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RESERVISTS
Although Reservists are eligible for almost all the same services and benefits as regulars (and, therefore, virtually everything on this web site is applicable to Reservists as well as regulars), there are a few things unique to Reservists.
Reservists, TA, and the GI Bill
Reservists often ask about receiving GI Bill benefits and using tuition assistance (TA) at the same time, as well as other related questions. There are a number of rules, but they’re relatively straightforward.
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If you’re eligible for TA (i.e., haven’t used up your annual $4,500 allowance) and are taking fewer than 6 credits in a term you must use TA rather than MGIB-SR benefits. [10 U.S. Code §16131] (This assumes the college/university defines “full-time” as 12 credits per term.) This rule does not apply to Reservists filing for REAP or MGIB-AD benefits.
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If you’re not on active duty and are eligible for TA and REAP, you may receive both benefits for the same course(s). The total amount of TA and REAP paid for the course (whether to you or to the school) may not exceed the total cost of the course. [ALCOAST 045/06, para. 5]
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If you're not on active duty and are eligible for TA and REAP, you must use your REAP benefits first and only if REAP doesn't cover your costs may you use TA. [ALCOAST 258/06, para. 1]
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If you’re on active duty and are eligible for TA and REAP, you may use TA or receive REAP benefits, but may not receive both benefits for the same course(s). [ALCOAST 045/06, para. 5]
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If you’re going to submit a REAP claim for a course, the amount of TA your school will receive will be the difference between the total cost of the course and the amount of REAP payments you receive during the school term. That is, the total benefit you and/or your school receive (TA & REAP) can’t exceed the total cost of the course. In no case may the amount of TA paid to the school exceed the maximum per-credit amount it would receive if you weren’t submitting a REAP claim. [ALCOAST 258/06, para. 2]
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You may not receive GI Bill benefits (MGIB-SR or MGIB-AD) for courses paid for by TA. [Art. 11.H.2.e.11., Performance, Training, & Education Manual, COMDTINST M1500.10C]
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You may receive GI Bill benefits (MGIB-SR, REAP, or MGIB-AD) for some courses and use TA to pay for other courses you’re taking during the same term whether you’re taking them at the same school or at different schools. But you can't receive GI Bill benefits and use TA benefits for the same courses.