; and (2) the effect of such closure on the individual’s entitlement to educational assistance pursuant to this section. (h) Applicability This section shall apply with respect to the closure of an educational institution, or the cancellation or modification of a course or program of education, that occurs during the period beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on December 21, 2021. 5. 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 title 38, United States Code, for a covered reason during the period beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on December 21, 2021, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall find mitigating circumstances for purposes of section 3680(a)(1)(C)(ii) of title 38, United States Code. (b) Covered reason In this section, the term covered reason means any reason related to the COVID-19 emergency, including— (1) illness, quarantine, or social distancing requirements; (2) issues associated with COVID-19 testing accessibility; (3) access or availability of childcare; (4) providing care for a family member or cohabitants; (5) change of location or residence due to COVID-19 or associated school closures; (6) employment changes or financial hardship; and (7) issues associated with changes in format or medium of instruction. 6. Modification of time limitations on use of entitlement (a) Montgomery GI bill The subsection (i) temporarily added to section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, by subsection (a) of section 6 of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 ( Public Law 116–140 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking the period the individual is so prevented from pursuing such program and inserting the period beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on December 21, 2021