Paying for Off-Campus Housing
It is also possible to use a 529 plan for off-campus housing, up to a maximum of your school’s cost of attendance. When paying out of your 529 for off-campus housing, you’ll usually need to pay your expenses yourself, and then arrange for reimbursement. However, some plans can make it possible to arrange for a check to be sent directly to your landlord.
Also keep in mind that 529 plan qualified expenses for off-campus housing are not limited to rent. You can also pay for groceries and utilities, always up to the cap of the cost of attendance. Make sure you keep a record of all your purchases and keep receipts for everything you want to count as a 529 disbursement – this is essential for your tax return.
