Higgins Announces Passage of Legislation to Provide Continued Support of Gi Benefits During Coronavirus

Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced House passage of S. 3503, providing GI Benefits during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The bill would ensure the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) continues providing full benefits to veterans taking courses that are moved from the classroom to online during the coronavirus outbreak.

"In a public health crisis like this, where social distancing and closing schools are the prominent recommendations, this bill ensures that our veterans maintain their GI education benefits even in an online class environment," said Congressman Brian Higgins.

Currently, the VA provides monthly payments for eligible veterans and other beneficiaries to use for housing, tuition, and other educational costs. Students who take classes through online or distance learning would typically receive less than those who attend courses in-person. This bill would authorize the VA to maintain payment levels for students whose courses are converted to distance learning due to an "emergency or health-related situation."

The benefits would apply from March 1 through December 21, 2020 and cover a wide range of benefits, including housing stipends under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and payment for veterans, survivors and dependents.

About 50 veterans' groups and colleges signed a March 12 letter supporting similar provisions. They include AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Student Veterans of America, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., and Vietnam Veterans of America.

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