MGIB Helps Marines Super Size Educational Benefits Through 'Buy Up'

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS, Washington

A change in the Montgomery GI Bill gives Marines more bang for their educational bucks.

Legislation, passed in May 2001, allows service members to “buy up” on their MGIB benefits. An additional contribution up to $600 provides service members $5,400 more in funds for education.

Service members who contribute the full $600 amount will have a monthly benefit increase of $150 per month. The current MGIB benefit for a full-time student is $650 per month. The maximum buy up option would increase monthly benefits to $800.

Contributions of less than $600 are allowed, but the maximum benefit of $5,400 will be reduced proportionately. The minimum additional amount MGIB participants can contribute is $20.

The program does have limitations. Participants can only take advantage of the increase after paying the required $1,200 and serving a minimum of two years. The benefit is not applicable to reserve personnel; only personnel who entered active duty after July 1, 1985 and enrolled in MGIB during the first two weeks of active duty are eligible. Service members can only contribute in the buy up option while still on active duty.

Members enrolled in the MGIB program due to involuntary separation, conversion from Veterans Educational Assistance Program, conversion from the Vietnam-era GI Bill or enrollment during the open period from Dec. 1, 1988, through June 30, 1989, are not eligible for this option.

Many Marines who attend college after their enlistment do not make full use of their MGIB benefits, according to transitional recruiting officials.

“I speak to many Marines that are reaching their (end of active service),” said Maj. Gregory Malone, officer in charge for the 2nd Transitional Recruiting Office. “One question that I ask all of them is if they are going to college when they get out. Many answer yes. I then ask them about the $600 additional contribution to the MGIB, and if they have done it, or even know about it. About 80 percent do not.”

For more information on the increased MGIB benefits, see Marine Administrative message 208/01. To participate in the increased MGIB benefits, Marines should contact their local admin offices.