Service members planning to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill will need to understand some recent changes to the program that may affect how they plan for their Summer break. BLUF - you may need to get a Summer job!
The Pentagon Channel posted this report.
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Although the new Post 9-11 GI Bill fixes do not allow for payments of your living stipend during breaks in semesters, you can get partial payment if you are enrolled in online courses.
In their open letter to students, VA states:
"Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency situation suchas a natural disaster or strike (effective August 1,2011)"
However, "monthly housing allowance benefits ARE payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning, at one-half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents (effective October 1,2011)"
So, you may not be recieving a living stipend during the Summer break unless you are also taking online courses during this period -- plan accordingly!