REMOTE Act
Dec 21, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 1517
Became law: Dec 21, 2021
Dec 21, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 1517
Became law: Dec 21, 2021
Summary
Continues special rules for veteran education benefits that were started because of the COVID-19 pandemic and makes other changes to VA school programs.
What problem does this solve?
Special rules for veteran education benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic were set to expire, which could cause students to lose support. This law extends these special rules and makes other technical fixes to VA education programs to ensure veterans can continue their schooling without interruption.
What does this law do?
Extends COVID-19 education benefit protections
Pushes the expiration date for various COVID-19 protections for student veterans from December 21, 2021, to June 1, 2022. This allows benefits to continue for online classes and other pandemic-related changes.
Helps graduating students keep full benefits
Allows veterans in their final semester who need only a few credits to graduate to take extra classes to qualify for more than half-time benefits, including the monthly housing stipend.
Waives enrollment checks for some schools
Gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the power to waive a second enrollment verification for schools that use a flat tuition and fee structure, simplifying the process.
Removes cap on VA employment counselors
Eliminates the limit on how many full-time employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs can work as equal employment opportunity counselors.
Eases rules for schools recruiting foreign students
Clarifies that rules limiting how schools can pay recruiters do not apply to the recruitment of foreign students who live in other countries and cannot get U.S. federal student aid.
Exempts foreign schools from certain VA rules
Makes certain VA requirements, such as providing specific test information and allowing examination of all student records, not applicable to schools located in foreign countries.
Who does this affect?
- Student veterans
- Educational institutions enrolling veterans
- Department of Veterans Affairs
What is the real world impact?
•
Provides stability for student veterans
Ensures student veterans do not suddenly lose their housing allowance or other benefits if their schools continue to hold classes online due to the pandemic. This prevents financial hardship and allows them to continue their education without interruption.
•
Reduces paperwork for some schools
Allows the VA to skip a second enrollment check for schools that charge a single flat fee for tuition. This makes the process simpler for both the school and the government.
•
Helps veterans studying abroad
Eases certain rules for schools in foreign countries, making it easier for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits to study overseas.
•
Maximizes benefits for graduating students
Allows veterans in their final semester to take an extra class to meet the credit-hour requirement for full benefits, even if they don't need the class to graduate. This ensures they receive their full housing allowance until they finish their degree.
When does this start?
This law contains several different start dates for its various parts.
COVID-19 benefit extensions
Protections for student veteran benefits related to the pandemic are extended until June 1, 2022.
Benefits for graduating students
The new rule allowing students in their final semester to take extra classes to receive full benefits takes effect on January 1, 2022.
Pause on course disapprovals
The VA is blocked from disapproving courses based on certain rules until August 1, 2022.