When Does the GI Bill Pay BAH? A Complete Guide

If you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, one of the most valuable benefits is the monthly housing allowance (MHA), which is based on the military’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. The MHA can cover a significant portion of your living expenses while you are in school. But when exactly does the GI Bill pay this allowance? Let’s take a detailed look at how the MHA works.

GI Bill Eligibility Requirements for MHA

To receive any MHA payments, you must first meet the basic eligibility requirements for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. These include

• Serving at least 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001
• Receiving an honorable discharge
• Enrolling in an approved program at a college, university, or career/technical school

The amount of MHA you receive is also based on your length of active duty service. Those with at least 36 months of active duty get 100% of the benefit, while those with less service time receive a percentage based on their service length.

For example, those with 30-35 months get 90% of the full MHA rate, while those with 6-17 months get 60% of the full rate.

When Do MHA Payments Begin?

In most cases, your MHA payments will begin shortly after your school confirms your enrollment to the VA

• If you signed up for direct deposit when applying for benefits, expect funds in your bank account within 7-10 business days after your enrollment is verified.

• If you receive checks by mail, you should get your first check within 14 days of your school confirming enrollment.

Be sure to register for classes and complete all required paperwork in a timely manner so that your enrollment can be verified quickly. The sooner this happens, the sooner your MHA payments can begin!

Payment Frequency and Schedule

Once your enrollment is verified, the VA will send your MHA on a monthly basis. Payments are disbursed at the end of each month for the previous month.

For example, your payment for October would be sent in early November. This payment schedule is designed to match up with BAH, which also pays service members at the end of the prior month.

Keep in mind that your first and last month of a term may be prorated if your enrollment starts or ends mid-month. The VA prorates the payment based on the number of days you were enrolled that month.

MHA During School Breaks

Unfortunately, current laws prohibit the VA from paying MHA during school breaks. This includes summer break and any intervals between academic terms.

The reason is that BAH also stops during breaks from duty service. Make sure you plan ahead financially for housing costs during school breaks.

MHA for Online Classes

If you take all of your courses exclusively online, you can still receive MHA. However, it will be based on a lower national average instead of the BAH for your school’s location.

For 2023, the online-only MHA rate is $1,054.50 per month. Keep this cap in mind when budgeting if you take only distance learning classes.

On the other hand, taking even one course on campus qualifies you for the full resident MHA rate. So consider a partially online schedule if feasible.

Calculating Your MHA Rate

Wondering exactly how much you can expect to receive for MHA? The VA bases this on the BAH that would be paid to an E-5 with dependents at your school’s location.

You can get a personalized estimate by using the BAH calculator on the Defense Department’s website. Just enter your school’s zip code to see the rates.

For example, if your school is located in Los Angeles, the 2023 BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents is $3,228 per month. Multiply this by your GI Bill eligibility percentage, such as 90% or 100%, to estimate your MHA.

BAH and MHA increases slightly each calendar year. Be sure to check the updated rates each January.

MHA for Apprenticeships and On-The-Job Training

The Post-9/11 GI Bill can also be used for approved apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs. These too qualify for a monthly MHA.

This allowance helps cover housing costs when your program requires hands-on training at a job site instead of attending traditional classes. The same eligibility rules apply in terms of active duty length and prorated payments.

Impact of Changes During the Term

If you need to adjust your enrollment after the term starts, notify your school right away. Dropping a class or reducing hours could result in changes to your MHA.

The VA will reconcile your payments based on the updated enrollment information from your school. You may receive a higher or lower MHA going forward.

Significant changes could also result in an overpayment, which you would need to pay back. Keep the VA informed to avoid surprises later.

Advance Payment Option

Most veterans need to wait until after their enrollment is verified to receive MHA payments. But some programs besides the Post-9/11 GI Bill allow you to request an advance of your first month’s payment under certain conditions.

To qualify for advance payment, you must:

• Use a GI Bill program other than Post-9/11
• Attend school at least half-time
• Have at least a 30 day gap between terms

If approved, the advance check will be sent to your school at least 30 days before classes start. You’ll need to pick it up from the financial aid or registrar’s office.

Be aware the advance check will be for the first partial and full month. You won’t receive another payment until the following month. Make sure you budget wisely if using this option.

Managing Payments and Troubleshooting Issues

Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of when you can expect to receive MHA payments. Here are a few tips to keep your payments on track:

• Sign up for direct deposit to get funds quickly and securely.

• Keep your address updated with the VA to avoid delays.

• Contact your school right away about enrollment changes.

• Review your monthly statements for accuracy.

• Reach out to the VA right away if you notice missing or incorrect payments. Their education hotline can investigate and resolve any issues.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill’s monthly housing allowance gives veterans tremendous financial assistance for earning their degrees. Just be sure to plan around the payment rules and schedule to make the most of this significant benefit. With a little preparation, you can cover gaps in housing costs and avoid financial surprises.