For veterans and active-duty servicemembers looking to fund their education, the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)—also known as Chapter 30—offers financial assistance for college, vocational training, apprenticeships, and other approved programs.
The monthly payment rates for 2025 depend on factors like length of service, enrollment status, and additional benefits you may qualify for. Below, we break down the latest payment amounts and important updates for eligible veterans.
Payment
The MGIB-AD benefits structure is divided based on length of active-duty service. If you served at least three continuous years, you qualify for higher payments compared to those who served between two and three years.
Veterans
If you completed at least three continuous years of active duty, your 2025 monthly payments for college enrollment are:
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $2,438.00 |
| Three-quarter-time | $1,828.50 |
| Half-time | $1,219.00 |
| Less than half but more than quarter-time | $1,219.00 (or tuition/fees, whichever is lower) |
| Quarter-time or less | $609.50 (or tuition/fees, whichever is lower) |
For on-the-job training or apprenticeships, payments decrease over time:
| Training Period | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| First 6 months | $1,828.50 |
| Months 7-12 | $1,340.90 |
| After 1 year | $853.30 |
For specialized training:
- Flight training: 60% of approved costs
- Correspondence courses: 55% of approved costs
- Licensing/certification tests: Up to $2,000 covered
Served 2-3 Years
If you served between two and three years, your monthly MGIB-AD payments are slightly lower:
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,978.00 |
| Three-quarter-time | $1,483.50 |
| Half-time | $989.00 |
| Less than half but more than quarter-time | $989.00 (or tuition/fees, whichever is lower) |
| Quarter-time or less | $494.50 (or tuition/fees, whichever is lower) |
For on-the-job training or apprenticeships, payments follow this schedule:
| Training Period | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| First 6 months | $1,483.50 |
| Months 7-12 | $1,087.90 |
| After 1 year | $692.30 |
The same reimbursement rules apply for flight school, correspondence courses, and licensing/certification tests.
Benefits
A recent court ruling, the Rudisill decision, allows veterans with multiple qualifying active-duty periods to combine MGIB-AD with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, increasing their total benefits to up to 48 months.
Even if you previously declined Chapter 30 benefits, you may now be eligible again.
Buy-Up Program
If you contributed to the $600 Buy-Up Program, you could qualify for higher monthly payments. This program allows servicemembers to increase their benefits in exchange for a one-time contribution.
College Fund (Kicker)
Some servicemembers qualify for a kicker bonus (college fund), which adds extra funds to their MGIB-AD payments. This benefit depends on your service branch and contract.
The 2025 MGIB-AD updates make it even more valuable for veterans pursuing higher education, job training, or specialized certifications. If you’re eligible, make sure to maximize your benefits by checking out additional funding options.
For more details, visit the VA website or call 888-442-4551 for assistance.
FAQs
What is the MGIB-AD?
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) provides education benefits for veterans and active-duty servicemembers.
How much does Chapter 30 pay in 2025?
Full-time students can receive up to $2,438 per month if they served 3+ years.
Can I use MGIB-AD and the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
Yes, the Rudisill decision allows eligible veterans to combine benefits for up to 48 months.
Does MGIB-AD cover vocational training?
Yes, trade schools, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training are covered.
What is the $600 Buy-Up Program?
It allows servicemembers to contribute extra funds for higher monthly GI Bill payments.
