MESSAGE FOR POST 9/11 GI BILL® RECIPIENTS and VR&E STUDENTS IN RECEIPT OF POST 9/11 GI BILL® HOUSING ALLOWANCE
On June 01, 2022, COVID-19 legislation that permits you to receive the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) at the resident (in person) rate, while taking approved courses converted online training due to COVID-19 will end.
This means that starting June 01, 2022, you will no longer receive the MHA at the resident (in person) rate for classes taken online. When enrolling for courses after that date or any subsequent term, you will need to enroll in approved resident (in person) classes to continue receiving your MHA at the resident rate. Otherwise, you will receive the online rate (half the national average). To find out more about your MHA rate, visit the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
To prepare for the change and learn more about the expiration of the COVID-19special rules, check in with your SCO and visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/COVID19EducationBenefits.asp
For course enrollment at the University of Redlands, courses designated as Remote Campus, Hybrid, or Online are considered distance learning; non-resident (not in person). Courses designated as On-Campus, Lecture, On-Ground are considered in-resident.
Important: VA New Monthly Enrollment Verification Requirement
Starting December 17, 2021, Post 9/11 GI Bill® students are required to verify they have remained enrolled in the same courses or training every month. Students who receive MHA/Kicker payments will have their payment withheld if they fail to verify or report, they are no longer enrolled in their courses or training. The VA has a current US mobile number on file for your GI Bill benefits. You will receive a text message to opt-in. For additional questions or information, contact a VA representative at 1-888-442-4551 or click on the link here.
Title 38 U.S. Code § 3679e states an institution cannot prevent the student's enrollment, assess a penalty including late fees to the student, require the student to secure alternative or additional funding or deny the student access to any resources. This includes but is not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities due to the delayed disbursement of payment by the VA – in which the student provides to the educational institution a Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation Program) or Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill® Program).