Is the MGIB considered Financial Aid?
The MGIB is not considered financial aid, which means that it is paid directly to you. This also means that you can use student loans, scholarships, and Pell Grants along with the MGIB. For help in locating scholarships, see the Scholarship Search. How long do I have to use my benefits? Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service “starts the clock” on your 10-year time limit, be aware that if you re-join Active-duty service for more than 90 days during the 10 year period, your 10 year clock is reset. In other words you get 10 years from your last discharge. Example: Seaman Smith left the active duty and joined the Navy Reserve. Three years later she returned to active duty with seven years remaining on the MGIB clock. At that point the clock is reset at the 10 year mark when she leaves the service again, at which point the clock will start ticking again, meaning she now has a fresh 10 years left to use ALL of
