GI Bill BAH Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Please note that this is an estimate, and your official BAH will be determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Find this rate on the VA's Post-9/11 GI Bill Housing Allowance page by entering your school's zip code. Use the E-5 with Dependents rate.
This is based on your length of active duty service. Check your VA Certificate of Eligibility.
If checked, the E-5 BAH Rate for your zip code will be ignored, and the national average BAH rate for online-only students will be used.
Your Estimated Monthly BAH:
Understanding Your GI Bill Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a monthly stipend provided to eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill students to help cover the cost of housing while attending school. It's a crucial component of your education benefits, designed to support you financially during your academic journey.
How BAH is Determined
Your Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH is primarily based on three key factors:
- E-5 with Dependents BAH Rate for Your School's Zip Code: This is the foundational rate. The VA uses the BAH rate for an E-5 (Sergeant/Petty Officer Second Class) with dependents in the zip code where your school is located. It's important to note that this is a specific rate determined by the Department of Defense and can be found on the VA's official website.
- Your Enrollment Rate: Your BAH is prorated based on your enrollment status.
- Full-time (100%): You receive the full calculated BAH.
- 3/4 Time (75%): You receive 75% of the calculated BAH.
- 1/2 Time (50%): You receive 50% of the calculated BAH.
- Less than 1/2 Time (25%): You receive 25% of the calculated BAH.
- Your GI Bill Eligibility Percentage: This percentage is determined by your length of active duty service.
- 100% Eligibility: Typically for 36 or more months of active duty service.
- 90% Eligibility: For 30-35 months of active duty service.
- 80% Eligibility: For 24-29 months of active duty service.
- 70% Eligibility: For 18-23 months of active duty service.
- 60% Eligibility: For 12-17 months of active duty service.
- 50% Eligibility: For 6-11 months of active duty service.
Special Case: Online-Only Students
If you are an online-only student (meaning you are not taking any in-person classes), your BAH is not based on your school's zip code. Instead, you receive a national average BAH rate for online-only students. This rate is typically lower than many location-specific BAH rates and is subject to change annually. For 2024, this rate is approximately $1,054.50 per month for 100% eligibility and full-time enrollment.
How to Use This Calculator
- Find Your E-5 BAH Rate: Visit the VA's Post-9/11 GI Bill Housing Allowance page. Enter your school's zip code and look for the "E-5 with Dependents" rate. Input this value into the calculator.
- Select Your Enrollment Rate: Choose the option that matches your current or planned enrollment status (e.g., Full-time, 3/4 Time).
- Select Your Eligibility Percentage: Refer to your VA Certificate of Eligibility to determine your Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility percentage.
- Check "Online-Only Student" if applicable: If all your classes are online, check this box. This will override the zip code BAH rate and use the national average.
- Click "Calculate Estimated BAH": The calculator will provide an estimate of your monthly housing allowance.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate based on publicly available information and common calculation methods. The official determination of your BAH will always be made by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Factors such as changes in BAH rates, your specific course load, or VA policy updates can affect your actual payment. Always consult your VA Certificate of Eligibility and the official VA website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.