Choosing Reserve Benefits: REAP or Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve?

What is REAP?

The Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) is a recent addition to the military education benefits available to eligible members of the U.S. Armed Forces Selected Reserve. REAP was established by the Department of Defense in 2005. REAP may be used to pay for a variety of degree programs, online classes, job training and technical programs. REAP does not cover fees from national examinations or standardized tests. REAP may also be applied retroactively.

Comparing the Benefits of REAP to the Montgomery GI-Bill

REAP and the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve are both military benefit programs designed for members of the Selected Reserve of the U.S. Armed Forces. REAP provides additional education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve who have been called to active duty in response to a war or national emergency. To be eligible for REAP, you must have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001. Final determinations about REAP eligibility are always made by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. The REAP program generally pays more in benefits than the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve. Combining these programs can extend your total benefit eligibility from 36 to 48 months.

How Much Will I Receive From REAP?

The benefits available through REAP are a percentage of the benefits provided by the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty. The percentage is determined by the length of time you were on active duty.

• If you spent at least 90 days but less than a year on active duty, you would receive 40 percent of the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty rate
• If you spent at least a year but less than two years on active duty, you would receive 60 percent of the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty rate
• If you spent at least two years on continuous active duty or multiple mobilizations totaling three years or more, you would receive 80 percent of the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty rate

If you are eligible for REAP benefits, you may also elect to use the Montgomery GI Bill Buy-Up program while you are on active duty. Electing to use this program can add an additional $5400 to your total military education benefits. You may use your REAP benefits for up to 10 years after you separated from the Selected Reserve.

Reserve Tuition Assistance