Understand Your Benefits

Know Your G.I. Bill ® Benefits By Chapter

The Montgomery G.I. Bill ® program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.

Click here for more information about the MGIB

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, USC, Chapter 31 and Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. This program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, this program offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

Services that may be provided by the VR&E Program include:

  • Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
  • Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
  • Employment services such as job training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
  • Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
  • On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
  • Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical, or business school
  • Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
  • Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities

Click here for more information about VA Vocational Rehabilitation

The Post-9/11G.I. Bill ® provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ®.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, entrepreneurship training, and tutorial assistance. All training programs must be approved for G.I. Bill ® benefits.

This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally, benefits are payable for up to 15 years following your release from active duty. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their G.I. Bill ® to dependents.

Under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ®, recipients may have different eligibility percentages based on the number of months spent on active duty orders (Title X orders). When determining what you will receive from the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ®, remember to multiply all maximums by your percentage rate. For example, a recipient who has received a 60% eligibility rating will receive up to $600 annually for the book stipend ($1000 x 60% = $600). This percentage rate is applied to all applicable benefits received under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® - tuition and fees, book stipend, and a monthly stipend.

If you are taking ONLY independent learning or online/distance learning courses under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill ®, your monthly stipend rate at 100% eligibility and full-time rate of pursuit is equal to 50% of the national average payable housing allowance. Please visit the VA G.I. Bill ® website for additional information: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/independent_distance_learning.asp.

Do you want to see what your Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® will cover at the University of Montana? Use the GI Bill Comparision Tool!

Click here for more information about the Post-9/11 GI BILL

The Post-9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program is an agreement between the VA and a participating institution.  This program helps out-of-state students cover the difference between out-of-state costs and in-state costs.  Only veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) or their designated transferees may receive this funding.

Click here to learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program

Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Eligibility

You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

  • A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
  • A veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
  • A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective December 23, 2006.

Click here to learn more about Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance

The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year commitment that begins after September 30, 1990;
  • Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT);
  • Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. You may not use 12 hours toward a college degree to meet this requirement;
  • Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit. You will also retain MGIB - SR eligibility if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due to a disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may be extended if you are ordered to active duty.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. You may use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available.

Benefit entitlement is 1 to 36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions. You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use VEAP benefits. If there is an entitlement not used after the 10-year period, your portion remaining in the fund will be automatically refunded.

Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;
  • Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;
  • Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700;
  • Completed your first period of service; and
  • Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available.

Contributions may be withdrawn if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements or if you formally request a refund of the contributions withheld.

Chapter 30 - Montgomery G.I. Bill ® (MGIB)

The Montgomery G.I. Bill ® program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.

Click here for more information about the MGIB

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, USC, Chapter 31 and Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. This program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, this program offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

Services that may be provided by the VR&E Program include:

  • Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
  • Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
  • Employment services such as job training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
  • Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
  • On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
  • Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical, or business school
  • Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
  • Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities

Click here for more information about VA Vocational Rehabilitation

The Post-9/11G.I. Bill ® provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ®.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, entrepreneurship training, and tutorial assistance. All training programs must be approved for G.I. Bill ® benefits.

This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally, benefits are payable for up to 15 years following your release from active duty. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their G.I. Bill ® to dependents.

Under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ®, recipients may have different eligibility percentages based on the number of months spent on active duty orders (Title X orders). When determining what you will receive from the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ®, remember to multiply all maximums by your percentage rate. For example, a recipient who has received a 60% eligibility rating will receive up to $600 annually for the book stipend ($1000 x 60% = $600). This percentage rate is applied to all applicable benefits received under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® - tuition and fees, book stipend, and a monthly stipend.

If you are taking ONLY independent learning or online/distance learning courses under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill ®, your monthly stipend rate at 100% eligibility and full-time rate of pursuit is equal to 50% of the national average payable housing allowance. Please visit the VA G.I. Bill ® website for additional information: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/independent_distance_learning.asp.

Do you want to see what your Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® will cover at the University of Montana? Use the GI Bill Comparision Tool!

Click here for more information about the Post-9/11 GI BILL

The Post-9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program is an agreement between the VA and a participating institution.  This program helps out-of-state students cover the difference between out-of-state costs and in-state costs.  Only veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) or their designated transferees may receive this funding.

Click here to learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program

Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Eligibility

You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

  • A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
  • A veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
  • A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective December 23, 2006.

Click here to learn more about Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance

The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year commitment that begins after September 30, 1990;
  • Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT);
  • Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. You may not use 12 hours toward a college degree to meet this requirement;
  • Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit. You will also retain MGIB - SR eligibility if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due to a disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may be extended if you are ordered to active duty.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. You may use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available.

Benefit entitlement is 1 to 36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions. You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use VEAP benefits. If there is an entitlement not used after the 10-year period, your portion remaining in the fund will be automatically refunded.

Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;
  • Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;
  • Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700;
  • Completed your first period of service; and
  • Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available.

Contributions may be withdrawn if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements or if you formally request a refund of the contributions withheld.

Get Started

Welcome to the University of Montana! 

The application process is easy and intuitive, please visit the Admissions webpage to begin.

During the application process:

  • Verify residency, if out of state UM's Military and Veteran Services Office will need to verify whether you are eligible for the Veterans Choice Act.
    • Veterans Choice Act applicability will be reviewed after submitting the Notification of Intent (Step 4))
  • We will need your Social Security Number in the system, it is optional; however, we cannot submit your Certification to the VA without it.

Applying for VA Education Benefits

  • For Veterans, family members, or a candidate for the National Call to Service Program apply for VA education benefits: VA.Gov
    • Veterans will need to provide start and end dates for their military service and all applicants will need to provide their bank account and routing number for direct deposit.
    • Complete the selected form. (Write down confirmation information for your reference)
      • After the application is completed, the VA will notify you of the status within 30 days.

You will need to register for classes before moving on to the final step. You will need to work with your academic advisor to receive your advising pin (You cannot register without a pin). If you have not been assigned an academic advisor please contact your admissions advisor or the Undergraduate Advising Center.

UM's Military and Veterans Services Office School Certifying Official (SCO) will review your classes during the certification process to verify the classes you register for will apply toward graduation requirements.

  • If a class does not look like it will apply, the SCO will reach out to the assigned academic advisor for verification.
  • Activities courses will not be certified to the VA, except under certain circumstances, contact us for more information.

YOU MUST SUBMIT A NOI EVERY SEMESTER YOU WANT TO USE BENEFITS

  • Go to www.umt.edu/veterans and click on Notification of Intent Form.
    • Login with NETID and Password and fill out the form.
    • If an NOI is not submitted 45 days prior to the first day of the term, payments from the VA may be delayed.
    • If eligible (Ch 30, Ch 35, Ch 1606) and you want to request advanced pay, the NOI must be in 45 days prior to the first day of the term. We recommend discussing advanced pay with the VETS Office if you are not familiar with it.
    • If using Tuition Assistance, notify UM's Military and Veterans Services Office when submitting your NOI in the notes section.

Submit your military transcripts:

  • Go to the Joint Service Transcript website 
    • Does not apply to Air Force students, Air Force students need to request a transcript from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) click for more information 
  • Click “Register” under “Register to use this system” at the top of the page and complete registration.
  • At the top of the main page, click Transcript.
  • Click on Official Transcript Request. (Electronic)
  • Search “Montana.”
  • In the search results, find the University of Montana with the address of 32 Campus Drive.

The University of Montana will evaluate all previous postsecondary education and training, including military experience, for students using VA education benefits. Upon completion of the evaluation process, the school will grant credit as appropriate, reduce program length and cost proportionately, notify the student of the evaluation, and maintain all credit evaluation records.

Apply for Federal Financial Aid: www.fafsa.ed.gov

  • We advise students to apply for FAFSA even if you are not planning to accept loans.
  • You will need your or your parents' tax return information for the previous two tax years.
  • You are NOT required to accept federal financial aid if you apply. Keep in mind, if you accept a financial aid student loan package, you will still be required to pay it back later.
  • Using VA education benefits does not affect your eligibility for Federal Student Aid. Students should apply for FAFSA every year they plan on attending school.
  • Through Federal Student Aid, you can receive but are not required to accept, federal grants, loans, and work-study awards.
  • When completing your FAFSA, funds from VA education benefits such as your monthly stipend do not count as income. They are considered “resources.” All other VA benefits such as compensation, pension, etc. are considered “non-taxable income” and must be documented as such on the form.

Contact Financial Aid for more information 

Step 1. Apply to the School

Welcome to the University of Montana! 

The application process is easy and intuitive, please visit the Admissions webpage to begin.

During the application process:

  • Verify residency, if out of state UM's Military and Veteran Services Office will need to verify whether you are eligible for the Veterans Choice Act.
    • Veterans Choice Act applicability will be reviewed after submitting the Notification of Intent (Step 4))
  • We will need your Social Security Number in the system, it is optional; however, we cannot submit your Certification to the VA without it.

Applying for VA Education Benefits

  • For Veterans, family members, or a candidate for the National Call to Service Program apply for VA education benefits: VA.Gov
    • Veterans will need to provide start and end dates for their military service and all applicants will need to provide their bank account and routing number for direct deposit.
    • Complete the selected form. (Write down confirmation information for your reference)
      • After the application is completed, the VA will notify you of the status within 30 days.

You will need to register for classes before moving on to the final step. You will need to work with your academic advisor to receive your advising pin (You cannot register without a pin). If you have not been assigned an academic advisor please contact your admissions advisor or the Undergraduate Advising Center.

UM's Military and Veterans Services Office School Certifying Official (SCO) will review your classes during the certification process to verify the classes you register for will apply toward graduation requirements.

  • If a class does not look like it will apply, the SCO will reach out to the assigned academic advisor for verification.
  • Activities courses will not be certified to the VA, except under certain circumstances, contact us for more information.

YOU MUST SUBMIT A NOI EVERY SEMESTER YOU WANT TO USE BENEFITS

  • Go to www.umt.edu/veterans and click on Notification of Intent Form.
    • Login with NETID and Password and fill out the form.
    • If an NOI is not submitted 45 days prior to the first day of the term, payments from the VA may be delayed.
    • If eligible (Ch 30, Ch 35, Ch 1606) and you want to request advanced pay, the NOI must be in 45 days prior to the first day of the term. We recommend discussing advanced pay with the VETS Office if you are not familiar with it.
    • If using Tuition Assistance, notify UM's Military and Veterans Services Office when submitting your NOI in the notes section.

Submit your military transcripts:

  • Go to the Joint Service Transcript website 
    • Does not apply to Air Force students, Air Force students need to request a transcript from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) click for more information 
  • Click “Register” under “Register to use this system” at the top of the page and complete registration.
  • At the top of the main page, click Transcript.
  • Click on Official Transcript Request. (Electronic)
  • Search “Montana.”
  • In the search results, find the University of Montana with the address of 32 Campus Drive.

The University of Montana will evaluate all previous postsecondary education and training, including military experience, for students using VA education benefits. Upon completion of the evaluation process, the school will grant credit as appropriate, reduce program length and cost proportionately, notify the student of the evaluation, and maintain all credit evaluation records.

Apply for Federal Financial Aid: www.fafsa.ed.gov

  • We advise students to apply for FAFSA even if you are not planning to accept loans.
  • You will need your or your parents' tax return information for the previous two tax years.
  • You are NOT required to accept federal financial aid if you apply. Keep in mind, if you accept a financial aid student loan package, you will still be required to pay it back later.
  • Using VA education benefits does not affect your eligibility for Federal Student Aid. Students should apply for FAFSA every year they plan on attending school.
  • Through Federal Student Aid, you can receive but are not required to accept, federal grants, loans, and work-study awards.
  • When completing your FAFSA, funds from VA education benefits such as your monthly stipend do not count as income. They are considered “resources.” All other VA benefits such as compensation, pension, etc. are considered “non-taxable income” and must be documented as such on the form.

Contact Financial Aid for more information 

Notification of Intent

If you want to continue using VA Education benefits, first register for classes, then submit your Notification of Intent.