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Did you miss the 2022 GI Bill Summit? VA Education Service leadership answered your GI Bill benefits questions at the first-ever event.
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Hear VBA Education Service leadership answer education benefits questions submitted by Veterans, Service members, and their families on RallyPoint: https://w...
On April 14, 2022, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Education Service (EDU) leadership hosted its first ever GI Bill® Summit, connecting virtually with GI Bill students and the Veteran community to provide updates on Digital GI Bill modernization efforts and answer GI Bill questions submitted on RallyPoint.
The GI Bill Summit was hosted on VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill Facebook page and featured:
» Opening remarks from EDU Acting Executive Director Mary Glenn
» Question and Answer session with EDU leadership
» Facebook Live chat interaction, answering education benefits questions on the spot
» Showcases of various VA education programs including VRRAP and VET TEC
» Spotlights of Veterans Claims Examiners and a School Certifying Official
In case you missed it, you can watch the recording of the 2022 GI Bill Summit here:
In addition, VA’s Digital GI Bill team hosted a usability testing session with over 600 School Certifying Officials to test out new functionalities being developed to support the Digital GI Bill modernization effort. These new features are focused on making a better experience for Veterans, Service members, their families, and the school administrators and VA staff who support them.
Over the past few weeks, VA answered more than 250 education benefits questions submitted to the 2022 GI Bill Summit: RallyPoint Q&A. Topics included monthly enrollment verification requirements, Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), transfer of entitlement, expiring COVID-19 protections of benefits, and more.
On behalf of the VA EDU leadership, we thank you for your engagement and participation in the GI Bill Summit. Your questions and feedback are invaluable as we work to improve your education benefits experience, and we look forward to continuing these types of conversations with you in the future.
If you have any additional questions, please utilize the GI Bill hotline at 888-GIBILL- [login to see] ) between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday. For students outside the U.S., call 00 [login to see] . You can also ask us a question via Ask VA (https://ask.va.gov) or reach out to us through our Post- 9/11 GI Bill Facebook page (https://rly.pt/346jg4T).
The GI Bill Summit was hosted on VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill Facebook page and featured:
» Opening remarks from EDU Acting Executive Director Mary Glenn
» Question and Answer session with EDU leadership
» Facebook Live chat interaction, answering education benefits questions on the spot
» Showcases of various VA education programs including VRRAP and VET TEC
» Spotlights of Veterans Claims Examiners and a School Certifying Official
In case you missed it, you can watch the recording of the 2022 GI Bill Summit here:
In addition, VA’s Digital GI Bill team hosted a usability testing session with over 600 School Certifying Officials to test out new functionalities being developed to support the Digital GI Bill modernization effort. These new features are focused on making a better experience for Veterans, Service members, their families, and the school administrators and VA staff who support them.
Over the past few weeks, VA answered more than 250 education benefits questions submitted to the 2022 GI Bill Summit: RallyPoint Q&A. Topics included monthly enrollment verification requirements, Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), transfer of entitlement, expiring COVID-19 protections of benefits, and more.
On behalf of the VA EDU leadership, we thank you for your engagement and participation in the GI Bill Summit. Your questions and feedback are invaluable as we work to improve your education benefits experience, and we look forward to continuing these types of conversations with you in the future.
If you have any additional questions, please utilize the GI Bill hotline at 888-GIBILL- [login to see] ) between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday. For students outside the U.S., call 00 [login to see] . You can also ask us a question via Ask VA (https://ask.va.gov) or reach out to us through our Post- 9/11 GI Bill Facebook page (https://rly.pt/346jg4T).
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
GI Bill
Education
College
Benefits
Responses: 174
I am currently enrolled in classes full-time. My my Post 911 (prior to 2013) benefits expire 06/20/22; although I still have 9 months of unused benefits. Is it possible for me to extend my benefits to the end of the year so that I may complete my degree program?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act eliminated the 15-year time limit for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for Veterans who left Active Duty on or after January 1, 2013, as well as qualifying dependents. If you were discharged before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after you separated from the military. There are various circumstances under which you may be eligible for an extension of GI Bill benefits. Check out VBA EDU leadership discussing this topic at the 2022 GI Bill Summit: https://youtu.be/0E5tw0zd4DY?t=640. Learn more here: https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-a-gi-bill-extension/. You may also be eligible for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM scholarship which allows some eligible Veterans and dependents in high-demand fields to extend their Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits. Find out more here: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
We understand that cost of living can rise with inflation. Monthly Housing Allowance rates run equivalent to the Basic Housing Allowance rate for an Active-Duty E-5 with dependents, which is determined annually by the Department of Defense (DoD), to account for exactly that. Annually, on January 1, the DoD updates its Basic Housing Allowance rates. VA then adjusts the Monthly Housing Allowance annually on August 1 to match. Our rates are dependent on the DoD’s housing rates, and we don’t have control over how those change year to year. You can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to get an estimate of your benefits, which can be accessed here: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/. Thank you for your feedback, VA is listening and are continuously looking for ways to improve the Veteran experience. Check out VBA EDU leadership discussing this topic at the 2022 GI Bill Summit: https://youtu.be/0E5tw0zd4DY?t=1149
Why do I have to wait until the following month to receive my BAH from the previous month, then to only receive half the amount when it pertains to the first and last month of the semester? I though housing allowance was based off of the rent prices in the area in which you lived which determines the amount that you should receive each month. Why am I only getting half the amount if my rent is the same price every month?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is paid at a prorated amount when training is less than the full month. For example, let’s say your full-time training begins January 16 and the MHA rate for a full month of training is $1,350. When you calculate the daily rate, always calculate based on a 30-day month. So, $1,350/30 days = $45.00 per day. Because you’ve only been in training for 15 days, $45 x 15 days = $675 MHA for January. If you train full time for all of February, your MHA payment will be $1,350.
The GI Bill does not cover expenses when you are not in school. I went straight to college with very little help from anyone when I first got out of active duty service. I served for 4 years but there was very little in place to help me transition to civilian life. I worked full time, went to school full time, made the honor roll at my college, and I damaged my mental health even more on top of everything else that I had already been through. People who are college students and don't necessarily have a place to go during the summer months deserve more financial support for housing- just like other college students do.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Your enrollment certification, as submitted by your school, determines whether you are considered a full or part time student, during the time that you are taking classes. By law Monthly Housing Allowance is authorized for the days you attended class during your scheduled term. VA is not authorized to pay benefits while a student is not attending school or training. We appreciate the feedback and will continue to listen to concerns in order to make Veterans’ experiences better. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rates/ch33/ch33rates080121.as
My 15 year mark where the GI Bill expired since my term of service isn't under the "Forever GI Bill" was Feb 15th 2022. I also exhauasted my GI Bill benefit at that same time. However, I was also granted the STEM scholarship but then told I couldn't use it because of the 15 year experiation. There is nothing in the letter of approval for the STEM scholarship that states limitations based on the 15 year mark. Why would I have even been approved in the first place for it if I wouldn't be able to use it? I've since had to quit college because I was told I would be getting something and now not getting it. Can somebody clarify?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your feedback. While we cannot provide details with your particular case, we appreciate your feedback and are consistently working to improve the Veteran experience. That said, if you were discharged before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after you separated from the military. To be eligible for the Rogers STEM Scholarship, you must have 6 months or less of unexpired Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits remaining. You may qualify for a GI Bill extension under certain conditions. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-a-gi-bill-extension/. If you would like to discuss your case or have it reevaluated, we recommend reaching out to the Education Call Center at [login to see] .
Is there a plan in place to extend Post 9/11 for those veterans that are in the middle of a degree program? Post 9/11 will keep veterans out of debt and will help place in good paying jobs when finished. I, for example, would like to teach school, which at the moment has a nationwide shortage of teachers. Thank you for this webinar.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship may be able to help you extend your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. If you’re currently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree program or if you have a STEM degree and you’re working toward a teaching certification, you may be eligible. Learn more here: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/.
Additionally, if you exhaust your GI Bill benefits mid-semester, as long as your benefits are not expired and as long as you have not hit the maximum 48 months of benefits yet, VA will continue to pay you your education benefits and housing allowance through the end of the semester.
Additionally, if you exhaust your GI Bill benefits mid-semester, as long as your benefits are not expired and as long as you have not hit the maximum 48 months of benefits yet, VA will continue to pay you your education benefits and housing allowance through the end of the semester.
I have 16 months of school left to complete my Bachelor's degree in information technology. I only have 7 months left of benefits. Can the GI Bill be extended so I don't have to come out of pocket?
How much is BAH with online classes? Is it still 50% or is it 100% due to the pandemic?
How much is BAH with online classes? Is it still 50% or is it 100% due to the pandemic?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship may be able to help you extend your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits. If you’re currently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree program or if you have a STEM degree and you’re working toward a teaching certification, you may be eligible. Learn more here: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/.
Monthly housing allowance (MHA) payments for converted courses were paid at the resident rate until June 1, 2022. Converted courses are resident approved courses that a school previously offered in-person but due to the pandemic, have had to change to online training. The COVID-19 legislation that permitted you to receive the same in-person MHA benefits for your online classes ended on June 1st, 2022. Your MHA allowance will reduce to half the national average if you choose to continue your education online. Then, moving forward, you will need to continue to enroll in approved in-person, or resident, classes to continue receiving your MHA at the resident rate.
Monthly housing allowance (MHA) payments for converted courses were paid at the resident rate until June 1, 2022. Converted courses are resident approved courses that a school previously offered in-person but due to the pandemic, have had to change to online training. The COVID-19 legislation that permitted you to receive the same in-person MHA benefits for your online classes ended on June 1st, 2022. Your MHA allowance will reduce to half the national average if you choose to continue your education online. Then, moving forward, you will need to continue to enroll in approved in-person, or resident, classes to continue receiving your MHA at the resident rate.
Can you explain the rationale for limiting GI Bill use to 15 years (from date of discharge) for those Veterans separating prior to 1 January 2013? Those separating after 1 January 2013 have no time limit. Assume this also applies to transferability of GI Bill benefits to family members/dependents? thanks
MSG Alan Purdie
The 15 year delimiting time period does not apply to child dependents using transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill - they (always have had) have from age 18 to age 26 to use this benefit.
COL William Macken
MSG Purdie - thanks for that feedback - I was basing my input based on the extract depicted below from the VA website.....
Do these benefits expire?
"If your service ended before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits will expire 15 years after your last separation date from active service. You must use all of your benefits by that time or you’ll lose whatever’s left."
However, after seeing your feedback, I searched the VA Website further and found this (per your note above):
When can they use the transferred benefits?
Children
"Don’t have to use the benefit within 15 years after your separation from active duty, but can’t use the benefit after they’ve turned 26 years old."
In my particular case. I'm approaching the 15-years-since-retirement point, but my youngest is still in college (and has a number of years before reaching the age of 26).
Appreciate you pointing this out! thanks!! :-)
Do these benefits expire?
"If your service ended before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits will expire 15 years after your last separation date from active service. You must use all of your benefits by that time or you’ll lose whatever’s left."
However, after seeing your feedback, I searched the VA Website further and found this (per your note above):
When can they use the transferred benefits?
Children
"Don’t have to use the benefit within 15 years after your separation from active duty, but can’t use the benefit after they’ve turned 26 years old."
In my particular case. I'm approaching the 15-years-since-retirement point, but my youngest is still in college (and has a number of years before reaching the age of 26).
Appreciate you pointing this out! thanks!! :-)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. The delimiting dates for Veterans depending on date of separation is a legislative mandate. The delimiting date for dependents using transferred benefits works a bit differently. You can find out how here: https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/. While this is current policy, VA is committed to listening to your feedback and working with Congress and other GI Bill partners to improve the Veteran experience.
My name is Edward Cruz and my question: Why am I forced to leave 15 months of 9-11 benefits on the table because my delimitin could not be extended. My date is April 21, 2022. I am completing my second Masters, I was not ready or prepared to return to school until 2018 because I was fighting for my total and permanent rating and the case was awarded successfully on my behalf. I was simply asking for a two year extension additional to apply towards my PhD. This is a very unfair decision. I do suffer from several malaise which made it hard to return to school early in including assimilating a return to work and a young family. Why must the VA only focus only medical amd even that is not sufficient.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. We are unable to provide a response for this individual case in this forum. As a claimant, if you are dissatisfied with a VA decision, it is your right to file for further review. You can learn more about the VA decision reviews and appeals process here: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/. We encourage you to contact [login to see] to speak with one of our representatives who can review your file information, provide you with more feedback, and assist you with filing a claim for an increased evaluation to reassess your claim.
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM scholarship, is there a chance that this will be made to be used for veterans going into graduate programs. Since, it is not transferable to family members and can only be used if getting an undergraduate degree. I am in an MPH program and have had to take out student loans but I still have some benefit left on my Edith Nourse Roger's STEM scholarship but I can't use it for a graduate program.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your feedback. The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is a provision of the Colmery Act, which currently states that you may only use the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM scholarship for an undergraduate STEM degree program, a teaching certification, or a covered training program for health care professionals. Graduate level programs or graduate level teaching certificates are not eligible for the Rogers STEM Scholarship at this time. Learn more on our website: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/
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