USMC Reserves Benefits
- Even reservists in the United States Marine Corps are eligible for education benefits. The reservist who completes six years in the Corps can receive benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill. He then has up to 10 years to use these benefits after he first becomes eligible. For the first three years of college he can get what is known as a "kicker" of an additional $350 a month as of January 2011.
- Marine reservists are eligible for a wide variety of insurance programs specifically tailored for Marines. This includes two different kinds of group life insurance and one type of life insurance specifically for paying a mortgage. There is also a survivor's benefit for those killed in action. Reservists are eligible for health care even after they cease being members of the United States Marine Corps. The Corps' dental plan is also available to reservists.
- A reservist is eligible for home loan assistance once she has contributed six years of service to the Corps. A Marine reservist applies for this directly through the Department of Veterans Affairs. She will also have base privileges, meaning that she can show up at any Marine Corps base in the world and utilize certain facilities. This includes gyms, libraries and tennis courts. Commissaries are available 24 days annually or whenever she is on active duty.
- The United States Marine Corps offers retirement benefits, even for reservists. You must complete 20 years of service in the Reserves. After you have completed your service you must wait until you are 60 years old to collect benefits, which includes retirement pay. You and your dependents are also eligible for 24 commissary visits every calendar year.
