Thousands of student veterans will see change in living stipends next semester

WASHINGTON – About 21,000 student veterans will see lower living stipends next semester after the Department of Veterans Affairs finally implements a law that alters how students are paid when they attend satellite campuses.

For veterans who take classes at satellite or branch campus, their monthly allowances –- which they use for housing, utilities and food –- will be based on the cost of living in the city where they’re taking classes, rather than defaulting to their school’s main campus.

About 59,000 veterans are expected to receive increased payments because of the change, but about 21,000 will get less money, the VA estimated Tuesday. GI Bill benefits go to about 500,000 students each semester.

“These changes have the potential to impact thousands,” said Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., the ranking Republican on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “I’m concerned that despite VA’s best efforts, some students will be surprised when they see an unexpected decrease in payment.”

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