GI Bill housing allowance: 2026–27 by school ZIP

The Post-9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowance (MHA) uses the military BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents at the ZIP code of the campus where you take most of your classes. It's then multiplied by your benefit percentage and your rate of pursuit.

For August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, the online-only rate is up to $1,261 a month for full-time students who first used the benefit on or after January 1, 2018. Taking at least one class in person generally qualifies you for the in-person rate.

Your credits divided by what your school considers full-time, rounded to the nearest tenth. You need a rate of pursuit above 50% to get any housing allowance.

It depends on your active-duty service after September 10, 2001: 36 months or more (or a Purple Heart, or a service-connected disability discharge after 30 continuous days) is 100%. Shorter service gets 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% or 50%. Your Certificate of Eligibility shows your percentage.

No. Service members on active duty don't receive the GI Bill housing allowance, since they already get BAH.

It's paid for the days you're enrolled. It's generally not paid between terms.

It can be slightly higher. Students who first used Post-9/11 benefits before January 1, 2018 are paid on a different BAH basis. Check your award letter or VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool.