GI Bill Pay Dates 2015: When to Expect Your Education Benefits

The GI Bill provides crucial financial assistance to veterans pursuing higher education. However, navigating the bureaucracy of VA education benefits can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding payment timelines. This article will clarify when you can expect to receive your various GI Bill payments in 2015.

Background on the GI Bill

First, a quick primer on the GI Bill itself. The GI Bill refers to any of various programs that provide education benefits to military veterans and their families. The original GI Bill was passed in 1944 to help WWII vets adjust to civilian life. Since then the GI Bill has been revised several times. Currently there are four main GI Bill programs

• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – For veterans who enlisted after 1985 Provides up to 36 months of education benefits,

• Post-9/11 GI Bill – For veterans who served after Sept. 10, 2001. Covers tuition, housing, books, and more. Most comprehensive GI Bill program.

• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) – For reservists who served at least 90 days active duty after Sept. 10, 2001.

• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Assistance (DEA) – Provides education benefits to dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.

This article will focus on payment timelines for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as it is the most widely used today.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides the following benefits:

• Full tuition & fees payment directly to school

• Monthly housing allowance

• Annual textbook stipend

• One-time rural benefit payment (if eligible)

Let’s look at when you can expect to receive each of these payments in 2015.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and mandatory fees are paid directly to your school after you submit your GI Bill paperwork. The VA aims to issue tuition payments 10-14 business days before the start of term, but payments may take longer if you apply at the last minute.

If your tuition payment is late, speak to the school right away. Many schools will make a temporary exception until VA funds come through.

Monthly Housing Allowance

Also known as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), this stipend helps cover your cost of living while in school. For 2015, housing payments will be issued at the start of each month you’re enrolled.

• Your January payment will disburse in early February
• Your February payment will disburse in early March
• And so on

The exact payment date varies, but expect your BAH between the 1st-5th of the month following the period covered. For example, your March housing payment should deposit between April 1-5.

Housing allowances are prorated if your term starts/ends mid-month. They are based on the ZIP code of your school, not where you live.

Annual Textbook Stipend

This allowance helps cover textbooks and supplies. For full-time students, it pays up to $1,000 per academic year ($500 per semester).

In 2015, your fall book stipend will be paid out at the start of the fall term, usually late August or early September. Your spring stipend comes at the start of the spring term, generally January.

Part-time students receive a reduced book stipend. You must attend over half-time to qualify.

One-Time Rural Benefit

Some veterans from rural areas may receive a one-time $500 rural relocation payment. If you qualify, expect this around the time of your first housing allowance.

Payment Methods

Another key factor is how you receive your money. GI Bill funds are issued either by check or direct deposit.

Direct deposit is faster – money typically arrives within 5 days of the disbursement date vs. 10 days by mail. To set up direct deposit, submit bank details through your WAVE account.

For new applicants, expect processing delays up to 30 days. After that, payments normally follow the schedules outlined above.

Late Payments

If your payment is late, first verify your enrollment is certified correctly with your school’s VA office. If it is, call the VA at 888-442-4551 to speak with an agent. Explain that your payment is overdue.

The VA may request extra documentation to investigate the delay. Work closely with them to resolve the issue. Persistence and good records pay off.

Payment Schedules By School Term

To recap, here are the estimated 2015 GI Bill disbursement dates by school term:

Fall Semester

• August – Enroll and submit paperwork
• Late August/Early September – Fall book stipend
• Early October – September housing allowance
• Early November – October housing allowance
• Early December – November housing allowance
• Early January 2016 – December housing allowance

Spring Semester

• January – Enroll and submit paperwork
• Early January – Spring book stipend
• Early February – January housing allowance
• Early March – February housing allowance
• Early April – March housing allowance
• Early May – April housing allowance

Summer Semester

• May/June – Enroll and submit paperwork
• Early June – May housing allowance
• Early July – June housing allowance
• Early August – July housing allowance

These dates are estimates only – your exact timeline may vary. Be sure to plan a financial backup in case payments are delayed.

Manage Your GI Bill Account

Staying on top of your GI Bill account will help ensure timely payments. Be sure to:

• Submit all enrollment paperwork on time each term
• Verify your school is VA-approved for GI Bill benefits
• Set up direct deposit to speed payment
• Check in on your WAVE account periodically
• Contact the VA as soon as a payment is late

With proper planning, you can avoid hiccups in your GI Bill funding. Know the estimated payment schedules and stay organized with paperwork. Reach out for help if payments fall behind.

The GI Bill offers a tremendous opportunity to veterans seeking higher education. Understanding when funds are disbursed will help you plan a smooth academic journey. With a proactive approach, you can minimize payment headaches and focus on achieving your educational goals.