You must be eligible to use either Chapter 30 or Chapter 33 of the GI Bill® and meet the eligibility guidelines for tuition assistance. For more information, please visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/tuition_assistance.asp
Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill®
This is an education benefit for service members who have served on active duty for at least 90 days after 9/10/2001, or were discharged with a service connected disability after 30 consecutive days. An honorable discharge (character of service) is required for veterans. Individuals who are entitled to 100% of this benefit can have their entire cost of tuition and fees covered when eligible. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®
Service members who have paid into this benefit while on active duty may have a significant portion of their tuition and fees covered. This benefit pays to the student, so you will need to arrange a payment plan with your South University financial aid officer. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/montgomery_bill.asp.
Chapter 1606: Selective Reserve Montgomery GI Bill®
This program is for members of the Selective Reserve and National Guard who have enlisted or re-enlisted in the select reserve with an obligation to serve 6 or more years on or after July 1st 1985. In order to be eligible for this benefit, the member will have had to complete their IDAT (initial date active training). Chapter 1606 expires once a service member has separated. This benefit pays directly to the student; arrangements for tuition and fees payment will need to be made with your Remington College financial aid representative. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_sr.asp.
Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
REAP is an education benefit to assist Reserve and National Guard members called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) for at least 90 cumulative days after 9/11/2001. This benefit pays directly to the student and can be used toward the cost of tuition and fees, so you will need to arrange a payment plan with your financial aid officer. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 ended REAP on November 25, 2015. Some individuals will remain eligible for REAP benefits until November 25, 2019; while others are no longer eligible for REAP benefits. If you have questions about your eligibility for REAP or Post-9/11 benefits, please call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST Monday – Friday) to speak with an Education Call Center Agent. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/reap.asp.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 ended REAP on November 25, 2015. Some individuals will remain eligible for REAP benefits until November 25, 2019; while others are no longer eligible for REAP benefits. If you have questions about your eligibility for REAP or Post-9/11 benefits, please call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST Monday – Friday) to speak with an Education Call Center Agent.
Kickers & Additional Contributions
A kicker is part of an enlistment contract and is a fixed dollar amount that will be disbursed in even installments over the course of the entitlement period for Chapter 30 and 1606 recipients. The VA should automatically pay this benefit as an addition to the normal entitlement amount paid each month to the veteran. If not, the veteran should contact the VA Regional Office processing his or her claim. No additional paperwork is needed.
