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Veteran Students Studying Online Eligible for GI Stipend

The Post-9/11 GI Bill has undergone positive changes since its launch 2 years ago. One of those changes will affect to whom educational benefits are paid. As of this month, veterans enrolled in online classes may receive housing stipends, according to an article in Stars and Stripes.

This change may greatly benefit veterans with disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who sometimes have problems being in public places. One of the big issues affecting veterans with PTSD is being able to successfully transition back into their civilian roles.

Some veterans who enroll in college classes before they're ready to be in public have to drop out of those classes because it is simply too much too fast. Being able to attend classes online can allow those veteran-students to get into the "college mindset" while still transitioning back into their civilian lifestyle.

The housing stipend was around $1300 every month, and previously only available to those veteran-students "attending brick-and-mortar schools." Now, students choosing to attend full-time school through online classes, however, will receive a $673.50 housing stipend.

Approximately 20,000 students may be eligible to receive the new stipend. Although, active-duty soldiers who are already receive housing assistance from the Department of Defense, won't qualify for this stipend. These soldiers do, however, qualify for a new "book and equipment stipend," which can be worth up to $1000 every year.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.