After Pressure from IAVA, VA Responds to Help Student Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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New York – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement it will expand outreach to student veterans eligible for up to $3,000 in special emergency payments of their GI Bill education benefits.  Starting Oct. 2^nd, student veterans can apply online at www.va.gov for emergency payments or request free transportation to the nearest VA benefits office to submit their claim.

“After hearing from thousands of our members about late checks and pressuring the VA to act, IAVA is pleased to see a quick response. We commend the Secretary for introducing another step to increase outreach to students who applied for GI Bill benefits but have not yet received their payments.

With today’s announcement, student veterans across the country will have easier access to these interim payments. At this critical time, the VA is recognizing the urgency for our student veterans.

This isn’t a permanent solution, but it should help student veterans focus on classes, instead of on how they will pay their bills. We appreciate the VA’s responsiveness and look forward to hearing a more comprehensive solution for dealing with the systemic problems leading to these delays. IAVA will continue to monitor this situation and keep our members and the media updated.” 

To follow the latest GI Bill developments, visit IAVA’s premiere online resource for calculating GI Bill benefits at www.NewGIBill.org.

To arrange an interview with Chief Legislative Counsel Patrick Campbell, Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or a member veteran going to school on the new GI Bill, contact Chrissy Stevens, 212-982-9699, chrissy@iava.org

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 150,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.