Room & Board Hardship--include off-campus housing

[BG5150]

As far as I can see, the regs say a safe harbor hardship reason can be payment of "tuition, related educational fees, and room and board expenses for up to the next 12 months."

Does "board" inlcude off-campus housing?

Do you get a copy of the rental agreement and see what the monthly payment is?

How do you account for "board"? Estimate monthly food bills?

Is there somewhere in the code that spells out room & board?

[BG5150]

Well, never mind on the "room" question: http://benefitslink.com/boards/index.php?/topic/39376-hardship-withdrawal/

But what about the "board"?

[masteff]

I like the board's feature of "new reply, see it now?" as I was about to post nearly the same thing I wrote in that other thread.

I believe that the cost break down from the school's financial aid office should have it as separate line items. That's certainly where I'd start.

You could also look at the cost of a meal plan in student housing.