GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) Calculator
Estimate your potential Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), often referred to as BAH, under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). This calculator uses example rates for demonstration purposes and should not be considered a guarantee of benefits. Actual rates are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs based on your specific circumstances, school location, and enrollment status.
— Select School ZIP Code —
Coronado, CA (Example)
San Antonio, TX (Example)
Lawrence, KS (Example)
— Select Enrollment Status —
Full-Time (100%)
3/4 Time (75%)
1/2 Time (50%)
Less Than 1/2 Time (0% MHA)
On-Campus / Hybrid
Exclusively Online
Estimated Monthly Housing Allowance:
Please fill in all fields and click 'Calculate MHA'.
Understanding Your GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), often colloquially referred to as BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), is a significant benefit provided to eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). This allowance helps cover the cost of living while pursuing higher education or vocational training.
Who is Eligible for MHA?
MHA is primarily available to individuals using their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits who are not on active duty. Eligibility generally requires at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or an honorable discharge with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The amount of MHA you receive depends on your percentage of eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (e.g., 100%, 90%, 80%, etc.), which is determined by your length of active duty service.
How is MHA Calculated?
The MHA calculation is based on several key factors:
- School Location: The MHA rate is tied to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents at the ZIP code of your school's physical campus. If you attend classes at multiple locations, the VA typically uses the ZIP code of the main campus or the campus where you take the majority of your classes.
- Enrollment Rate: Your MHA is prorated based on your enrollment status.
- Full-Time: You receive 100% of the applicable MHA rate.
- 3/4 Time: You receive 75% of the applicable MHA rate.
- 1/2 Time: You receive 50% of the applicable MHA rate.
- Less Than 1/2 Time: Generally, students enrolled at less than half-time are not eligible for MHA under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Program Type (Online vs. On-Campus):
- On-Campus/Hybrid Programs: If you attend at least one class in person, your MHA is based on the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's ZIP code.
- Exclusively Online Programs: If you are enrolled in an exclusively online program, your MHA is capped at a national average rate, which is typically half the national average E-5 with dependents BAH rate. This rate is significantly lower than most on-campus rates.
- Active Duty Status: If you are still on active duty, or if your spouse is on active duty and you are using transferred benefits, you are generally not eligible to receive MHA.
Important Considerations:
- Annual Adjustments: BAH rates, and consequently MHA rates, are subject to change annually, usually effective January 1st.
- Percentage of Eligibility: Your MHA will also be multiplied by your Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility percentage (e.g., if you are 80% eligible, you receive 80% of the calculated MHA). This calculator assumes 100% eligibility for simplicity.
- Rounding: The VA rounds your enrollment status to the nearest tenth. For example, if you are taking 7 credits out of 12 for full-time, your enrollment rate is 7/12 = 0.583, which rounds to 0.6.
- Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on example data. For precise and official MHA information, always consult the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your school's certifying official.