what happens if i don't complete my course work while on mgib

by Prof. Florida McClure DDS 6 min read

If you are on Academic Probation and continue to fail classes the school can kick you out and the VA will stop any future GI Bill payments at ANY school until you prove to them that you can successfully complete your classes. On the other hand, if you drop the class you can end up owing the VA thousands of dollars and that can be pretty messy.

Full Answer

What is the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)?

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available to those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. There are two main programs: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) For active duty members who enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation.

What does MGIB stand for?

Montgomery GI Bill. The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available to those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. There are two main programs: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) For active duty members who enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed...

What happens if I don't attend my GI Bill class?

If you don't attend, you don't get any money. If you stop attending class, the VA will stop your GI Bill payments retroactive to the beginning date of the term. You will most likely end up owing a lot of money to both the VA and the school.

Do you qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill active duty?

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) can help you pay for education and training programs. If you’ve served at least 2 years on active duty, find out if you qualify for the MGIB-AD program.

What happens if I fail a class while using my GI Bill?

If you finished the class, you won't have to pay back the GI Bill benefits you used for that class. This is because we count a failing grade (or “punitive grade”) as progress toward graduation requirements even though you don't get any credit for it.

Can you lose your Montgomery GI Bill?

Unfortunately, the Montgomery GI Bill is pretty much a use-it-or-lose-it benefit. In most cases, you will lose your Montgomery GI Bill benefits if you don't use them within 10 years of separating from the military.

Can you take a semester off with GI Bill?

Unfortunately, many people believe that once you apply for benefits you have to remain enrolled in school to get the full benefit. Thankfully that's not true, you can use the GI Bill for any period of time, take time off and reapply to use it again at a later date.

Can I get a refund for my Mgib?

Can I get a refund for the MGIB $600 Buy-Up program? No. The $600 Buy-Up isn't refundable.

Can I use my GI Bill to buy a house?

The GI Bill offers veterans, military members, and their loved ones many benefits. But one thing it doesn't cover? That'd be buying a house.

How long do you pay for Mgib?

10 yearsNote: You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB-AD benefits. This may change depending on your situation.

Do I have to pay back my GI Bill if I fail a class?

Do I have to pay back my GI bill if I fail a class? No, you do not have to pay back the GI Bill if you fail a class as long as you stay in and attend the class through the end of the semester.

How does an incomplete affect GI Bill?

What happens if I fail or drop a course? Failing a course will not affect your GI Bill benefits; however, withdrawing or receiving an incomplete grade for a course may affect your benefits. As long as you receive a grade (pass or fail), the VA will not ask for money back.

Can I get full BAH for online classes?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH rate (aka the Monthly Housing Allowance) is $917 per month for full-time students enrolled in an online college, school, or distance-learning program until July 31, 2022.

Can you get the GI Bill twice?

Answer: Yes, like the MGIB you are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance. If you are entitled to more than one GI Bill program you may be eligible for a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more GI Bill programs.

Does the Montgomery GI Bill pay for tuition?

Both the Montgomery and the Post-9/11 GI Bills offer up to 36 months of tuition assistance, but eligibility and payment structures differ. Although veterans can only use one GI Bill at a time, those eligible for both programs can extend their benefits to a maximum of 48 months, receiving another benefit for 12 months.

Can I transfer my Mgib to post 9 11?

Short answer: You cannot switch from the Montgomery GI Bill to Post-9/11 GI Bill, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. You must pick which benefit you want to use, and it's a decision you can't undo. This means you can't change your mind after the fact.

Am I eligible for education benefits through the MGIB-AD program?

You may be eligible for education benefits through this program if you were honorably discharged and you meet the requirements of one of these cate...

How does VA determine how much money I’ll receive?

The amount you’ll receive depends on these factors: Your length of service, and The type of education or training program you choose, and Your ca...

How do I get these benefits?

Follow the steps here to apply for these benefits.

How can I use my MGIB-AD education benefits?

You can use your GI Bill benefits in many ways to advance your education and training. Find out how to use your GI Bill benefits In some cases, we...

What if I qualify for other VA education benefits too?

You can use only 1 education benefit for a period of service. You’ll have to choose which education benefit you’d like to use. Once you make this c...

How many total months of VA education benefits can I get?

You may be able to get a maximum of 48 months of VA education benefits—not including Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits. But many app...

What happens if you fail a class on academic probation?

If you are on Academic Probation and continue to fail classes the school can kick you out and the VA will stop any future GI Bill payments at ANY school until you prove to them that you can successfully complete your classes.

What happens if you fail a class?

This means that the grade you receive counts in your overall degree progress, albeit negatively.

What is a non punitive grade?

A " non-punitive grade " is a grade that doesn't earn credit towards your degree. For example, if you drop a class and get no credit for it, you are getting what is known as a "non-punitive grade. So, since you get no credit, the VA will come after you to get any GI Bill payment you received for that class back from you.

What to do if you are failing a class?

So the best advice if you find yourself almost failing a class is to talk to your professor, guidance counselor, and VA certifying official. There are many programs available to you that can help you get back on track. Many schools have free tutoring programs available, in fact the VA will pay for a tutor if you need one.

What happens if you don't attend a class?

If you don't attend, you don't get any money. If you stop attending class, the VA will stop your GI Bill payments retroactive to the beginning date of the term. You will most likely end up owing a lot of money to both the VA and the school.

Does the VA pay you if you fail a class?

The VA doesn't care if you fail a class, nope they won't come after you for the money you got. In fact they will let you retake that class as many times as you need to until you get a passing grade, and they will pay you each time. Sounds pretty unlike the VA doesn't it?

Do non punitive grades count towards GI Bill?

Since non-punitive grades don't count towards your degree you may be required to repay any GI Bill money you received for such classes.