Is the Select Reserve GI Bill paid to the school or to the soldier?

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 22:14:40 -0400

I talked to a national guard recruiter who told me I could get money in my pocket from the select reserve gi bill. The national guard website also specifically says that the GI Bill is paid directly to the soldier.
Then I talked to an army reserve recruiter. He said that the select reserve bill is paid to the school, not the soldier. Neither him or any of the other recruiters in the office knew of any benefits paid directly to the soldier. The army reserve website or the VA website doesn't specifically say where the money goes.
They were both talking about the Montgomery GI Bill- Select Reserve (MGIB-SR). Is there a difference between how the guard and army give out the same benefit? What's the deal?

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 10 at 2019 11:18 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 23:18:12 -0400

Private RallyPoint Member Yes, there is a difference in how they dole out money. The NG uses, as a primary, state funds, then federal dollars. The Reserves uses federal dollars, and never dips into state funds, as they are not allowed by law. However, in this situation you can actually call the VA directly, and ask them question. They will tell you the official answer.

I will tell you this. The MGIB-SR is one program, and it uses federal dollars to pay for education. It is based of the MGIB-AD program. MGIB-AD is a reimbursement program. With the MGIB-AD, you would need to pay the school, and then get reimbursed, OR you could ask the school to wait for payment from the VA (you certify enrollment with the VA using the VA WAVE website). Essentially, it could be both.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 12:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 00:47:39 -0400

The Montgomery GI Bill is paid directly to the Soldier, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is paid to the school. You'll enroll in the Montgomery GI Bill when you join and later you'll be able to choose the Post 9/11 GI Bill

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2019 1:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 13:10:41 -0400

I am not sure how the NG works but as a Reserve make sure you ask for the kicker it will give you more money. So when you apply for the GI Bill you fall under the chapter 1606. You will receive monthly payments that you can then send to the school to pay off your tuition. You can also use tuition Assistance. But I would go with NG. They pay 100% tuition the reserve does not!! I get around $600 monthly while I am in school because I have a kicker. Since I go to a community college which is cheaper I can pay off my tuition.