Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates From 2026 – Eligibility and VA Payment Dates

The Montgomery GI Bill, also known as Chapter 1606 VA Benefit Rates 2026, offers Army members financial assistance for their education. Rewards are available to qualified participants for a maximum of 36 months. Payments will be made on December 31, 2025, and the boost helps veterans keep up with inflation. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase of 2.8% is reflected in the VA benefits rates for 2026, which take effect on December 1, 2025. This means that, depending on their dependent status and disability rating, veterans can anticipate receiving higher monthly pay.

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Checking Chapter 1606 VA Eligibility 2026 is crucial since some members can be eligible for additional educational benefits, which might extend eligibility to 48 months after two or more consecutive terms of service. Read this article till the end to learn more about this topic.

Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates From 2026

Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Rates From 2026, provides financial assistance for training and education to veterans in all branches of the military, including the Army and Air National Guard. Benefits may be extended to 48 months, with a maximum duration of 36 months, for veterans who have completed two or more qualifying terms of active duty. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase of 2.8% is reflected in the VA benefits rates for 2026, which take effect on December 1, 2025. This means that, depending on their dependent status and disability rating, veterans can expect to receive higher monthly pay. The goal of these changes is to assist veterans in keeping up with inflation.

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Chapter 1606 Veteran Benefit Payment Rates

Eligibility Criteria For Chapter 1606 VA Benefits

Many conditions must be fulfilled to qualify for Chapter 1606 VA Eligibility 2026.

• You must be in the Selected Reserve for six years.
• If you are an officer, you have to have consented to serve an additional six years following your initial commitment.
• Your service duty should have started after June 30, 1985.
• You must also have a high school diploma or its equivalent, be in good standing with your SC unit, and have finished your initial active duty training.
• Additionally, you can still be eligible if your termination was due to a handicap rather than wrongdoing.

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VA Benefit Payout Dates 2026

Benefits are normally paid by the VA on the first working day of the subsequent month. Payment is made on the final working day prior if the first day falls on a weekend or holiday. 

Explain Benefit Rates For Chapter 1606 VA in 2026

The following are the maximum benefit rates:

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1. For Universities and Colleges: Payments for higher education depend on your enrollment status:

• Full-time: $481.00 per month
• 3/4-time: $360.00 per month
• 1/2-time: $240.00 per month
• Less than 1/2-time: $120.25 per month

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2. For On-the-Job training and apprenticeships: Your monthly payment decreases as you progress through your training:

• Months 1-6: $360.75 per month
• Months 7-12: $264.55 per month
• Monthly after the first year: $168.35

You have to put in at least 120 hours a month get the entire amount.

How Can Chapter 1606 VA Benefits Be Claimed in 2026?

To apply online for Chapter 1606 VA Benefits in 2026, the following conditions must be met:

1. Go to the Va.gov website first.
2. On the website, select “Education Benefits” from the blue box.
3. After that, select “Application Process.”
4. Next, select the green “Apply for Benefits” box.
5. Fill out form 22-1990.
6. An eligibility certificate will be mailed to you.

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