38 U.S.C. § 3605

Payment of educational assistance in cases of withdrawal

(a) In General.—

In the case of any individual who withdraws from a program of education or training, other than a program by correspondence, in an educational institution under chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title for a covered reason during the period of an emergency situation, the Secretary shall find mitigating circumstances for purposes of section 3680(a)(1)(C)(ii) of this title .

(b) Covered Reason.—

In this section, the term “covered reason” means any reason related to an emergency situation, including—

(1)

illness, quarantine, or social distancing requirements;

(2)

issues associated with accessibility;

(3)

access or availability of childcare;

(4)

providing care for a family member or cohabitants;

(5)

change of location or residence due to the emergency situation or associated school closures;

(6)

employment changes or financial hardship; and

(7)

issues associated with changes in format or medium of instruction.

(Added Pub. L. 117–333, § 2(a)(2) , Jan. 5, 2023 , 136 Stat. 6125 .)