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Vets should apply now for post-9/11 benefits

Congressman Chris Murphy (D-5) sent out a statement this week urging veterans eligible for a special emergency payment of their Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to apply online to access those benefits as soon as possible.  

The revised GI education benefits program, called the GI Bill for the 21st Century, was signed into law last year. It promises a four-year college education to  veterans who have served in active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The extent of benefits in the new bill varies depending on the amount of time served.

Murphy warned that the “Veterans Administration (VA) has fallen far behind in processing payments.

“A paperwork jam at the VA shouldn’t force our veterans to go without the benefits they are owed and deserve.  These emergency payments will take care of what we promised them when we passed the new GI Bill.  And I’m going to be looking into how the VA can do better next semester,†said Murphy.

The congressman said that as of Oct. 2, the 57 regional benefits offices of the VA “will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment. Students can apply online for these emergency payments to be mailed to them if they are unable to pick them up at the Newington regional office.â€

Veterans who want to pick up their check in person must bring photo identification and evidence of enrollment, such as a course schedule, to the nearest regional office.  The Newington office will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays for advance payments.

“The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments,†Murphy said. “A $3,000 payment is the maximum in emergency education benefits, with many veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.â€

For assistance, call Stephanie Podewell at Murphy’s office, at 860-223-8412.

Updated information regarding the VA emergency checks will be available online at va.gov.

Lakeville Journal

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