In a significant development concerning the misuse of federal funds, NH Learning Solutions Corp. (NHLS) has agreed to pay the United States $975,000 to settle claims that it wrongly inflated educational assistance benefits under the GI Bill. This resolution follows allegations that the company was involved in submitting false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a statement from the Justice Department.
The agreement to settle results from a lawsuit indicating that NHLS was knowingly boosting the cost of tuition and fees claimed for veterans' education benefits. Central to the complaint is the accusation that NHLS failed to adequately subtract available scholarships and other financial aids when billing the VA, thereby not adhering to the "Last Payer Rule." This rule requires the VA to be the last resort for a monetary contribution, meant to fully utilize any tuition-related financial support for the student before the VA steps in to contribute.
Officials at the forefront of the legal proceedings have expressed their commitment to protecting government-funded educational programs for veterans. "The Post-9/11 GI Bill was designed to support the educational needs of our veterans, not to permit schools to illegally profit at the expense of the American taxpayers," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, as per the Justice Department. U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison echoed these sentiments, underscoring her office's resolve in "protecting the integrity of our federal programs."
