Chapter 1606 VA Benefits or the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve is a program that’s available for people who are serving on the Selected Reserve. That includes soldiers in the Army Reserve, sailors in the Navy Reserve, airmen in the Air Force Reserve, and Marines in the Marine Corps Reserve, as well as members of the Coast Guard Reserve.
The purpose of this program is to assist reserve members in paying for education and training during the time they are serving.
Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates
Effective from 2025, Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates will have a monthly benefit of up to $466 per month for full-time students. Now, a qualifying class hour includes 60 minutes of your time for training. You don’t need to serve active duty to take advantage of this program. As long as you are currently serving and you meet eligibility requirements, you may receive financial assistance.
The benefit is paid to you each month so you can more easily pay for tuition, books, and costs. Many people use these and other programs like Federal Tuition Assistance to pay their way in full.
Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates Overview
| Department | Department of Veterans Affair (VA) |
| Article On | Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates |
| Country | USA |
| Eligibility | Belong to the Selected Reserve |
| Amount | $466 |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly Payments |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | https://www.va.gov/ |
Application process for 1606 VA Benefits Rates
The application process for Chapter 1606 VA Benefits is straight forward and can be completed online or with paper forms. The first step is to obtain (from your unit) your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) form. It is generally given after completion of your Initial Active Duty for Training and fulfilling any other requirements. The form demonstrates that you qualify for the benefit.
Once you have your NOBE, you need to complete VA Form 22-1990, the application for education benefits. Once you’ve filled out the form, you can either submit it through the VA website or send it to your VA processing office location. You’ll also need to select a school or other training program that’s approved by the VA.
Eligibility for Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates
To be eligible for VA Chapter 1606 Benefits, you must fulfil the following:
- You need to belong to the Selected Reserve.
- You must have a minimum obligation of six years in the Selected Reserve.
- You need to finish IADT (Initial Active Duty for Training).
- You will need a high school diploma or equivalent before you can graduate from IADT.
- You have to establish the character of service while a member of the Selected Reserve.
Why has Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates started
The Chapter 1606 program was established to deter people from dropping out of the Selected Reserve. Unlike enlisted service members on active duty, reservists are typically serving part-time while attending school or working full-time as civilians. And the gov’t recognizes the importance of supporting these people so they can develop professionally and academically.
The VA makes monthly payments to help reserve members avoid large upfront payments for college tuition and job training. This is not only good for the reservists, but also makes the armed forces stronger by promoting continuity of service and the development of skills. And over the years, the program has helped thousands of reserve members attend college, earn degrees or achieve new job qualifications.
The program is also a method to show appreciation for those who will commit six years of their lives to the military even if they will not be full active duty. As the price of education continues to soar, Chapter 1606 is still a significant financial aid resource.
Importance and Benefits of Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates
Members of the Selected Reserve are eligible for a variety of benefits under Chapter 1606. It minimizes the financial anxiety of seeking an education while serving in the military. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, vocational school, or on-the-job training, these are the kind of monthly payments that matter.
The second major advantage is flexibility. There are many types of education you can use these benefits for such as college, vocational training, technical school, even distance learning. The course is for every learner and you are not committed to just one type of education, so it works great for all kinds of people with different goals.
The payments are made directly to you, not to the school. This gives you an option in how to use the money. You can use the money to cover books, room, transportation, or other costs you incur out of pocket. It even permits you to supplement these benefits with other military education programs to pay much of your costs.
Since you don’t have to serve on active duty, it is also a good option for reservists who need to receive support while also continuing to live as civilians. This benefit is a way to reward your service and so is an incentive to remain in the service longer.
FAQs
Are online courses available under Chapter 1606?
Yes, if the online or distance learning classes are VA-approved, they can be accessed.
How many years will my Chapter 1606 last?
You can apply it toward up to 36 months of education.
How would this be combined with other VA education programs?
You can transfer between courses if you meet certain requirements.
When do my benefits stop?
Once your service has concluded or you have reached the maximum of 36 months, your benefits will stop.
