The GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is a stipend provided to eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to pursue education or training.
The MHA helps cover living expenses while students are enrolled in an educational program. The amount varies based on factors such as the school’s location, the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and whether the student is attending classes in person or online. The MHA is generally based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents. This BAH calculator allows for further customization.
How The MHA Calculator Works
Our MHA calculator estimates your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the rates effective from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. The calculator assumes that you have at least 36 months of Active Duty Service, which qualifies you for 100% of the maximum benefit. If your active duty service is less than 36 months, the VA pays a lesser percentage depending on your service length.
Eligibility Tiers for Less Than 36 Months of Active Duty Service
If you served on active duty for under 36 months, your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are prorated based on your total active duty service time. The following breakdown shows the percentage of the full benefit you are eligible for based on your service duration:
| Active Duty Service | GI Bill Percentage |
| 910 to 1,094 days (30 to 35 months) | 90% |
| 730 to 909 days (24 to 29 months) | 80% |
| 545 to 729 days (18 to 23 months) | 70% |
| 180 to 544 days (6 to 17 months) | 60% |
| 90 to 179 days (90 days to 5 months) | 50% |
For example, let’s assume a veteran served 550 days of active duty service and is currently taking online classes as a full-time student at a U.S.-based university. That Veteran would receive 70% of their MHA benefit, which is roughly $824 ($1,177 X .7).
