Montgomery GI Bill®- Selected Reserve

What is the Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve?

The Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR or Chapter 1606) is a monthly stipend that provides up to 36 months of assistance to current members of the Reserves and National Guard. The benefit typically requires an agreement to serve 6 years enlisted, an additional 6 years beyond your original service obligation for officers, and completion of initial active duty training (IADT). Eligibility for this program is determined by your reserve component, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) makes the payments.

Some service members may be offered a GI Bill® Kicker incentive which is paid in conjunction with your monthly MGIB-SR payments. You can find out if you received a kicker by referencing your contract or service agreement.

Because the MGIB-SR doesn’t cover tuition, it can often be used at the same time as the Wisconsin GI Bill®, Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant or Military Tuition Assistance.

UW-Madison benefit rates                         Learn more about MGIB-SR

Getting Started

Applying

Apply early! It’s best to give the VA at least 30 days to process your application.

  1. Gather the following information:
    • social security number
    • bank account direct deposit information
    • education and military history
    • name of school you want to attend or are attending
  2. Complete the VA’s online application (linked below).
  3. The VA will provide you a certificate of eligibility (COE) if approved. Email your COE to veterans@wisc.edu.

Apply on va.gov

Next Steps

  1. Apply for other education benefits you intend to use.
  2. Contact University Veteran Services. If you start classes in less than 90 days, let us know you intend to use benefits (even if you’re waiting on approval).
  3. Ensure you verify your enrollment at the end of each month by calling 877-823-2378 or through the online portal.
  4. Complete a FAFSA®. You can learn more about using traditional forms of financial aid on our financial aid & education benefits page.
  5. Confirm your benefits. You’ll complete this process every semester to let us know you’d like to use your GI Bill®.
  6. Read up on receiving federal benefits to learn about course restrictions for GI Bill® users and information related to payments.

Contact

University Veteran Services
school certifying officials

Call us at:
608-265-4628

Email us at:
veterans@wisc.edu

Location pin for University Veterans ServicesUniversity Veterans Services
333 East Campus Mall
10th floor, Suite 10320
Madison, WI 53715


Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm

Appointments

Drop-ins are always welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

Please visit our About Us page to make an appointment with a member of our staff.