AMVETS APPLAUDS DIGITAL OPTION FOR EMERGENCY G.I. BILL CHECKS

VA to allow veterans to register online for advance payments

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2009—Yesterday, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced that VA will allow student-veterans seeking to take advantage of the G.I. Bill emergency payments to register for their checks online, rather than forcing veterans to visit a VA regional office outside of reasonable commuting distance to collect payment.

“AMVETS was happy to see that VA was able to quickly develop an online option for students who cannot easily travel to a VA regional office,” said AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin. “Veterans have been asking AMVETS why they would now have to drive hundreds of miles to pick up their checks. Thankfully, this can be avoided and veterans can focus on their studies, rather than the logistics behind reaching the nearest regional office.”

VA is still encouraging student-veterans to visit VA regional offices to pick up the emergency checks starting tomorrow, Oct. 2, since those who register online will need to wait an additional three business days for payment to arrive.

AMVETS and other veterans organizations will offer assistance to veterans with transportation issues where possible.  

VA is also telling veterans to check their bank accounts today to see if their G.I. Bill money has been deposited, as significant progress has been made in claims-processing over the last month. Student-veterans who do not receive this month's payment are encouraged to take advantage of the emergency payment program. For more details, visit www.VA.gov.

After AMVETS raised awareness of the financial hardships caused by delays in implementing the new G.I. Bill, VA took action, commissioning the advance payment program offering enrolled veterans up to $3,000 in advance G.I. Bill pay while VA continues to process claims. AMVETS had suggested a similar advance pay option in August.

AMVETS recognizes that the emergency payments are only a stop-gap measure to ensure that veterans do not face unnecessary financial hardships as a result of the G.I. Bill delays. VA must still work to mitigate the initial claims backlog for Chapter 33 benefits and AMVETS leaders will continue to monitor VA’s progress and work with VA and veterans to ensure smooth delivery of the landmark education benefit.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.