Understanding GI Bill® Benefits is the first step to effectively using these benefits
Many people believe once you apply for benefits you must continually remain enrolled in school to get the full benefit. However, GI Bill® benefits can be used for any period of time. You can take time off and use your benefits at a later date. You use your benefits as your education progresses. If used wisely, GI Bill® benefits can help you complete your Bachelor’s Degree, and even help obtain a Masters, PhD, Law or Medical Degree.
Chapter 33 Benefit Payments…
Depending on the student’s situation, Chapter 33 benefits can include payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, a stipend for books and supplies and possibly fund “kicker” payments. Payments are issued separately, with some payments made directly to Binghamton and others directly to students.
A “Month” of benefits doesn’t always mean a month…
This depends on the type of benefit being used, but refers to the amount of time (measured in months and days) the benefits can be used. Importantly, this information is listed on the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). 36 months is fairly typical, but it really depends on their length of service. The term “months” can be confusing. The “36 months” of benefits does not mean you have only 36 months to use it, nor does it mean you must use it in a 36-month period.
For non-Chapter 33: Benefits are charged based on the dates students are enrolled. If a student is enrolled from September 1st – September 30th, they use 30 days of eligibility, regardless of how many credits they are attempting.
For Chapter 33: Benefits charges are based on the Rate of Pursuit (ROP). This is calculated by dividing the number of credit hours enrolled, by the number of credits hours considered to be full-time. The resulting percentage is rounded to the nearest tenth to get the rate of pursuit. (This actually allows student to stretch their benefits if they are part-time).
Benefits charge based on rate of pursuit – examples:
If the student is enrolled full-time for 30 days, they use 30 days of benefits.
If the student is enrolled ¾ time for 30 days, they will use 24 days of benefits. (Although ¾ is 75%, the VA would round up to 80%)
If the student is enrolled 1/2 time for 30 days, they use 15 days of benefits. (50% rate of pursuit)
Rate of pursuit – Undergraduate Students (Chapter 33):
VA benefits are paid based on “training time”. In a standard semester, VA measures “training time” as follows.
Undergraduate students enrolled in 9 credits: 9 ÷ 12 credits (full-time measure) = 75%, rounded to the nearest tenth would be 80%
- 12 credits are considered full-time
- 9-11 credits are considered 3/4 time
- 6-8 credits are considered 1/2 time
- 4-5 credits are considered less than 1/2 time
- 1-3 credits are considered 1/4 time or less
The Chapter 33 housing allowance is paid as long as the rate of pursuit is greater than 50%.
Rate of pursuit – Graduate Students (Chapter 33):
G1 grad students (less than 24 credits): Must be registered for at least 12 credits
to be considered full-time. A G1 graduate student enrolled in 6 credits: 6 ÷ 12 (full-time
measurement) = 50%.
G2, G3, and G4 Students (24 or more credits): Must be registered for at least 9 credits to be considered full-time. A G2, G3, or G4 graduate student enrolled in 6 credits: 6 ÷ 9 (full-time measurement) = 67%, rounded to nearest tenth would be 70%
Housing…
The housing allowance is paid if a student’s rate of pursuit is more than 50%. The rate of pursuit determines whether students receive or doesn’t receive the housing allowance. If it’s more than 50%, students receive the housing allowance.
If the rate of pursuit is 50% or less, students Do Not receive a housing allowance.
Monthly housing allowances are paid directly to students “in arrears”. You receive
it at the beginning of each month, for the previous month. Housing allowances are
prorated by the length of service percentage. Active-duty personnel receiving Chapter
33 benefits are ineligible for a housing allowance.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Veterans Affairs web site.
