Modifies VA education benefit rules covering post-9/11 payments, independent study program approval, service members who are called to duty mid-course, school compliance surveys, and a pension payment deadline.

• Requires the VA to pay certain post-9/11 education contributions as a lump sum within 60 days after a non-stipend recipient's entitlement is exhausted, effective August 1, 2026.
• Allows independent study programs to qualify for VA approval if they require regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors, and the institution participates in federal student aid programs under title IV.
• Lets covered service members called to duty withdraw, take a leave of absence, or agree with the school to finish a course, with the agreement option limited to those who have completed at least half the course.
• Sets compliance survey notice periods for schools at 10 to 15 business days where a time stamp database is used, requires the VA to notify school certifying officials within 14 business days of handbook updates, and extends a pension payment limit date from January 31, 2033 to May 31, 2034.

• Veterans' Affairs Committee (House)
• Economic Opportunity Subcommittee
• Veterans' Affairs Committee (Senate)

Armed Forces and National Security