Montgomery G.I. Bill

RESERVE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (REAP)

Overview:

REAP is an education assistance program established on 28 October 2004 to recognition of the sacrifices that those members make in answering the call to duty.

Eligibility:

• Mobilized 90 days or more ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency declared by the President or the Congress
• Disabled members who are injured or have an illness or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and are released from active duty before completing 90 consecutive days are also eligible.

Benefit: (effective 1 Oct 05)

The educational assistance allowance provided under this section for a person who is undertaking a program for which a reduced rate is specified in Chapter 30 of Title 38, that rate shall be further adjusted by the applicable percent specified below.

• 40 percent - for 90 consecutive days but less than one continuous year;
• 60 percent - for one continuous year but less than two continuous years; or
• 80 percent - for two continuous years or more.

College Courses

• Up to 36 months of ‘full time’ benefits while attending college course

On the Job Training/Apprenticeship:

• Using your REAP at your job!
• VA pays you a monthly benefit while performing a job and earning wages
• www.GIBILL.VA.gov for starting pay information
• Examples include: Welders, Painters, Cooks, Mechanics, Police
• Contact your ‘State Approving Agency’, State Department of Education, or State Department of Employment and Training for list of approved jobs

Termination:

Entitlement to REAP is terminated when any of the following occur:

• Discharged from the component in which you receive the benefit
• Elect a ROTC scholarship after becoming eligible for REAP benefits

How to Become or verify eligibility:

• Once a member has served 90 or more days, they are eligible.

How to Receive Your Payments

• Click here for the online Veteran's Affairs Application Process.
• To be used for college courses and related expenses, OJT, Apprenticeship, Workstudy, or other Veteran Affairs Programs.

VA Help Information:

• General VA Information: 1-800-827-1000
• MGIB Information: 1-888-GI-Bill-1 (1-888-442-4551)
• Automated Telephone System (WAVE): 1-877-823-2378