More delays possible in GI Bill payments

[unhappycamper]

More delays possible in GI Bill payments
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 27, 2009 17:22:59 EDT

Up to 14,000 students may not receive living stipends Nov. 1 as the Veterans Affairs Department continues to dig out of a backlog of claims for the Post-9/11 GI Bill — but there will be no more emergency payments for those who don’t get paid on time.

VA officials said Tuesday they have about 14,000 enrollment certifications pending final approval for tuition, book allowance and living stipends. The certifications are the final step for an eligible veteran enrolled in school to receive benefits.

“It is possible, if we have not worked their case by the end of the month, that some may not receive their housing payment on the first,” VA officials said in a statement, referring to Nov. 1.

Payments not made Nov. 1 will be made to the student as soon as final approval is given so they do not have to wait until Dec. 1 to receive a living stipend, VA officials said.

Emergency $3,000 payments went out to more than 50,000 students who were not paid their living stipends Oct. 1, but no more such payments are planned. “Only a one-time advance payment is available this semester,” the VA statement says.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/10/military_gibill_paymentdelays_102809w/