When transitioning from military to civilian life, education is often one of the first steps toward building a new future. The GI Bill helps thousands of veterans each year by covering tuition, housing, and other costs. But there is an additional benefit many do not know about: the GI Bill “Kicker,” also known as the College Fund.

At Mission Roll Call, we believe every veteran deserves to get the most out of the benefits they’ve earned. The Kicker is one of those tools that can make a real difference, especially when managing school and everyday expenses.

What Is the GI Bill Kicker?

The GI Bill Kicker is extra money added to your GI Bill payments. It is not a standalone benefit, and you can’t use it by itself. It must be awarded by your service branch, often as part of your enlistment, reenlistment, or a contract addendum, and properly documented so the VA can include it in your payments.

Each service branch sets its own rules for who qualifies. Some tie it to specific jobs, enlistment duration, or duty locations. Once approved, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes it as part of your monthly GI Bill benefits.

How Much Could You Receive?

The Kicker can add up to about $950 per month under certain contracts and branches. That additional money can help pay for rent, food, school supplies, or other everyday costs. The actual amount varies based on your service branch, specialty, and contract terms, but it is a consistent monthly increase for as long as you are using your GI Bill.

To receive it, you must be eligible for and actively using your GI Bill benefits. The Kicker cannot be claimed separately.

How It Works with Your GI Bill

The way the Kicker is paid depends on which GI Bill program you are using.

• If you are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), the Kicker is added to your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), but only if you qualify for housing payments. If your enrollment or program makes you ineligible for housing (such as when enrolled in online-only classes), you may not receive the Kicker because there is no housing allowance to add it to.

• If you are using the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), the Kicker is added directly to your regular monthly education benefit.

In both cases, the Kicker is tied to your overall GI Bill eligibility and is only paid while you are actively receiving GI Bill benefits.

Why Many Veterans Miss Out

Many veterans are never told about the Kicker or forget they signed up for it. Since the Kicker is determined by the service branch and not the VA, it is not automatically included in your benefits unless your paperwork is in order. If the VA does not receive the enlistment or reenlistment documentation showing your College Fund eligibility, it will not be added to your payments. That means you might be missing out on money you have already earned.

How to Make Sure You Get It

If you think you might qualify for the GI Bill Kicker, here are a few steps to follow:

1. Check your enlistment or reenlistment contract (or any addenda) for “College Fund” or “Kicker” language.
2. Submit your contract to the VA when applying for GI Bill benefits.
3. Review your monthly payments to make sure the Kicker is included.
4. Contact a VA education counselor if you have questions about your eligibility.
5. If still serving, ask your education or incentive office about your options.

Conclusion

The GI Bill Kicker is a valuable tool that can provide real financial support during your education journey. Many veterans are eligible but never receive it simply because they did not know it existed or forgot to submit the paperwork.

Mission Roll Call is committed to ensuring that veterans receive the full support they have earned. If you believe you are eligible for the Kicker, take the time to confirm it and follow up with the VA. A few simple steps could lead to hundreds of dollars more each month as you work toward your next goal.