Are you using the Post 9/11 GI Bill in an US Territory, or have you considered it? A recent announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) explains changes to that will result in substantial increases in housing allowance received by veterans and eligible beneficiaries using the Post 9/11 GI bill in US territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Under the Post 9/11 GI bill, eligible users may receive a housing allowance equal to the active duty military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents, based upon the zip code of the school. However, prior to 3 August 2012, locations outside the 50 states received a national average BAH rate, set at $1,368 for 2012. With the 3 August 2012 changes, eligible housing allowance recipients in US Territories will now receive the full E-5 with dependents housing allowance based on the zip code of their school. For most locations, this represents a significant increase in the amount of the housing allowance.
To keep up with all the information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, keep up my friend Terry Howell's Military Advantage blog. He's a treasure trove of useful tips and tidbits, and he stays abreast of the constantly occurring changes to the program.
