If you use the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to implement a change in how often you are required to certify that you are still attending class. If you receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA), you will be required to verify that you are enrolled in the same courses that your school certified to the VA.
“Before, students were required to validate their classes once a semester,” said Reidus Stokes, the Coast Guard’s GI Bill program manager. “Beginning this school year, students will be required to validate their classes once a month. For those attending technical schools, or [non-college degree (NCD)] schools, the policy change is already in effect. For those attending an [Institution of Higher Learning (IHL)], students can expect the new policy to start very soon.”
If you are attending a technical school – a NCD school – with classes that started Aug. 1, 2021 or later, you are required to certify every month that you are in the classes that your school certified to the VA. According to the VA Monthly Enrollment Verification FAQ pamphlet, students can opt in to the text message verification option when their enrollment begins. For students attending IHL schools, this change is expected to take place during the 2021-2022 school year.
“Enrollment verification is extremely important,” Stokes explained. “The VA needs to know if any of your classes have changed – they need to make sure you are receiving the correct benefits at the correct time. This also helps to keep people from going into an overpaid status – in case they drop the class.”
The pamphlet goes on to inform students that if you fail to verify your enrollment for two consecutive months, you will not receive your MHA payment.
“This policy impacts students who receive the housing allowance with their Post-9/11 GI Bill,” Stokes confirmed. “If you attend classes part-time or are active duty and do not receive MHA, this change does not affect you.”
Please see the VA Monthly Enrollment Verification FAQ pamphlet for more information regarding the verification process along with other FAQs.
Resources:
- Education Call Center – 888-GIBILL-1 (442-4551)
- About GI Bill Benefits website
- Coast Guard GI Bill website