The VA announced that they will be retrieving their advanced payments to vets who took out the emergency cash. I am not sure how they plan to get this money back but we will soon find out.
Here is the link to the press release:
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1845
Update! it has been a while but things seem to start smoothing out a bit. I recently moved to a house to I am not stuck in a two bedroom with 4 children, no garage, no storage, no breathing room. Its a nice little place and the price is just right.
On the flip side... and I am not sure what is going on with this is that the BAH seemed to get less... I am not sure yet if this is true or if we are grandfathered in as far as payment goes, but in this area the will pay $200 less a month. I will keep you posted on what happens.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Grief is...
over! or is it? I finally received my money after a lot of calling and begging about but there are still a lot of Vets out there that have been waiting even longer than I. After calling over and over and over, waiting 3 months for my GI bill to come, going to to major dept doing so, I finally was able to talk to some one who could help me. She checked my file, like others said they did, and told me that the reason why I was not getting money is because they had notes saying that my name was wrong... I asked nicely for the person to repeat the spelling of my name... and she did... surprise surprise... the name was correct! haha yeah the name was correct. She looked into it more... then said... my account to my bank was wrong... again... repeated the information and once again... my info was correct. She went ahead and put a rush on the payment and sent the money into my account within three days.
I just do not understand what happened? what went wrong? Why did the VA NOT call and ask if my info was correct or not? WHY WHY WHY? people out there are having a hard time living especially why going to school FULL TIME and having a family to raise in an economy that does not have a lot of work. Please VA, President Obama, Politicians, and whom ever that can make things happen look into why this is happening. It is unacceptable and wrong. I, as well as millions of others have served our country with pride and would like to be rewarded with what was promised in the first place.
I just do not understand what happened? what went wrong? Why did the VA NOT call and ask if my info was correct or not? WHY WHY WHY? people out there are having a hard time living especially why going to school FULL TIME and having a family to raise in an economy that does not have a lot of work. Please VA, President Obama, Politicians, and whom ever that can make things happen look into why this is happening. It is unacceptable and wrong. I, as well as millions of others have served our country with pride and would like to be rewarded with what was promised in the first place.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Another attempt to contact my congressman
So I have tried contacting my congressman, Pete Stark, and with no reply to try to help me deal with the VA... so here is what I sent him:
Dear Mr. Stark,
I emailed you a while back and have still to receive an email, or phone call back from you or your office.
I am a veteran of war who recently started to attend school under the new benefits. The benefits are great but I have not seen a dime of the money owed to me. I received the emergency check to catch up on some bills but I am falling behind once again. I have 4 children and it is hard to provide with jobs being limited and me going to school full time. I sure hope there is a way you can put some pressure on the VA since I have been waiting for them to pay me and my school since August 6th. I have had individuals tell me that they have applied for the same benefit this month and have already received their checks and others who have applied in late August and have their checks. I have called numerous of times and no one wants to help. I sure hope trying to contact a congressman to help some one who has defended his country with pride is not the same way.
Thank you for reviewing my letter and thank you for any help you may be able to provide.
Dear Mr. Stark,
I emailed you a while back and have still to receive an email, or phone call back from you or your office.
I am a veteran of war who recently started to attend school under the new benefits. The benefits are great but I have not seen a dime of the money owed to me. I received the emergency check to catch up on some bills but I am falling behind once again. I have 4 children and it is hard to provide with jobs being limited and me going to school full time. I sure hope there is a way you can put some pressure on the VA since I have been waiting for them to pay me and my school since August 6th. I have had individuals tell me that they have applied for the same benefit this month and have already received their checks and others who have applied in late August and have their checks. I have called numerous of times and no one wants to help. I sure hope trying to contact a congressman to help some one who has defended his country with pride is not the same way.
Thank you for reviewing my letter and thank you for any help you may be able to provide.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
No Pay still "We Are Working On It"
Sorry for not posting things but its been a depressing couple of months. With no payment, I was forced to go to Oakland to pick up an emergency check. I am happy that I went into the office since I am hearing horror stories of people not getting their checks in a timely manner when applying through the website set up.
Now the San Francisco Bay Area is not a cheap place to live, especially when you have kids, bills, and car payments to spend money on. It also does not help that the job market is not that great so you end up not being able to find a job even at a McDonalds. So with the Emergency money running low already, I called to see what is going on with my money.
I was fortunate to get through my second try (usually takes 30 - 40 min just to get on hold) and I explained to the rep on the phone my situation. I told her (though his name he told me was probably fake) John Smith, one of the supervisors said that I should be receiving payment by Oct. 7th (this is back in September) and that I have still to see that money. I also said that my classmate who sits next to me and submitted the paperwork at the exact same time and that others have received their money who have applied at a later date than me (I was told that they do the process in order and not random). Now I am very frustrated so ill sum up what she said... "We Are Working On It"
Its been since August 6th... no payment... what is going on?
I was also told to use the Q&A section to get through to the people who are processing my claim... I DID several times... no answer... I wrote congress people... NO ANSWER... tells you how much they care about the Vets who protected them and served them to live the way they do.
Thank you Uncle Sam.
Now the San Francisco Bay Area is not a cheap place to live, especially when you have kids, bills, and car payments to spend money on. It also does not help that the job market is not that great so you end up not being able to find a job even at a McDonalds. So with the Emergency money running low already, I called to see what is going on with my money.
I was fortunate to get through my second try (usually takes 30 - 40 min just to get on hold) and I explained to the rep on the phone my situation. I told her (though his name he told me was probably fake) John Smith, one of the supervisors said that I should be receiving payment by Oct. 7th (this is back in September) and that I have still to see that money. I also said that my classmate who sits next to me and submitted the paperwork at the exact same time and that others have received their money who have applied at a later date than me (I was told that they do the process in order and not random). Now I am very frustrated so ill sum up what she said... "We Are Working On It"
Its been since August 6th... no payment... what is going on?
I was also told to use the Q&A section to get through to the people who are processing my claim... I DID several times... no answer... I wrote congress people... NO ANSWER... tells you how much they care about the Vets who protected them and served them to live the way they do.
Thank you Uncle Sam.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Q&A About the GI Bill Advance
The school I was originally going to attend (CSM) sends me info through their VA network. Here is what they had:
Background Information
1. I have heard about education advanced payments. What are they?
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has authorized advanced education payments up to $3,000 for veterans who have applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payment as of October 2, 2009. This is an advance payment of the veteran’s housing and book allowance only, as the tuition payment will be paid to the school.
Obtaining Payment
2. How do I obtain an advance payment and what do I need to provide?
Starting October 2nd, you may go to one of VA’s 57 regional offices with a government issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Military ID, etc.) and proof you are enrolled in school (class schedule, admission letter, enrollment verification letter, etc.)
You will be required to sign for the payment upon receipt.
3. What if I cannot make it to a Regional Office?
Currently VA is only offering advance payments at one of our 57 offices, however we are looking at other alternatives.
4. Can I receive more than one advance payment?
This is a one-time advance payment, which will be recouped from future education payments. Only one payment is authorized per veteran, up to $3000.
Payment Details
5. I am a veteran, am I eligible for an advance payment?
Yes, if you are currently enrolled in school under a VA education program.
List of VA Education Programs:
a. Ch33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill
b. Ch 30 - Montgomery GI Bill
c. Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
d. Ch 1607 – Reserve Education Assistance Program
6. I am a dependent, am I eligible for an advance payment?
No, payments are only available to veterans.
7. If I received my education payment on October 1st, am I still eligible for a $3000 advance payment?
No, advance payments are only authorized for veterans who did not receive a payment on October 1st.
8. Will I have to pay this advance payment back to VA?
This payment will be recouped from future VA payments. However, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment.
9. What if I want less than $3000?
Veterans may chose to receive a payment less than $3000, however, only one advance payment is authorized regardless of amount.
Future Payments
10. When can I expect future payments?
After the advance payment is recouped, you can expect future payments at the beginning of each month, which will likely start in November.
11. How does this emergency payment affect my future education payments?
This payment will be recouped from future VA payments, however, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment. The exact recoupment amount will be determined once your education claim is processed.
Additional Information
This is the latest information concerning the education advance payments. At this time, there is no additional information that can be provided or number to refer the claimant to for additional information. If a claimant needs more information, they should contact the National Call Center (888-442-4552) for updated information or visit the education website at www.gibill.va.gov
Background Information
1. I have heard about education advanced payments. What are they?
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has authorized advanced education payments up to $3,000 for veterans who have applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payment as of October 2, 2009. This is an advance payment of the veteran’s housing and book allowance only, as the tuition payment will be paid to the school.
Obtaining Payment
2. How do I obtain an advance payment and what do I need to provide?
Starting October 2nd, you may go to one of VA’s 57 regional offices with a government issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Military ID, etc.) and proof you are enrolled in school (class schedule, admission letter, enrollment verification letter, etc.)
You will be required to sign for the payment upon receipt.
3. What if I cannot make it to a Regional Office?
Currently VA is only offering advance payments at one of our 57 offices, however we are looking at other alternatives.
4. Can I receive more than one advance payment?
This is a one-time advance payment, which will be recouped from future education payments. Only one payment is authorized per veteran, up to $3000.
Payment Details
5. I am a veteran, am I eligible for an advance payment?
Yes, if you are currently enrolled in school under a VA education program.
List of VA Education Programs:
a. Ch33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill
b. Ch 30 - Montgomery GI Bill
c. Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
d. Ch 1607 – Reserve Education Assistance Program
6. I am a dependent, am I eligible for an advance payment?
No, payments are only available to veterans.
7. If I received my education payment on October 1st, am I still eligible for a $3000 advance payment?
No, advance payments are only authorized for veterans who did not receive a payment on October 1st.
8. Will I have to pay this advance payment back to VA?
This payment will be recouped from future VA payments. However, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment.
9. What if I want less than $3000?
Veterans may chose to receive a payment less than $3000, however, only one advance payment is authorized regardless of amount.
Future Payments
10. When can I expect future payments?
After the advance payment is recouped, you can expect future payments at the beginning of each month, which will likely start in November.
11. How does this emergency payment affect my future education payments?
This payment will be recouped from future VA payments, however, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment. The exact recoupment amount will be determined once your education claim is processed.
Additional Information
This is the latest information concerning the education advance payments. At this time, there is no additional information that can be provided or number to refer the claimant to for additional information. If a claimant needs more information, they should contact the National Call Center (888-442-4552) for updated information or visit the education website at www.gibill.va.gov
Friday, September 25, 2009
Emergency funds!
Just released: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1781
Secretary Shinseki Orders Emergency Checks to Students Awaiting Education Benefits
September 25, 2009
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Thousands of Checks to Alleviate Student Financial Burden
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and who 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, 2009, students can go to one of VA’s 57 regional benefit offices with a photo ID, a course schedule and an eligibility certificate to request advance payment of their housing and book allowance. Because not all these offices are located near students, VA expects to send representatives to schools with large Veteran-student bodies and work with Veteran Service Organizations to help students with transportation needs.
A list of those VA regional offices is available at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.
“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’s Under Secretary for Benefits Patrick Dunne said. “Not everyone has a car. Not everyone can walk to a VA benefits office.”
Although 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 VA will give to students now are advance payments of the earned benefits for housing and books. 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 or books under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, or their schools received their tuition payments.
Secretary Shinseki Orders Emergency Checks to Students Awaiting Education Benefits
September 25, 2009
Printable Version
Need Viewer Software?
Thousands of Checks to Alleviate Student Financial Burden
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and who 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, 2009, students can go to one of VA’s 57 regional benefit offices with a photo ID, a course schedule and an eligibility certificate to request advance payment of their housing and book allowance. Because not all these offices are located near students, VA expects to send representatives to schools with large Veteran-student bodies and work with Veteran Service Organizations to help students with transportation needs.
A list of those VA regional offices is available at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.
“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’s Under Secretary for Benefits Patrick Dunne said. “Not everyone has a car. Not everyone can walk to a VA benefits office.”
Although 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 VA will give to students now are advance payments of the earned benefits for housing and books. 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 or books under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, or their schools received their tuition payments.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
CNN on the Post 911 GI Bill
Lets go congress... Let Go President Obama We NEED your help. The men and women who served for you are having a hard time surviving. People quit their jobs to go and become a student. HELP!
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