The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced recently that it has provided certificates of eligibility to nearly 200,000 applicants for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Over 61,000 payments totaling over $50 million to schools and students have been issued since the August 1, 2009, implementation of the new program.

“Our top priority is providing our students and schools with accurate and timely benefit payments so Veterans can focus all of their energy on studies,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Patrick W. Dunne.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill authorizes the most extensive educational assistance opportunity since the passage of the original GI Bill in 1944. The maximum benefit allows every eligible veteran, service member, Reservist, and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.

Since VA began accepting Veterans’ applications on May 1, 2009 and school enrollment certifications on July 6, 2009, approximately 277,000 applications for eligibility determinations and/or school enrollment certifications have been received for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Not everyone has been so pleased with the speed of certification and issuing payments though. News outlets on the Internet have story after story of veterans at various education institutions who are frustrated with wait times.

One of the groups that advocated for enacting the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), said delaying payments hurts veterans.

“After spending years fighting for the new GI Bill, IAVA is frustrated to hear that veterans are being forced to wait for GI Bill checks that are being cut late,” said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. “We have and will continue to push VA to address this issue immediately before more veterans are forced into the difficult position of choosing between paying out of pocket or dropping out of school.”

VA has over 900 personnel processing education claims. To address the large fall enrollment workload, employees are working overtime, and VA has rehired retired claims processors to provide additional processing support.

VA also contacted schools directly to address questions or concerns about the new program, and sent letters to schools to keep them updated on VA’s progress in implementing the new program.

“We appreciate the cooperation we are receiving from Veterans and educational institutions as we implement this new and complex program,” added Under Secretary Dunne.

Post-9/11 GI Bill students should be aware that a full housing allowance payment will not be issued until after the first full month of enrollment. Students beginning school in August will receive a pro-rated housing payment in September, and a full payment beginning October 1, 2009.

Additional information about VA education benefits can be found at www.GIBILL.VA.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1.

POSTED 5 October 2009 ************

Advance 9/11-GI Bill Payments - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has authorized advance payments up to $3,000 for veterans who have applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payments.

If you are a Veteran who has applied for one of VA’s education programs and have not yet received your monthly benefit payment for the Fall 2009 term, you can submit a request for an advance payment on this emergency website: https://advancepay.gibill.va.gov/