VA OFFERS EMERGENCY LIVING STIPEDS FOR STUDENT-VETS

AMVETS, which first suggested advance payments of living stipends to affected student-veterans, applauds VA’s swift decision to offer $3,000 for veterans waiting on Post-9/11 G.I. Bill claims

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2009—Last night, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced that VA will offer student-veterans experiencing Post-9/11 G.I. Bill payment delays $3,000 in advance payment to make ends meet while VA sorts out the delays. Upon hearing the news, AMVETS leaders applauded the swift action of VA officials to remedy the situation potentially affecting more than 277,000 student-veterans.

“AMVETS is happy to see that Secretary Shinseki has done the right thing in this situation,” said AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin. “Over the last month, AMVETS has heard from veterans around the country potentially facing significant financial hardship as a result of the delays. The veterans’ community had called for action and we’re happy to see the Secretary has taken these calls seriously.”

Starting Oct. 2, student-veterans who have not received living stipends can visit any of the VA’s 57 regional offices across the country to file for the emergency payments. Veterans must bring a photo ID and proof of enrollment to apply. To learn more, read VA’s official announcement at www.VA.gov. 

In August, when AMVETS first learned of the potential delays, AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley sent a letter to VA officials recommending a similar advance payment. To view the letter, visit http://americanveteranmagazine.blogspot.com.

“AMVETS is glad to see that VA has taken our recommendations seriously,” Kelley said. “VA made a promise to fully finance public higher education for veterans who have served after 9/11. Though AMVETS understands that the complexity of the benefit has led to these initial delays, we’re happy that VA is making a concerted effort to fulfill this promise.”

Last Thursday, VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Tammy Duckworth hosted a conference call for MilBloggers to discuss the G.I. Bill delays. During the call, the veterans’ community learned that VA may not make its latest hard date of Oct. 1 to deliver living stipends. Once VA recognized the gravity of the situation, leaders decided to take action.

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.