Chapter 1606 VA Benefits 2025: The Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve, or just commonly known as Chapter 1606 is basically a golden ticket for people in the Selected Reserves or National Guard. We’re talking up to 36 months’ worth of help for school whether you’re eyeing a college degree, trade school, some hands-on apprenticeship, or wanna knock out those dreaded certification exams. You usually get 14 years to use it from when you first qualify, but if you ever get called up for active duty, that window can stretch out a bit. Honestly, for reservists trying to juggle military life with all the chaos back home, this program’s a game-changer. It makes chasing new support or leveling up your skills way less stressful.
MGIB-SR Rates (Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025): What You’ll Receive?
Here’s what you can expect to be paid depending on your type of enrollment or training:
For Higher Education and Vocational Training
- Full-time: $481.00 per full month
- 3/4-time: $360.00 per full month
- 1/2-time: $240.00 per full month
- Less than 1/2-time: $120.25 per full month
These payments are prorated based on actual days enrolled each month.
For On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeships
Your monthly rate depends on how far along you are:
- Months 1–6: $360.75 per full month
- Months 7–12: $264.55 per full month
- After 12 months: $168.35 per full month
Note: To earn the full rate, you must clock at least 120 hours each month.
For Correspondence Training
You’ll receive 55% of the approved course cost for each completed lesson. Each $481.00 paid equals one MGIB-SR benefit month.
For Flight Training
You’ll get 60% of approved charges. Again, each $481.00 disbursed equals one month of MGIB-SR entitlement.
For Licensing & Certification Test Fees
Up to $2,000 is covered per exam pass or fail. Your entitlement is charged at a rate of one month for every $481.00 paid.
For National Test Fees
There’s no limit on reimbursement for national test fees. Entitlement usage is still one month for each $481.00 paid.
VA Disability Payment Schedule: September 2025: When veterans can expect checks?
Licensing, Certification, and Test Fees
One of the most practical aspects of MGIB-SR is its coverage for licensing and certification. Veterans can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per exam, regardless of whether the test is passed or failed. Entitlement has been expensed at the rate of one month for every $481.00 covered. Besides that, completely all the costs for national tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, or professional exams are reimbursed without a ceiling, thus making it more convenient for reservists to get more education or advance their careers.
Chapter 1606 VA Benefits 2025: A Glance at 2026
It would also be a good idea to consider the next rates in 2026 published by the VA (effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026). These rates suggest a slight but significant increment. For instance, full-time enrollment for higher education is set to go up to $493.00 per month, and the rest of the part-time levels will be adjusted accordingly. The first six months of OJT and apprenticeship will also see a small increase with the rate going up to $369.75 per month. These changes authorize the MGIB-SR to be on par with the increasing costs of education and training.
In summary
There’s also a schedule for future rates, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. These reflect an upward adjustment:
Higher education & vocational training:
- Full-time: $493.00
- 3/4-time: $369.00
- 1/2-time: $246.00
- Less than 1/2-time: $123.25
OJT and Apprenticeships:
- Months 1–6: $369.75
- Months 7–12: $271.15
- After 12 months: $172.55
Correspondence, flight, and testing follow similar structures, adjusted to $493.00 as the base month amount.
Why These Rates Are Important?
If you don’t know the latest MGIB-SR rates, you’re just kind of winging it with your money. Veterans and reservists have to check those numbers before picking full-time or part-time classes, or even thinking about dropping cash on a certification exam. Should you hit the books in a classroom or get your hands dirty with some real-world training? You can’t really make that call without knowing what you’ll actually get paid. Don’t leave it to chance because nobody wants a surprise when it comes to their bank account. Since benefits are charged in “months” of entitlement, knowing how each type of training consumes entitlement helps veterans stretch their 36 months of benefits in the most effective way possible.
Chapter 1606 of the Montgomery GI Bill is one of the most flexible and accessible VA education benefits, offering reservists real financial support in achieving their goals. The 2024–2025 rates give clear guidance on how much to expect each month, while the scheduled 2026 increases provide reassurance that benefits will continue to grow. For any veteran or service member in the Selected Reserves, staying informed about these rates can make the difference between simply using the benefit and maximizing it to its full potential.
