Understanding the Reserve GI Bill Pay Chart

The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to military service members. The Reserve GI Bill specifically provides education assistance to members of the reserve components, helping them pay for college or training programs. But how much does the Reserve GI Bill actually cover? Understanding the full Reserve GI Bill pay chart is key to getting the most out of this education benefit.

Reserve GI Bill Eligibility

Before diving into the pay rates, it’s important to understand who qualifies for the Reserve GI Bill in the first place. This benefit is available to members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve.

To qualify, you must have a six-year service obligation to the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. You also cannot be receiving certain other education benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill. Essentially, the Reserve GI Bill is for reservists not eligible for other GI Bill programs.

Calculating Reserve GI Bill Payments

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter – how much you get paid. The Reserve GI Bill pay chart uses the following formula:

• Full-time enrollment: $466.00 for each full month.
• 3/4-time enrollment: $349.00 for each full month.
• 1/2-time enrollment: $233.00 for each full month.
• Less than 1/2-time enrollment: $116.50 for each full month.

The monthly payment depends on your training time as defined below:

• Full-time: 14 or more semester hours (or equivalent)
• 3/4-time: 10-13 semester hours (or equivalent)
• 1/2-time: 7-9 semester hours (or equivalent)
• Less than 1/2-time: 4-6 semester hours (or equivalent)

So if you are taking 10 credit hours in a semester, you would qualify for the 3/4-time monthly rate of $349. Over a four month semester, that would equal $1,396 in Reserve GI Bill benefits.

The paid amounts are linked to the basic pay for an E-5 with dependents. If that basic pay increases, so will the education payouts. But the above rates provide a good basis for estimating your potential benefit.

Comparing Full-Time and Part-Time Enrollment

One thing that jumps out from the Reserve GI Bill pay chart is the advantage of full-time enrollment. You maximize benefits at the $466 monthly rate, compared to say half that at the 1/2-time level. However, keep in mind part-time enrollment allows reservists to continue working while using education benefits. There is no “right” option – do what fits your life circumstances. But recognize the financial implications.

Reservists taking online classes should pay special attention to enrollment status Online programs often have different criteria for determining full-time and part-time status Make sure you understand your school’s policies so you qualify for the highest monthly benefits.

Length of Benefits

Another important aspect is the total length of benefits. Active duty GI Bills like the Post-9/11 provide 36 months of assistance. The Reserve GI Bill is more limited:

• If you have a 6-year service obligation, you get 36 months of benefits
• With a 2-4 year obligation, you get a prorated portion of the 36 months
• Anything less than a 2-year obligation does not qualify for benefits

So someone with the minimum obligation would receive 12 months of payments. Again, clearly understand the length of benefits you qualify for when estimating the total value.

Impact of Deployments

Time spent activated on federal orders also impacts Reserve GI Bill benefits. Any 90 days or more of continuous active duty allows you to receive 80% of the active duty Post-9/11 GI Bill rates.

For example, suppose you spend 180 days deployed. For that 180 day period, instead of the normal Reserve GI Bill rates, you would receive:

• Full-time: $382.80 per month
• 3/4-time: $287.10 per month
• 1/2-time: $191.40 per month

This recognizes the increased sacrifice of deployment time. Make sure to account for any eligible deployment periods at the higher Post-9/11 payment amounts.

Using the Reserve GI Bill

The Reserve GI Bill offers a great deal of flexibility in its usage. First and foremost, you can use benefits while continuing to drill with your reserve unit. This allows you to progress both militarily and educationally.

Benefits can be applied towards:

• College degrees
• Vocational/technical training
• Certification tests
• Licensing fees
• Tutorial assistance
• Entrepreneurship training

This covers most types of education or training programs. Academic classes at colleges and universities are the most traditional. But technical programs, certification exams, and licensing fees open up alternatives as well. Even entrepreneurship classes can be covered, allowing reservists to build small businesses.

Benefits can also be used by spouses and dependents after the service member completes their studies. This is a nice extension of benefits to family.

Apply for Benefits

Hopefully you now understand the key components of the Reserve GI Bill pay chart and how it works. Next comes the important step of actually applying for benefits. Here’s a quick run-down:

• Contact your unit’s education services officer to verify eligibility
• Gather the required documents (DD 214, training forms,Dependency documents)
• Submit application through VONAPP online system
• Work with school’s VA certifying official to register enrollment
• Verify enrollment status each semester to receive proper payment

The process involves both your reserve unit as well as the educational institution. But taking the time up front prevents headaches down the road. The VA even provides dedicated support lines to help walk through any issues.

AReward for Service

The Reserve GI Bill remains one of the best benefits to serve your country in the reserve forces. Taking advantage of this education assistance can help reservists gain skills, advance careers, or finish degrees. The pay chart provides extensive coverage of tuition costs at full-time rates. Compare options and maximize your benefits based on life circumstances. And always remember – this is the reserve component rewarding your dedication to serving when needed. Use it in good health!