Post-9/11 GI Bill MHA Calculator
Estimate your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on your school location, eligibility tier, and course load.
Look this up via the DoD BAH Tool using your school's zip code.
Note: Payments are made in arrears (at the end of the month).
How the Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH is Calculated
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is generally equal to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) amount for an E-5 with dependents. However, several factors modify the actual amount you receive in your bank account each month.
1. Training Type: If you take all your classes online, your MHA is capped at half the national average of BAH rates. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the 100% online rate is approximately $1,177.50. If you take at least one credit hour in a physical classroom, you qualify for the full zip-code based rate.
2. Rate of Pursuit: You must be enrolled more than half-time to receive any MHA. For most undergraduate programs, 12 credits is full-time. If you take 7 credits, your rate of pursuit is 7/12 (58%). The VA rounds this to the nearest 10th (60%), and you receive 60% of the MHA.
3. Eligibility Tier: Your length of active duty service after September 10, 2001, determines your percentage. If you served 36 aggregate months or were discharged for a service-connected disability after 30 days, you are at 100%.
Eligibility Tiers Table
| Service Requirements (Post 9/11) | Percentage of Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| At least 36 months | 100% |
| At least 30 months, but less than 36 months | 90% |
| At least 24 months, but less than 30 months | 80% |
| At least 18 months, but less than 24 months | 70% |
| At least 6 months, but less than 18 months | 60% |
| At least 90 days, but less than 6 months | 50% |
Common Calculation Examples
Example 1: In-Person Student
A student at 100% eligibility goes to school in San Diego (Zip BAH: $3,400). They take 12 credits (Full-time).
Calculation: $3,400 * 1.00 * 1.00 = $3,400 per month.
Example 2: Online Student
A student at 100% eligibility takes all classes online. They take 12 credits.
Calculation: $1,177.50 (National Avg) * 1.00 * 1.00 = $1,177.50 per month.
Example 3: Part-Time In-Person
A student at 80% eligibility takes 9 credits out of 12 required for full-time. Zip BAH is $2,000.
Rate of Pursuit: 9/12 = 75%. (VA rounds to 80% for payment).
Calculation: $2,000 * 0.80 (Eligibility) * 0.80 (Pursuit) = $1,280 per month.