Last January, some new G.I. Bill rules went into effect and some new ones are slotted for the upcoming fall semester. If you’re taking classes next fall, here’s what you need to know:
1. You will only receive BAH for months that you are in class and the rate will be prorated. So if your classes end December 10, you’ll only get about a third of your normal BAH payment. Also, you won’t receive BAH during the winter break. I know guys who need that money during that time, but they won’t get it. Plan ahead. You know it’s coming. If you NEED that money, save a bit now so it won’t hurt as bad then, or try to find a temporary holiday season job. If you don’t need it and it’s only extra, at least you know why it’s not showing up in your bank account. For the explanation, click here: "One of the biggest differences—and one Veterans have been most critical of—is the elimination of break pay between the fall and spring semesters. It was eliminated to help pay for students to use benefits who were otherwise not entitled, like National Guard members activated under Title 32 and non-degree seeking students interested in flight school or correspondence classes."
2. 7 credit hours are no longer enough for BAH. Whatever your school considers full time is now required in order to receive the full BAH. In the case of Sam Houston State, that’s 12 credit hours per semester. The difference is, last year it was all or nothing and now it’s prorated. 7 credit hours got you $1300 and 6 credit hours got you $0. So if you take half of what your school considers full time, you’ll get half of the BAH benefits. If you’re at Sam and you take 6 credit hours, you’ll get $700 (because it’s rounded to the nearest tenth). For me that’s good because that BAH is a bonus. For those who need to work full time and can’t attend class full time but need the full BAH, you’ll need to plan ahead.
3. Anyone who only attends school online will now get half of the national average BAH if you’ve served 36 months on active duty.
I don’t like change, but I don’t like not being ready for change even more. Like GI Joe used to tell us: “Knowing is half the battle.”
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