Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Qualification: Members of the National Guard and Selected Reserve may be able to get education money through the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve. This program is also called MGIB-SR or Chapter 1606. But simply being a part-time military member does not mean a person gets the benefit automatically. There are service and education rules that must be met first.
Chapter 1606 can provide up to 36 months of education and training benefits. It is available to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserves. It also covers the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. The money can be used for college and several types of job or career training.
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How much Money can you get?
For college and university students, the current rates are set for October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. A student enrolled full time can receive up to $493 for a full month. The rate is $369 for three-quarter-time study, $246 for half-time study and $123.25 for less than half-time study.
The payment is based on the amount of training a person is taking. It may also be lower when the person is enrolled for only part of a month. For example, if a course starts on the 20th of the month, VA pays only for the days the student was enrolled during that month.
The benefit is not only for regular college classes. Eligible members may also use Chapter 1606 for vocational or trade programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and correspondence courses. It can also cover certain flight training, licensing tests, certification tests and national tests. Payment rates for these programs can be different from the regular college rate.
For example, approved on-the-job training and apprenticeship payments are up to $369.75 per month during the first six months, $271.15 per month during months seven through 12 and $172.55 per month after the first year. VA can pay up to $2,000 for qualifying licensing and certification test fees.
Who can get Chapter 1606?
A person normally needs a six-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve. Officers may also qualify when they agree to serve six more years after their original service obligation. The service commitment generally must have started after June 30, 1985.
There are more conditions. The service member must complete Initial Active Duty for Training and have a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate such as a GED before finishing that training. The person must also remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.
Chapter 1606 is generally tied to Selected Reserve service. In many cases, eligibility ends when a person leaves the Selected Reserve. There are some exceptions, including certain disability or mobilization situations.
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How to Apply for Chapter 1606?
- Get your NOBE: Ask your military unit for the Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE), also called DD Form 2384-1.
- Apply to VA: Fill out VA Form 22-1990 to apply for Chapter 1606 education benefits. You can apply online or by mail.
- Choose an approved school: Make sure your college or training program is approved for VA education benefits before you enroll.
- Get enrollment certified: After you enroll, your school or training provider must send your enrollment information to VA.
- Verify your enrollment: Chapter 1606 users need to verify their enrollment each month to keep receiving their payments.
