Veterans often qualify for more than one GI Bill chapter. This 2026 GI Bill comparison guide shows side-by-side benefit amounts, eligibility, and trade-offs so you can choose the best program.
The four chapters compared
| Feature | Ch. 33 Post-9/11 | Ch. 30 MGIB-AD | Ch. 35 DEA | Ch. 1606 MGIB-SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible | 90+ days post-9/11 active duty | Active duty + $1,200 buy-in | Spouse/children of 100% P&T or KIA vets | Selected Reserve, 6-yr commit |
| Payment | Tuition to school + MHA + books | Up to $2,518/mo flat (full-time) | $1,574/mo full-time | $493/mo full-time |
| Transferable | Yes | No | N/A | No |
| Time limit | None (Forever GI Bill, post-2013 service) | 10 yrs from separation | 36 months; under 26 for children | Ends at Selected Reserve exit |
| Months | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) at a glance
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most valuable chapter for most post-9/11 veterans. It pays full in-state tuition at public schools, a monthly housing allowance, and a books stipend. Benefits can transfer to a spouse or children.
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30)
Chapter 30 pays a flat monthly stipend (up to $2,518 full-time for the current 3-year rate period) to the veteran. Best for older veterans who paid the $1,200 buy-in, veterans attending low-cost schools, or veterans who only need a single program of training.
Current Montgomery GI Bill monthly rates for 2026
The current official full-time rates from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 are $2,518 for MGIB-AD at the 3-year rate, $2,043 for the 2-year rate, and $493 for MGIB-SR. Those numbers matter when you compare a flat Montgomery payment against the combination of tuition, books, and housing under Chapter 33.
MHA vs flat monthly payment
The biggest difference in this GI Bill comparison is how the money is delivered. Post-9/11 pays tuition directly to the school, then adds a housing allowance and books stipend. Montgomery GI Bill programs pay a flat monthly amount to you. If you attend a low-cost school or already have housing covered, Montgomery can still be competitive. If you need local-rent support, Chapter 33 usually wins.
DEA (Chapter 35)
Chapter 35 pays $1,574/month full-time to spouses or children of veterans who are 100% permanently & totally disabled, died from a service-connected condition, or are MIA/POW.
Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
Chapter 1606 pays $493/month full-time to Reserve and Guard members with a 6-year commitment. Benefits end when you leave the Selected Reserve.
Which GI Bill is best for you?
- Active-duty post-9/11 veteran? Choose Chapter 33 unless you have a specific reason for Chapter 30.
- Surviving spouse or child of a 100% P&T veteran? Use Chapter 35 (or Fry Scholarship if the veteran died in service).
- In the Selected Reserve? Chapter 1606 covers training while you serve.
- Pre-9/11 veteran with Chapter 30 paid in? Compare the flat payment to private school costs — sometimes Chapter 30 is the better choice.
Can you use more than one chapter?
You can use up to 48 months total across all programs, but not both at the same time. Most veterans pick one chapter and stick with it.