Does the GI Bill Cover Room and Board?
The GI Bill benefits package can be used to cover room and board in some situations, but many students will need to use additional programs like the Yellow Ribbon program.
The first version of the GI Bill benefit program began in 1944 to help veterans returning from active duty in World War II. In the 80 years since, there have been changes to the education benefits covered by the GI Bill program to reflect the changes in education costs and the need for financial aid.
There are two modern versions of the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30). These two bills offer similar benefits, including housing allowances. Active-duty service members and veterans can only elect to enroll in one version of the GI Bill, so it's important to use the GI Bill comparison tool
Does the GI Bill Provide Funding for Housing?
Both versions of the GI Bill include a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) with eligibility conditions. These GI programs are primarily for veterans, meaning active-duty service members and their families won't qualify for a housing allowance. The amount will vary based on factors such as your school location and total years of service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) bases its MHA stipend on the Department of Defense's (DOD) basic housing allowance (BAH). The BAH program allows active-duty service members and their families to receive additional money for off-base housing.
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What Expenses Are Covered Under the GI Bill?
The GI Bills cover college expenses like tuition, housing, and supplies. All qualified vets and service members maintain eligibility for these expenses, but the amounts awarded will vary. Students must maintain above half-time enrollment status at an in-state university to qualify for the highest level of benefits.
Tips for Using the GI Bill for Room and Board
It's important to make the most of your GI Bill benefits, regardless of which of the two you elect to use. Members of the armed forces should follow these tips to ensure they are using their benefits properly for themselves and their dependents.
Understand Your GI Bill Type
There are two modern types of GI Bills, the Post-9/11 Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. These two bills have very similar benefits, but the differences are important. The easiest way to compare the two benefit packages is to use the GI Bill Comparison tool on the VA's website to see how much you can receive for individual benefits. Students can only use benefits from one of the two GI Bills, so you must choose the best one for your needs.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill gives monetary awards to service members and veterans who completed at least 30 days of service starting on or after September 10th, 2001. The benefits will vary based on the length of military service, with higher amounts awarded to those who have served longer. These benefits are used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and certificates from eligible training programs.
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill requires two years of military service and service members must meet one of four eligibility categories. Benefits are calculated based on your length of service, eligibility category, type of education program, and where you will live.
Verify Housing Allowance
Once you've selected which GI Bill you will collect, you must verify your housing allowance. This amount is generally calculated on your school's zip code. In most cases, you will also have to qualify for in-state tuition rates to receive coverage of the full cost of your school.
Plan Your Budget
You may have out-of-pocket costs even if you qualify for the GI Bill. If you don't qualify for full housing coverage, you can review additional VA education benefits or work-study programs to help provide coverage without needing student loans. You will receive up-front notice of your total benefits package, making it easier to calculate a budget that uses them wisely.
Choose Your Housing Wisely
If you aren't living on base, choose your housing wisely. Living near your college can help increase your benefits based on your campus' zip code and housing. Instead of trying to base your benefits on your housing, base your housing on your benefits and allocate as much of your benefits to this cost as possible.
Maintain Full-Time Enrollment Status
The number of credits you take each semester can impact your benefits, especially your housing allowance. Full-time college enrollment generally consists of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students, while grad students usually only need to take 9 credits per semester to be considered full-time.
Keep Records of Housing Expenses
It's always a good idea to track your housing expenses. These records can be used to provide evidence if by chance your benefits are audited or there is any question about the allocation of your funds. Most students never have to worry about this, but you should keep these records digitally or in paper copies.
Consider Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing, when possible, is often the best choice. On-campus housing, like dorms, is often more expensive and will cost more than affordable off-campus housing, like an apartment or renting.
Explore Additional Funding
The GI Bill benefits aren't always enough to cover tuition, housing, and other costs. If you need additional financial aid, there are several military-specific programs you should look into.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is designed to help cover mandatory expenses associated with college, like tuition, fees, and supplies. The Yellow Ribbon program doesn't cover non-mandatory costs, like room and board, but it can free up budget room to allow you to reallocate funds for housing.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is an educational benefit given to members of Reserve units, like the Army Reserve. This program has three tiers of benefits: More than 90 days but less than one year, more than one year but less than two years, and more than two years. This program can't be used with other benefits packages. However, the program can receive the GI Bill college fund or kicker.
Tuition Assistance
The Military Tuition Assistance Program is a series of programs each branch offers. This program can cover up to 100% of a semester's tuition provided certain requirements are met. Each branch has requirements, so it's important to look up information for your branch or speak to a recruiter.
State Benefits
Individual state governments also offer financial aid programs to military personnel pursuing college education. Each state has different amounts and eligibility requirements. Some programs provide grants while others offer full tuition waivers. These programs will be applied after you submit your FAFSA form, but you should still look into the program your state offers before submission.
Utilize VA Resources
The VA has further resources that help you learn about your eligible benefits. This information can be accessible through your VA account, or by contacting the VA online or by phone.
