Changes to Veterans Benefits in 2022

When colleges and universities -- and the rest of the world -- moved to remote work and learning in March 2020, many things changed. With the changes from the Responsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions, or REMOTE Act, veterans using their post-9/11 GI Bill® were able to keep their monthly housing allowance without having to meet the residence requirements.

That was set to expire in December 2021; however, on the same day, President Biden signed the extension of the act through June 1, 2022.

What does this mean for veterans?

It means that veterans will still receive their housing allowance for the area the school is in without meeting the residency requirements through June 1. After that, veterans will need to start meeting residency requirements or go back to the online housing allowance, which is considerably less money.

What does this mean for institutions?

Colleges and universities that have been working with remote learning veterans for the last two years will have more time to work with their students. And more time to talk to them and help them navigate the upcoming change. While the change may still be months away, it's time to help them figure out a plan now.

What else is changing this year?

Earlier this school year, a new requirement began. Veterans getting the monthly housing allowance and/or kicker payments must verify their enrollment to keep receiving the payments. This verification process began with terms starting on or after December 17, 2021. Students who fail to verify enrollment for two consecutive months will have their payments held.

Though the VA strongly recommends text message verification, students can verify via text or email. The details and instructions are available here.

Note: This is only for those using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, not students of any other program. It also doesn't apply if student veterans are doing on-the-job, apprentice or correspondence raining.  

It's important to know the requirements and changes student veterans are facing, so you can make changes to your systems to help. It's also important to stay up-to-date on the changes so you can relay accurate information to potential and current students.

Want to provide an exceptional educational experience at your institution? Learn what military-connected students need to succeed with VVC.