Post 9/11: Information on Fall 2011 and Benefits
In addition to our new enrollment options, you may be aware of significant changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. We understand that you have questions and need to know how these changes affect you. Your questions may involve payment of the monthly housing allowance.
Eligibility for the monthly housing allowance still requires a greater than half- time enrollment, with at least one in-residence class. You will be pleased to know that our new eight-week hybrid courses meet the definition of an in-residence class. One three credit hour course qualifies as greater than half-time.
Effective August 1, in addition to the housing allowance paid based on your percentage of eligibility, it for will be prorated based on your "rate of pursuit".
As of October 1, students enrolled only in online courses will be eligible for a monthly housing allowance equal to one-half the national average of the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents. The payment will also be prorated based on your percentage of eligibility and your "rate of pursuit."
The VA calculates rate of pursuit by dividing the number of credit hours being pursued by the number of credit hours considered full-time. The chart below will help you determine your rate of pursuit at UMUC:
| Number of Credit Hours | Rate of Pursuit 8 Week Sessions |
| 3 credit hours | 60% rate of pursuit |
| 4 credit hours | 80% rate of pursuit |
| 5 credit hours | 90% rate of pursuit |
| 6 or more credit hours | 100% rate of pursuit |
You can find your percentage of eligibility, on your certificate of eligibility or by contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551.
Your monthly housing allowance can be calculated using the following formula*:
(Your applicable Basic Allowance for Housing**) X (Your percentage of eligibility) X (Your rate of pursuit)
*Be sure to convert your percentages to decimals before calculation.
**The applicable Basic Allowance for Housing is $673.50 for a greater than half-time enrollment in online courses only.
** The applicable Basic Allowance for Housing for a greater than half-time enrollment with at least one in-residence course is $1,881 ($1,941 if you have been continuously enrolled at UMUC since fall 2009 using benefits).
To maximize your monthly housing allowance, we suggest you register in two 3 credit hour 8 week courses, with at least one in residence class, in each session. It is recommended that students do not take more that 7 credits in a session, as they are accelerated.
We will be sharing additional updates with you over the course of the next several weeks so please check back here and watch for additional e-mails.
Military and Veteran advising is here to answer your questions about these changes and the changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Last updated: 24 October 2011