MGIB Chapter 1607
Chapter 1607, also known as REAP, was established as part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. This Department of Defense (DOD) education benefit program, signed into effect on October 28, 2004 by President George W. Bush, is designed to provide educational assistance to National Guard members or Reservists called to active duty in response to a war or national emergency as declared by the President or Congress.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 1607?
The Secretaries of each military service, DOD, and the Department of Homeland Security will determine eligibility and establish the program to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserves of the armed forces who are called to duty for 90 days or more. Members may be eligible after serving 90 consecutive days on active duty after September 11, 2001.
How much is the Chapter 1607 monthly benefit?
The benefit is a percentage of the MGIB Chapter 30 three-year or more enlistment rate.
- If you served 90 days but less than 1 year, consecutively, you may qualify to receive 40% of the Chapter 30 rate
- If you serviced over 1 year, but less than 2 years of active duty, consecutively, you may qualify to receive 60% of the Chapter 30 rate
How much entitlement will I receive under Chapter 1607?
You will receive 36 months of full-time benefits at your given rate; however, you may not exceed 48 months of entitlement under any combination of VA Educational programs.
Example: If you already used 20 months of Chapter 1606 (MGIB-SR) benefits, you will receive only 28 months of benefits under Chapter 1607.
Can I receive Chapter 1607 benefits concurrently with another MGIB benefit?
No, you cannot receive benefits under more than one VA Education program at a time. You must make an irrevocable election as to which program you will apply your time on active duty. If you are receiving a Chapter 1606 kicker, however, you will continue to be paid that kicker while while receiving Chapter 1607 benefits.
