Upcoming Changes To The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (New 1/6/11)
The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. The following are select changes to the GI Bill made by this law.
1. EFFECTIVE AUGUST 2011:
Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA educational benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency situation such as a natural disaster or strike. Entitlement which previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment.
- This means that if your semester ends December 15 your housing allowance is paid of the first 15 days of December only. Your benefits will begin again when your new semester begins (e.g. January 15) and you will be paid for the remaining days of that month and term.
- Students using other VA educational programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be prorated in the same manner.
2. EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2011:
- If you are training at greater than ½ time your housing allowance is now prorated according to the training time you are enrolled in, i.e. full housing allowance for you is $1,000, you are attending ¾ time – your housing allowance would be $750.00 (3/4 of $1,000).
- Housing allowance is now payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning, the housing allowance is ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents (the rate would be $673.50 for 2011).
***This is the most current information posted by the DVA. Please check the Dept. of Veterans Affairs website at www.gibill.va.gov regularly for updates on the new law.
3. RATE OF PURSUIT FOR CHAPTER 33 (POST-9/11):
In a standard semester for chapter 33 students the rate of pursuit for 6 credits is 50%. Chapter 33 students’ rate of pursuit must be more than 50% to receive the monthly housing allowance. The monthly housing allowance will be paid for a standard semester if you take more than 6 units. In a non-standard term, the monthly housing allowance will be paid if you take more than 6 units equivalent (see shaded table area).
4. REMEDIAL CLASSES:
You cannot get paid VA benefits or receive BAH for any remedial classes (English 009, English 010, Math 005, Math 008, Math 010 and/or Math 030) if they are offered as ONLINE classes. These classes must be taken ON CAMPUS in order to receive benefits.
5. FINANCIAL AID – BOG FEE WAIVERS:
Effective September 2010, if you are receiving financial aid (BOG Fee Waiver), we will list enrollment fees as $0 dollars on your VA paperwork when certifying your enrollment to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Office. We will only request the VA Office to pay for the required health fee, College Service Charge and any materials fees charged by the school. You will no longer be receiving refunds from the school, when we receive payment from the VA Office to pay off your required school fees.