If you’re a veteran using the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD), also known as Chapter 30, you’re probably wondering how much financial assistance you’ll receive this year. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released the updated 2025 payment rates, and they are effective from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Chapter 30 benefits are designed to help veterans cover the costs of education and training. The amount you receive each month depends on your enrollment status, the length of your service, and the type of training you’re pursuing. Below, we break down the latest pay rates so you can plan your education financing accordingly.
How Much Will You Receive Under Chapter 30 in 2025?
For Veterans Who Served at Least 3 Years on Active Duty:
- Full-time students in college or university: $2,438 per month
- Three-quarter time enrollment: $1,828.50 per month
- Half-time enrollment: $1,219 per month
- Less than half-time (more than quarter-time): $1,219 per month or actual tuition, whichever is less
- Quarter-time enrollment or less: $609.50 per month or actual tuition, whichever is less
For Veterans Who Served Between 2 and 3 Years on Active Duty:
- Full-time enrollment: $1,978 per month
- Three-quarter time enrollment: $1,483.50 per month
- Half-time enrollment: $989 per month
- Less than half-time (more than quarter-time): $989 per month or actual tuition, whichever is less
- Quarter-time enrollment or less: $494.50 per month or actual tuition, whichever is less
If you’re pursuing non-college degree programs (such as trade schools or vocational training), the pay rates are the same as those listed above for institutional training.
On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships
For those enrolled in on-the-job training or apprenticeships, the VA provides reduced rates over time:
- First six months of training: $1,828.50 per month (for 3+ years of service) / $1,483.50 per month (for 2-3 years of service)
- Second six months: $1,340.90 per month / $1,087.90 per month
- Remaining training period: $853.30 per month / $692.30 per month
Additional Training Options and Covered Costs
The VA also provides partial reimbursement for other types of educational expenses:
- Flight Training: Covers 60% of the approved charges
- Correspondence Training: Reimburses 55% of the approved costs
- Licensing and Certification Tests: Up to $2,000 per test
- National Tests (e.g., SAT, LSAT, GRE): No maximum limit, but the amount covered is deducted from your total months of eligibility
How Do You Get Paid?
VA Chapter 30 benefits are paid monthly, and funds are deposited directly into your bank account. If you haven’t received your payment, you can check the status of your benefits through the VA’s eBenefits portal or call the VA Education Hotline at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). If you have contributed extra funds through the $600 Buy-Up program, your monthly payment may be higher. Additionally, some veterans may receive an extra “kicker” if they qualify for additional incentives.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your VA Benefits
Understanding your Chapter 30 benefits is essential for planning your education and career. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, certification, flight training, or an apprenticeship, knowing exactly how much financial assistance you’ll receive helps you budget and avoid unnecessary student loan debt.
If you’re eligible for other VA education programs, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), compare your options to determine which program offers the best benefits for your situation. The VA’s official website provides a comparison tool to help veterans decide which benefit is most beneficial based on their education and career goals.
With the new 2025 pay rates, veterans can continue advancing their education with confidence, knowing they have financial support from the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program. If you haven’t applied yet, visit the VA’s GI Bill website to get started today.