Gi Bill Pay Dates 2015: When Do You Get Paid?

The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to military members, veterans, and their families. This education benefit helps pay for college, graduate school, and training programs.

But to take full advantage of the GI Bill, you need to understand the payment timelines and schedules. When will you receive your monthly housing allowance? When do tuition and fee payments go to your school?

In this article, we’ll break down the key GI Bill pay dates for 2015 so you can plan accordingly.

Background on GI Bill Payments

First, some quick background on how GI Bill payments work:

• The VA pays tuition and fees directly to your school after you officially register for classes each term. You don’t have to handle these payments.

• You receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA) and an annual book stipend paid directly to you

• Payment amounts are determined based on your GI Bill eligibility percentage, tuition costs, and your course load (full-time vs. part-time).

• Payments are issued after each month once the VA confirms your enrollment.

• You must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for the housing allowance.

Now let’s look at the key payment dates for the 2015 calendar year.

Monthly Housing Allowance

The GI Bill housing allowance is paid at the beginning of each month for the previous month’s enrollment.

For example, if you were enrolled full-time in January 2015, you would receive your January housing payment in early February 2015.

Here is an estimated MHA payment schedule for 2015:

• January MHA: Early February
• February MHA: Early March
• March MHA: Early April
• April MHA: Early May
• May MHA: Early June
• June MHA: Early July
• July MHA: Early August
• August MHA: Early September
• September MHA: Early October
• October MHA: Early November
• November MHA: Early December
• December MHA: Early January 2016

Keep in mind these are estimate payment windows – the exact date may vary by a few days.

Also note that your housing allowance may be prorated if you were not enrolled for the full month.

Tuition and Fee Payments to Schools

Tuition and fee payments are sent directly to your school shortly after the start of each term, once the school confirms your enrollment.

Here are the estimated tuition payment dates for 2015 academic terms:

Spring 2015 Semester

• Payments sent to schools: Early February 2015

This covers tuition and fees for the Spring 2015 term.

Summer 2015 Semester

• Payments sent to schools: Early June 2015

This covers tuition and fees for the full Summer 2015 term.

Fall 2015 Semester

• Payments sent to schools: Early September 2015

This covers tuition and fees for the Fall 2015 term.

Again, the exact payment date varies, but tuition funds are sent at the beginning of your academic term.

Annual Book and Supply Stipend

Students receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are eligible for an annual book stipend of up to $1,000 per academic year.

For 2015, here is the payment schedule:

• $500 book stipend for Spring 2015 sent in early February 2015
• $500 book stipend for Fall 2015 sent in early September 2015

Remember, this is for full-time students. Part-time students receive a prorated book stipend.

Other Important GI Bill Dates

Here are some other key GI Bill dates and deadlines to keep in mind for 2015:

• January 1st – Post 9/11 GI Bill eligibility updated to include those who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Previously, benefits were only available to veterans who served after September 11, 2001.

• January 5th – Winter school terms start at many colleges. GI Bill enrollment certifications for Winter sessions due.

• January 15th – Priority deadline to submit GI Bill enrollment certifications for Spring 2015. Submitting by this date ensures no delays in Spring housing and tuition payments.

• May 1st – Priority deadline to submit GI Bill enrollment certifications for Summer 2015 terms.

• October 1st – VA academic year begins. Housing allowance rates adjusted if BAH rates change.

• December 7th – Fall 2015 GI Bill enrollment certifications should be submitted for timely Fall tuition and housing payments.

How to Check GI Bill Payment Status

You can check the status of your upcoming GI Bill payments using the VA’s WAVE feature. WAVE stands for “Web Automated Verification of Enrollment” and allows you to track payments online.

To access WAVE:

1. Go to the main GI Bill website (www.benefits.va.gov/gibill).

2. Click “WAVE” in the top menu bar.

3. Log in using your VA account credentials.

4. View your pending payments – you can see the estimated disbursement date for each payment.

If you have any questions about your GI Bill pay dates or believe your payments are late, call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

Recap of 2015 GI Bill Pay Dates

Understanding when you will receive GI Bill payments is key to using your benefits effectively.

Refer back to this article throughout the 2015 calendar year for a recap of the estimated GI Bill pay dates and windows.

Planning your finances around these payment schedules will ensure you maximize your education benefits!