The Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33 benefits) is an education benefit program specifically for military members who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Depending on an individual's situation, provisions of the program may include coverage of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, Yellow Ribbon payments, college fund, rural benefit payments and transferability to eligible immediate Family members (Spouse and Children).

In 2017 the President signed into law the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” which will bring significant changes to Veterans education benefits. The law will allow more Veterans to use the GI Bill and more time to use it.

This site will be updated as the changes become effective. Learn more on the upcoming changes at:
https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/FGIBSummaries.asp

Assistance for Post-9/11 GI Bill students impacted by Colmery Act MHA changes

On December 1, 2019, VA implemented new Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) rules to pay housing benefits to Post-9/11 GI Bill students in accordance with the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act. Some students may see a decrease in their MHA payments because of these changes and may apply for one-time financial assistance from VA to aid in their transition and financial planning to a lower MHA.

When relief is granted under these circumstances:

• VA will pay the difference between the previous MHA payment, and the new MHA payment

• It will only be applicable for the student’s first affected term.

Students impacted by Colmery Act MHA changes can apply in three ways:

• Online – The quickest way to receive an answer from VA is to submit a completed Housing Relief Request through the Ask A Question portal

• By phone – call the Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 to have a request submitted on your behalf

• By mail – send a completed Housing Relief Request by mail to the Regional Processing Office of Jurisdiction.

To learn more about these MHA rate changes and how they may impact you, review the MHA Rate Change infographic, and Rate Change Letters Infographic.