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WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas,D-New Smyrna Beach, announced that veterans can apply online at www.va.gov beginning today for a special emergency payment of their Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits.
Kosmas has heard from numerous Central Florida veterans who are beginning classes without receiving their education benefits due to a backlog in processing applications at the VA, said her spokesman, Marc Goldberg.
Kosmas recently called on the Department of Veterans Affairs to take steps to help those veterans who are still waiting for their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
She sent a letter to General Eric Shinseki, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, urging his department to quickly conduct a review of application processing procedures in order to institute policies that will expedite the claims, Goldberg said.
"The emergency payments combined with the new online application are vital and important to ensure that Central Florida's veterans receive in a timely manner the full benefits they have earned," Kosmas said. "Our veterans have made great sacrifices to protect our country and it is essential that they have access to the quality, affordable education they need to succeed in today's economy. I am glad that the VA has responded to our pleas to help Central Florida's veterans receive the benefits they deserve."
Last week, the VA announced that on Friday, Oct. 2, its 57 regional benefits offices will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment.
These payments can be picked up in person at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office.
Central Florida veterans who would have to travel long distances to apply in person at the regional VA benefits office will now be able to apply online at www.va.gov
The online application will guide veterans through the process to supply needed information. The online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing. Students without their own transportation can also request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office.
To obtain this service, veterans should call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the "Volunteer Transportation Coordinator." Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis.
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.
A $3,000 payment is the maximum in emergency education benefits, with many veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.