Each individual described in subsection (b) shall be paid additional assistance under this section in the amount of $500.

An individual described in this subsection is any individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter—

(1) who resides in a county (or similar entity utilized by the Bureau of the Census) with less than seven persons per square mile, according to the most recent decennial Census; and

who—

(A) physically relocates a distance of at least 500 miles in order to pursue a program of education for which the individual utilizes educational assistance under this chapter; or

(B) travels by air to physically attend an institution of higher learning for pursuit of such a program of education because the individual cannot travel to such institution by automobile or other established form of transportation due to an absence of road or other infrastructure.

For purposes of subsection (b)(1), an individual may demonstrate the individual’s place of residence utilizing any of the following:

(1) DD Form 214, Certification of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

(2) The most recent Federal income tax return.

(3) Such other evidence as the Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of this section.

An individual is entitled to only one payment of additional assistance under this section.

Any amount paid an individual under this section is in addition to any other educational assistance benefits provided the individual under this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 110–252, title V, § 5003(a)(1), June 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2369; amended Pub. L. 111–275, title X, § 1001(g)(6), Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2896.)