How much is monthly housing allowance?

Monthly Housing Allowance Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a valuable benefit that provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents for education and training expenses. One of the benefits included under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a monthly housing allowance (MHA) to help cover the costs of off-campus housing.

The amount of MHA you receive each month depends on several factors, including:

• Your location: The MHA rates vary significantly based on the location of your school. The rates are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are based on the cost of living in the area.
• Your enrollment status: The MHA rates for full-time students are higher than the rates for part-time students.
• Your family size: The MHA rates are also higher for students with dependents.

The average MHA rate for full-time students in 2023 is around $1,900 per month. However, the rates can vary significantly depending on your location. For example, students attending school in high-cost areas such as New York City or Los Angeles may receive MHA rates of over $3,000 per month.

To determine your MHA rate, you can use the VA’s MHA Calculator: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

To be eligible for MHA, you must:

• Be enrolled in a program of study that is at least half-time
• Be attending school in the United States
• Not be receiving other forms of housing assistance from the VA

MHA is paid directly to you each month, and you can use the funds to pay for rent, utilities, and other housing expenses.

If you have any questions about MHA or other benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, please contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551.