VA Authorizes Emergency Checks to Students Awaiting Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki has announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authorized checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and have not yet received their government payment. The checks will be distributed to eligible students at VA regional benefits offices across the country starting Oct. 2, 2009.

"Students should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties," Secretary Shinseki said. "Education creates life-expanding opportunities for our veterans."

Starting Friday, Oct. 2, students can go to one of the VA's 57 regional benefit offices with a photo ID and course schedule to request advance payment of their education benefits. Because not all of these offices are located near campuses, students without their own transportation can request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, veterans would have to call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the "Volunteer Transportation Coordinator." Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis.

Citing the distance many veterans would have to travel to apply in person at a VA benefits office, Shinseki announced veterans can also apply online at www.va.gov starting Oct. 2.
 

A list of VA regional offices is available here.

"I'm asking our people to get out their road maps and determine how we can reach the largest number of college students who can't reach us," VA Under Secretary for Benefits Patrick Dunne said. "Not everyone has a car. Not everyone can walk to a VA benefits office."

Although the VA does not know how many students will request emergency funds, it has approximately 25,000 claims pending that may result in payments to students. The funds the VA will give to students now are advance payments of their earned benefits for education. This money will be deducted from future education payments.

VA officials said students should know that after this special payment, they can expect to receive education payments on the normal schedule – the beginning of the month following the period for which they are reimbursed.

"This is an extraordinary action we're taking," said Shinseki. "But it's necessary because we recognize the hardships some of our veterans face."

More than 27,500 students have already received benefits for housing, books or tuition under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.

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