likely realize you want to keep it.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/comparison_chart.asp

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 29 at 2020 2:09 PM

2020-06-29T14:09:22-04:00

I did - but that's because I got college loan repayment on my initial enlistment so I had to opt out of it. Now I get the 9/11 GI Bill and have used it.

I didn't even think anyone still got the MGIB - guess it's still around. Yes you should be eligible for the 9/11 GI Bill.

The VA website is a good place to go for all GI Bill questions. The eBenefits website.
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/

Here's another link:
https://www.gijobs.com/is-the-montgomery-gi-bill-still-available/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMGIB%20is%20still%20an%20option,to%20come%20to%20an%20end.&text=By%20law%2C%20veterans%20have%2010,9%2F11%20GI%20Bill).

https://rebootcamp.militarytimes.com/education-transition/education/2017/12/22/wasting-money-most-new-recruits-pay-1200-for-lesser-education-benefit/#:~:text=Service%20members%20who%20choose%20to,for%20increased%20benefits%20is%20nonrefundable.

"The majority of recruits who buy into the Montgomery GI Bill benefit don’t end up using it, and, in many cases, they never see their $1,200 again. Service members who choose to go the Post-9/11 route are eventually eligible for a refund from the VA, calculated by dividing their unused Montgomery GI Bill benefits by 36 months, then multiplying that number by 1,200. The $600 fee for increased benefits is nonrefundable."

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) | Veterans Affairs

Learn about eligibility requirements and what kind of benefits are available through the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty for education and training.