Does the GI Bill Cover Summer Classes?
The GI Bill can be used to cover the summer semester, but there are usually limits to the total benefits you can receive, meaning you could run out before graduation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Montgomery GI Bill to help active-duty service members, veterans, and qualified dependents attend higher education institutions. Most schools offer courses primarily in their fall and spring semesters, but some student elects to take summer courses to either stay on track with courses they might have missed or to speed up their graduation timeline.
Students looking to use VA military education benefits can apply these funds during summer sessions, but there are potential drawbacks that you should consider first. Keep reading to see how to use these military benefits for college.
Is Summer Tuition Eligible for GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, you can use your GI Bill benefits for credit hours earned during the summer term, but this will impact how many other semesters you can use your benefits. The GI Bill benefits are paid directly to your school and cover tuition costs at a percentage based on your service. These payments aren't tied to which semesters they can be used.
Some additional benefits have more limits, though. The Military College Funds or Kickers are additional funding to GI Bill programs often limited to 36 months. These months are academic, not calendar months. If you take summer classes, you will use up these months faster.
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Does VA Pay BAH for Summer Classes?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is only awarded during active schooling, this can include summer semesters. Congress passed a law in 2011 that limits the BAH and monthly housing allowance (MHA) to school sessions; it isn't given during breaks between or during a semester.
Does the GI Bill Cover BAH During the Summer?
GI Bill benefits aren't restricted to certain semesters. If you are attending an accredited university or community college and meet enrollment requirements, like your total number of credit hours, you will qualify for the same benefits you would in the Fall.
Tips for Receiving GI Bill Benefits During the Summer
Attending in-person and online classes in the summer won't make you ineligible for GI Bill benefits, but some factors can. There are several steps you can take to make sure you make the most of your benefits no matter what time of year you're taking classes.
1. Verify Program Eligibility
There is no universal requirement for schools to accept VA education benefits, though most do. You must first confirm that your school will accept your benefits, regardless of which semester you plan to use them in.
Another factor to consider is if your school qualifies for the benefits. You can use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to find schools and programs that accept benefits to find the right degree program.
2. Enroll Early
Early enrollment can help you plan better. The earlier you enroll, the more time you'll have to talk to academic advisors and the financial aid office to ensure your benefits will be appropriately applied. If something goes wrong, it also gives you more time to solve any issues.
3. Understand Benefit Limits
The GI Bills cover many education expenses, but they don't provide full coverage for everyone. Review your benefits for information like total usable months, monthly stipends, and what costs you're trying to use these payments for (i.e., non-mandatory fees or supplies).
4. Maintain Full-Time Status
Full-time and part-time status refers to the number of credit hours you pursue per semester. The cutoff is 12 hours and above for full-time at most schools, generally three or four classes.
If you're taking summer courses, you must maintain the same full-time status as you do in fall and spring to use your benefits. If you're only looking to take a single course or another half-time course load, it might be more advantageous to hold off on trying to use your benefits until the Fall.
5. Review Your Housing Allowance
Housing allowances are limited based on your time of service and the average cost of living in the zip code of your school. As of 2011, this allowance can't be awarded during any break in schooling. If you need the MHA to maintain your living situation, taking courses in the summer can help you keep this benefit with fewer coverage gaps.
6. Reach Out to Your School's Veterans Office
Some schools have a veterans office. These offices help vets navigate their benefits and make the most of their stipends for tuition, housing, and supplies. If your school doesn't have a veterans office, they might be able to get you in contact with the local VA Veteran Center or similar group that will have the resources you need.
7. Keep Track of Your Benefits Usage
These benefit programs have limits, even if you meet the full threshold of service requirements. Keep track of your spending and hold on to receipts and payment information from your college to make sure that all your benefits can be accounted for.
8. Explore Additional Resources
The GI Bills aren't the only way for active-duty service members and veterans to receive funds for college. Student veterans can pursue alternate financial aid programs to help fill any gaps left by their GI Bill.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program covers costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't, including out-of-state tuition and private schools. The Yellow Ribbon program can be used with the Post-9/11 GI bill to cover costs associated with summer courses that aren't covered in the plan.
If you elected to collect the Montgomery GI Bill benefits, you won't be able to use the Yellow Ribbon program.
Military Scholarships
There are multiple military-specific scholarships offered by individual colleges, private organizations, and even the Department of Defense and VA. These scholarship programs provide learners with the opportunity to receive additional funding that can be used independently of their GI Bill benefits.
Students should start by filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. These documents will help determine your eligibility for military scholarships.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance programs are offered by each branch of the military. These programs allow active-duty service members to receive funding for their higher education. Tuition assistance is only available to active-duty service members.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
REAP is a program for Selected Reserve and National Guard members. This program includes tuition support for up to 36 months but coverage generally ends if you leave Selected Reserve, unlike other benefit programs that continue at a rate based on your service. This benefit can be used much like the GI Bills to cover 36 academic months instead of 36 calendar months.
9. Submit Required Documentation
Depending on your school, benefits program, and desired semesters you'll have to submit different documentation. Your Joint Services transcript and FAFSA are a good start because they will quickly display your service record to your new school.
If you're unsure of what documents are needed, speak with the admissions office at your school or with a member of the veterans office, they will help you figure out which documents need to be submitted.
