How Much GI Bill Do I Have Left?
If you have never used your GI Bill benefits before, you won’t need to ask how much GI Bill you have left, but those who have used the GI Bill and are starting a new semester need to know how much of the benefit remains.
In some cases, they may also need to know how much time they have left to use the GI Bill before it expires.
Finding instructions on how to check your GI Bill entitlement for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is easy. But finding information on checking your Montgomery GI Bill entitlement is trickier to locate.
How Much Montgomery GI Bill Do I Have Left?
If you have applied for and have used the Montgomery GI Bill and need to check how much remains for you to use, you can request an award letter from the VA showing the most current information, or you may contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at:
- Ask VA (AVA) to ask a question online
- Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
- For TDD/TTY use 711
Related: Using eBenefits to Manage Your GI Bill Benefits
How Much Post-9/11 GI Bill Do I Have Left?
You can go online to check your GI Bill Statement of Benefits. That document will show you how much of your benefits you’ve used and how much you have left to use. You’ll sign in using one of the following:
- Login.gov
- ID.me
- DS Logon
- My HealtheVet
If you do not have a login for any of the above, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account. You cannot use these resources 24/7; according to VA.gov the operating hours are typically 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) during the week.
Related: Post-9/11 GI Bill Recipients Must Verify Enrollment
Who is Eligible to Create an Account
You may be eligible to use this tool as a service member. Family members are not allowed to create an account. According to VA.gov, family members must “request a copy of your education decision letter by mail to check your GI Bill benefit status.”
When You Log In
Look for your Post-9/11 GI Bill Statement of Benefits, and you’ll find detailed information about how much has been used to date and how much remains to use. You will also see if there is a time limit on using your benefit.
Common Problems Accessing a GI Bill Statement of Benefits
Are you having trouble accessing your Statement of GI Bill Benefits? VA.gov says there are some common issues. One of the most common? The name on the account you’re signed in with “doesn’t exactly match the name we have in our Post-9/11 GI Bill records.” Other problems include but may not be limited to:
- The VA may be processing your GI Bill application; a record may be in progress but not ready yet. VA typically takes 30 days to process an application.
- Those who have applied less than 30 days before checking may need to wait longer before checking again.
- The applicant has not applied for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits yet.
- The applicant is not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- The applicant tries to log on outside regular operating hours (see above.)
Call the GI Bill Hotline at 888-442-4551 (TTY: 711) if you need assistance with these or other issues.
About the author
Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.