An individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is entitled to receive a one-time payment of $500 if the individual—

(a) Resides in a county (or similar entity utilized by the Bureau of the Census) with less than 7 persons per square mile (as determined by the most recent decennial Census); and

(b) Either—

(1) Physically relocates at least 500 miles in order to pursue a program of education for which the individual receives educational assistance under this chapter; or

(2) Travels by air to physically attend an institution of higher learning for pursuit of an approved program of education under this chapter if no other land-based method of transportation is available due to an absence of roads or other infrastructure; and

(3) Has provided documentation required in §21.9680(c).

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3318)