Veterans’ GI Bill Benefits Are Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Veteran Benefits Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has provided colleges and universities, along with the State Approving Agency (SAA), with policy and guidance for continuation of certifying veterans benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. NOVA’s Office of Military Services continues to work with federal and state agencies to support student veterans using benefits at the college. NOVA is a long-time member of National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA) representing over 400 colleges and universities.
President Trump signed into law S.3503, which will enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue providing the same level of education benefits to veteran students having to take courses online due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The law gives the VA temporary authority to continue GI Bill payments uninterrupted in the event of national emergencies, even if the student’s program has changed from resident training to online training. Because of this, GI Bill students will continue receiving the same monthly housing allowance they received for resident training until Dec. 21, 2020, or until the school resumes in-person classes.
In the wake of COVID-19, thousands of students nationwide have been converted to distance learning as many educational institutions are transitioning to technology-based lesson delivery.
Students receiving GI Bill benefits are not required to take any action. Benefits will continue automatically. The VA will work closely with schools to ensure enrollments are accurately certified and processed in a timely fashion. NOVA’s Office of Military and Veterans Services, continues to contact student veterans and their families. If veteran students have questions regarding benefits or the new grading systems for spring 2020, they should email veteranmilitaryservices@nvcc.edu or visit the military services website at https://www.nvcc.edu/military/contact.html for contact information.