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Payment rates are based on a number of issues including:
- the length of your original enlistment
- the type of training taken
- the amount of classes you are enrolled in
- participation in the GI Bill $600 buy-up program
- participation in a college fund program
- rates are determined by Congress and usually change each fiscal year
Current Payment Rates
Current payment rates can be found HERE.
Buy-up Program
The GI Bill buy-up program allows eligible active duty members to contribute an additional $600.00 to the GI Bill before discharge, this will give them up to an extra $150.00 a month as a full time student. Contact your payroll office for more information.
College Funds
Some members are eligible for college fund programs, these are usually given to members who enlisted in specific job specialties. The college fund payments are added to the regular GI Bill payments and are prorated the in the same manner as regular GI Bill payments.
How to Receive Payments
You will normally receive your payments monthly, payments are prorated for less than fulltime training and training that is less than a full month. Payments are always issued after the month is complete, you must certify your attendance with the VA each month. In some cases payments are issued in a lump sum.
You can certify your attendance either online or over the phone. If you have direct deposit, the payment usually takes about 3 working days before it reaches your bank, if you receive a paper check it will take up to 2 weeks to receive your check via domestic mail, longer for overseas.
Time Limits
You have 10 years from your date of discharge to use your benefits, you may have this time period extended if you have another period of active duty that lasts for at least 90 consecutive days. Of course, you will need to submit paperwork to prove you qualify for this extension. Extensions for other reasons are extremely rare, contact your local VA office for more information.
Amount of Benefits
You are entitled to 36 months of full time benefits, this is also prorated. For example, if you are only enrolled as a half time student you would receive 72 months of half time benefits.
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