Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 Brings Changes to the GI Bill Program

Senator Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe M.D., the former Republican Leaders of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees, fought for nearly four years to make significant improvements to benefits available to our nation’s Veterans. In January of this year, The Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 was signed into law.

The 340-page legislative document enacts many improvements for women veterans, outlines provisions to address problems due to the coronavirus pandemic, advocates for Native American veterans, and includes measures to protect student veterans enrolled in schooling with the GI Bill Program.

The most impactful change for student Veterans relates to debt as a result of overpayment by the VA. Previously, GI Bill payments made in excess of charges due would have been paid back by the student. In circumstances where overpayment occurs because of a reduction in enrollment after the semester starts, the new legislation requires the educational institution repay the VA instead. It is then up to the school to determine how and when to recover that money.

Additionally, the bill expands the reach of both the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship and the Fry Scholarship.

If you are a currently receiving GI Bill educational assistance and have questions about an overpayment of benefits on your behalf, or how this legislation will impact you overall, contact the Education Call Center at (888) 442-4551.