Do “Filler” Class Credits Count Towards the GI Bill Housing Allowance?
Q: I’m currently getting the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the full housing allowance. Next semester, I only have 1 class to take, until I am enrolled in the RN program. Because I have to be full time to get the housing allowance, do classes that are not towards the degree plan count? I will have 1 class towards the degree, and 3 others that are just “filler” classes.
A: No, all your classes have to apply towards you degree plan. The VA will only pay for a minimum number of classes to get you to graduation and the awarding of your degree. Any “filler” classes will be on your dime.
And just to be clear, you don’t have to be a full-time student to get the Post 9/11 GI Bill housing allowance; just greater than half-time. The housing allowance is based on the zip code of your school and not on how many credits you take per se, so the amount you receive as a housing allowance will be the same whether your are just over the half-time mark or full-time. Also know that an online-only student does not get the housing allowance right now.
There are a couple of bills in Congress that if passed, would correct that oversight. I’ve never understood Congress’ reasoning on that issue (if there was one). An online student still has to have a place to live and food to eat, but somehow it was overlooked in the original Post 9/11 GI Bill. Amazing!
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