Overview of Both Chapters
The two most commonly used GI Bill programs are the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30). Both provide up to 36 months of education benefits, but they pay out very differently.
Post-9/11 (Ch. 33)
Pays tuition directly to the school + monthly housing allowance + book stipend. Available to those who served after 9/10/2001.
Montgomery (Ch. 30)
Pays a flat monthly rate directly to you. Requires $1,200 pay reduction during first year of service. Available to those who entered after 6/30/1985.
Important: You can only use one chapter at a time. If you switch from Ch. 30 to Ch. 33, the conversion is permanent — you cannot switch back.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most generous education benefit available. At 100% eligibility (36+ months of active duty service after 9/10/2001), you receive:
Tuition & Fees
Paid directly to the school. Covers 100% of in-state public tuition or up to ~$27,120/year for private schools (2024-2025 rate).
Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH)
Equal to the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the ZIP code where your school is located. This can range from ~$1,200/mo to $4,800+/mo depending on location.
Book Stipend
Up to $1,000 per year, prorated based on enrollment.
One-Time Relocation Allowance
$500 for rural students who need to relocate.
Eligibility tiers: Benefits scale from 40% to 100% based on cumulative active duty time. 90 days = 40%, 6 months = 50%, up to 36+ months = 100%. Purple Heart recipients automatically qualify for 100%.
Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) Benefits
The Montgomery GI Bill pays a flat monthly rate directly to you — not to the school. You decide how to spend it.
Current Monthly Rates (FY 2024-2025)
The $1,200 buy-in: To use Ch. 30, you must have opted in during basic training and had $100/month deducted from your pay for 12 months. If you didn't opt in, you can't use it — but you may still qualify for Ch. 33.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Post-9/11 (Ch. 33) | Montgomery (Ch. 30) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Payment | Paid directly to school | Flat rate paid to you |
| Housing Allowance | E-5 BAH rate (by ZIP) | Included in flat rate |
| Book Stipend | Up to $1,000/year | None (use monthly rate) |
| Monthly Payout | Varies by ZIP ($1,200–$4,800+) | ~$2,200 flat (full-time) |
| Buy-In Required | No | Yes ($1,200) |
| Transferable to Dependents | Yes (with 6-year commitment) | No |
| Yellow Ribbon Eligible | Yes | No |
| Online-Only Rate | $0 BAH (or 50% national avg) | Same flat rate |
Chapter 30 to Chapter 33 Conversion
If you're currently using the Montgomery GI Bill and want to switch to the Post-9/11, you can — but there are trade-offs.
You'll gain access to the housing allowance, book stipend, and Yellow Ribbon eligibility
Your remaining Ch. 30 months convert to Ch. 33 months
The switch is permanent — you cannot go back to Ch. 30
You will not get a refund of the $1,200 buy-in unless you exhaust all 36 months under Ch. 33
Pro tip: For most veterans attending in-person classes in a mid-to-high cost area, Ch. 33 pays significantly more than Ch. 30. The BAH alone often exceeds the entire Ch. 30 monthly rate.
Which One Is Right for You
Choose Post-9/11 (Ch. 33) if:
- You're attending in-person classes (BAH is the biggest factor)
- Your school's tuition exceeds $2,200/month
- You want to transfer benefits to a spouse or child
- You're attending a private school that participates in Yellow Ribbon
- You live in a high-cost area (higher BAH)
Choose Montgomery (Ch. 30) if:
- You're taking classes 100% online (Ch. 33 BAH is $0 for online-only)
- You're attending a low-cost school in a low-cost area
- You want maximum flexibility with a flat monthly check
- You already paid the $1,200 buy-in and want simplicity
Other GI Bill Chapters
Chapter 35 — Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
For spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or who died in service. Provides up to 36 months of education benefits.
Chapter 1606 — Selected Reserve
For members of the Selected Reserve (Guard and Reserve). Pays a monthly rate (~$430/mo full-time) while you maintain drilling status. Lower payout but available while still serving.
Chapter 1607 — REAP (Discontinued)
The Reserve Educational Assistance Program was discontinued in 2015. If you were using it, remaining entitlement may have converted to Post-9/11.
How to Check Your Remaining Entitlement
- 1
Log in to VA.gov
Go to va.gov and sign in with your Login.gov, DS Logon, or ID.me account.
- 2
Navigate to Education Benefits
Select "Check your remaining GI Bill benefits" under the Education section.
- 3
Review Your Statement of Benefits
You'll see months remaining, percentage of eligibility, and delimiting date (the deadline to use your benefits — typically 15 years from separation).
Don't forget: College Decoded's GI Bill Calculator can estimate your total payout including BAH by ZIP code, so you can compare schools before you commit.
Related Military Guides
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