Congressman Cohen Commends VA's Prompt Response to Needs of Student-Veterans Due Money Under GI Bill
September 30, 2009
The VA announced this afternoon that starting October 2, student-veterans in the Ninth District can apply online, rather than travel to Nashville, to receive an emergency payment up to $3,000 to cover the costs of books and housing.
“The prompt response by the VA to the concerns of student-veterans is a strong statement about good-government and good customer service,” Congressman Cohen said. “I commend the VA for taking this important step and for making this emergency payment available to those who need it the most, without the hardship of making a nearly 500-mile drive. No veteran should have to dip into their savings or postpone buying books for class because of outdated technology and backed-up claims.”
Starting October 2, the VA’s Nashville regional office will begin providing on-the-spot payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment. Congressman Cohen expressed his concern that local student-veterans who could not take time away from class or work to make the drive to Nashville to pick up this check, needed to have an alternative method of reimbursement.
This afternoon, U.S Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced student-veterans can apply online at www.va.gov starting this Friday. The online application will guide student-veterans through the process to supply needed information. Secretary Shinseki noted that online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing
“Our veterans went the extra mile for their country,” Secretary Shinseki said. “One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for veterans. VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our veteran-students who are on campus. They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties.”
The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. VA officials emphasize that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits. Nationwide, applications from approximately 25,000 veterans are currently being processed for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit payments to students or schools.
________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov
“The prompt response by the VA to the concerns of student-veterans is a strong statement about good-government and good customer service,” Congressman Cohen said. “I commend the VA for taking this important step and for making this emergency payment available to those who need it the most, without the hardship of making a nearly 500-mile drive. No veteran should have to dip into their savings or postpone buying books for class because of outdated technology and backed-up claims.”
Starting October 2, the VA’s Nashville regional office will begin providing on-the-spot payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment. Congressman Cohen expressed his concern that local student-veterans who could not take time away from class or work to make the drive to Nashville to pick up this check, needed to have an alternative method of reimbursement.
This afternoon, U.S Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced student-veterans can apply online at www.va.gov starting this Friday. The online application will guide student-veterans through the process to supply needed information. Secretary Shinseki noted that online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing
“Our veterans went the extra mile for their country,” Secretary Shinseki said. “One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for veterans. VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our veteran-students who are on campus. They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties.”
The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. VA officials emphasize that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits. Nationwide, applications from approximately 25,000 veterans are currently being processed for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit payments to students or schools.
-30-
________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov
Issues:Veterans' Affairs