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What’s Trending in Education?
Welcome to the March issue of your Bi-Monthly GI Bill® Student newsletter! As we shake off the remnants of Winter and prepare to “spring” forward, VA is excited to share the latest news and trending topics with you. For many, Spring classes are in full swing. We at Education Service encourage you to keep up the good work as you continue to pursue your passion. Don’t forget to celebrate all wins, big or small. Whether it is finishing an assignment, juggling the balance of work/school/home life, or polishing your resume, we applaud your efforts to grow and learn!
March 8, 2022, is International Women’s Day and VA is proud to elevate women and their accomplishments! History proves the power of women, and today’s women are forging the path to bettering our society and the world, while continuing to fight for women’s equality in the workplace. This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, and VA encourages you to show your solidarity and support for a world free of discrimination and stereotypes, where diversity is valued and celebrated.
Let’s be friends!! Add Veteransbenefits@messages.va.gov to your contacts list so that you don't miss important updates from us. Please also share this edition of the newsletter with other Veterans and GI Bill beneficiaries!
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Special COVID rules end soon
Starting June 2, 2022, you will no longer receive your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) at the resident (in person) rate for classes taken online if the COVID benefit protections were affecting you. This is because the legislation that permits you to receive MHA at the resident (in person) rate while taking courses converted to online training due to COVID-19 will end on June 1, 2022. When enrolling in summer or any subsequent term, you will need to enroll in approved resident (in person) classes to continue receiving your MHA at the resident rate.
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How Does the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021 Affect Me?
Beginning in August 2022, public institutions of higher learning are required to charge in-state tuition rates for family members enrolled in the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) program. Prior to the passing of this law, students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill were only charged in-state tuition rates.
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Watch the How to Verify Enrollment for Post-9/11 GI Bill® Students Video
Still have questions about the monthly enrollment verification process? Check out our new “How to Verify Enrollment for Post-9/11 GI Bill® Students” video, which walks you through the steps, from opting in to verifying.
A new enhancement is the ability for Post-9/11 GI Bill students to verify through email! If you opted out of text verification, can’t verify by text or have a non-US mobile phone number, you will be automatically enrolled into email verification. On the last day of each month, you will receive an email from VA with the subject line, “Action Required: Verify Your Monthly Enrollment” requesting enrollment verification.
To learn more about the verification process, check out the enrollment verification webpage and our recently published VAntage Point blog.
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You Asked, We Listened: GI Bill® Comparison Tool Updates
Have you checked out the GI Bill Comparison Tool recently? With a new side-by-side comparison function and map features, you can now compare up to three institutions at a time. Quickly filter between schools, compare tuition costs, monthly housing allowance (MHA) amounts, and even find VET TEC training providers that align with your individual needs.
You no longer need to have multiple tabs open to view schools you’re interested in. Search by program name or by location to view and compare options. Not near a computer? Not to worry! The new Comparison tool is mobile-friendly.
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STEM Students: You May Be Eligible for Extended Benefits
If you’re a Veteran using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or a Fry Scholar, you may be eligible to extend your benefits by up to 9 months or $30,000. You must:
1. Be enrolled in a qualifying STEM program,
2. Have completed a certain amount of time on your degree,
3. Have 6 months or less of your benefits left.
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Hiring Our Heroes wants to hear from dependent spouses
For military spouses, the sacrifice of military relocations can impact their career and long-term financial futures. Hiring Our Heroes and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families are on a mission to advance potential initiatives that may increase economic opportunity for military spouses and build long-term financial wealth through employer-sponsored benefits. If you are the spouse of a Service member or Veteran, they want to hear from you. You can share your experience by visiting them online and participating in their survey.
Participation is completely voluntary and will not impact VA benefits.
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How Does the GI Bill Affect my Taxes?
GI Bill® payments are tax free, but they will affect tax credits. |
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Register Now for the 2022 Warrior-Scholar Boot Camp!
Are You Eligible for the GI Bill Tutoring Benefit?
If you’re having trouble in a required subject and need a tutor, you can be reimbursed by the GI Bill® for up to $100 a month and a maximum of $1,200 annually. You’re eligible if you’re studying 51% or more of full time. Full time for an undergraduate student is typically 12 credits or hours, while it will vary for graduate students. |
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VET TEC funding update
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When VET TEC allocated funds are fully utilized, funds may not be available for new enrollees until the new Fiscal Year, starting in October. VA will continue to accept VET TEC applications during this time so that Veterans can receive formal eligibility decisions and plan future participation. |
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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration
1-888-442-4551, TDD: 711
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Do you have a question or concern about GI Bill benefits? Contact us safely and securely with Ask VA! |
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If you know a Veteran who is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. |
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