MGIB vs Post 9 11
MGIB and Post 9 11 are bills related to the benefits for veterens. Before understanding the difference between MGIB and post 9 11 bills, we need to know what is MGIB. The veterans returning from World War 11 were referred to as G.I and the government took upon itself the responsibility of providing college and vocational training to them apart from compensation for being unemployed for a period of one year under the G.I. Bill passed in 1944. This bill was in addition to other welfare and benefit programs that were initiated to help and assist veterans to settle in peacetime. The original bill of 1944 was subsequently amended several times and today it is referred to as Montgomery G.I. Bill or MGIB, after Gillespie V. Montgomery, who affected many changes in the Bill in 1985. Some changes were introduced after 9/11, and this article intends to find out the difference in some of the features of MGIB and post 9/11.
The major difference between the two bills lies in the benefits accruing to the veterans. While post 9/11 bill pays for degree producing courses, MGIB also includes technical, trade, license and certification courses. There is also difference in the manner of payment. Under MGIB, students get $1426 per month to go to school while the student pays tuition fees. Under pose 9/11 however, VA pays directly to the school and the student receives a monthly housing allowance and a book stipend not exceeding $1000 every year.
Delimiting dates are also different in the two bills. While the benefits continue for 10 years under MGIB, for post 9/11 bill, it is for a period of 15 years. To qualify for the benefits under post 9/11 bill, one has to serve for at least 90 days after 9/11 to get minimum benefit of 40%. To get 100% benefits under the bill, three or more years of service is required.
While veterans had to invest $1800 to receive monetary benefits for education of $1426 per year under MGIB, there is no such requirement under post 9/11 Bill.
Under 9/11 Bill, government pays tuition fees of the highest tuition charging state school, so if a student decides to enroll in a private school that charges more, he has to pay for the difference.
While both Bills are for the benefit of the veterans and are equally good in features, Post 9/11 Bill is transferable which means that spouse and children of the veteran are eligible to reap the benefits for the mentioned period which is 15 years. With rising school costs, Post 9/11 Bill seems to be appropriate to look after the needs of the veterans in a better manner than MGIB.