Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP)

Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP)

The Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP) program was established in Fiscal Year 2005 as part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act. As a Department of Defense education benefit program, REAP is designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. The program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

$600 Buy-up Program Certain reservists may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits. For an additional $600 contribution, you may receive up to an additional $5,400 in GI Bill benefits. You must be a member of a Ready Reserve component (Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive National Guard) to pay into the “buy-up” program.