Post 911 GI Bill Vets get Emergency Relief from Veteran Affairs

Post 911 GI Bill veterans are experiencing hardship like most Americans in this economy, albeit their hardship is because of backed-up paperwork, which is resulting in late checks for college. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to change all that.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is immediately issuing checks (as of October 1, 2009) of up to $3,000 of GI Bill benefits that are overdue to eligible college-student vets. Some students have had to take out loans or other extracurricular work just to pay tuition and other educational-related expenses.

“It is heartening to see the Secretary and his department responding so swiftly and decisively to this unfortunate situation,” said National Commander Clarence E. Hill of The American Legion. “This is a brand new benefits program, instituted just weeks ago, so some startup glitches are to be expected,” he continued, “but the VA’s willingness to rectify the problem should be applauded. As I said earlier this week, our veteran students should be free to concentrate on their studies rather than be worried by financial burdens. Secretary Shinseki has echoed my sentiment.

“The American Legion offers its extensive outreach services in implementing the emergency student relief program,” continued Hill. “We are ready to help students apply for and obtain the benefits they deserve.”

Post 911 GI Bill veterans can contact the American Legion by calling (202) 263-2995 or by emailing askvalerie@legion.org.

Vets can also visit www.MyGIBill.org for more information about post 911 GI Bill benefits.

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