GI Bill Update: New MGIB Rates, Delays, and More...

By Terry Howell

This Week's Latest GI Bill News

MGIB Rates Increased - The VA released the Montgomery GI Bill payment rates for the 2009-2010 academic year. The rates will be increased by less than 4 percent - growing from $1321 a month for a full time student to $1368 - on October 1, 2009. Not a huge increase, but it is more than it would have been in the past since the increases are now based on the actual tuition and fee increases rather than inflation, which is zero so far in 2009. Students should see the increase in their November MGIB payment.

Updated Post-9/11 Tuition Rates - VA has updated the Tuition and Fee rates. Students attending school in Massachusetts will now get up to $330 per credit hour. This has been increased from $71.

VA Workload Backlog - The VA's backlog of GI Bill "work items," which includes 67,000 unprocessed Post-9/11 GI Bill claims, grew to over 276,000.  Some vets are reporting they have been told to expect up to 20 week delays.

A recent Associated Press article reports that many veterans are beginning to receive their housing stipend checks. (Read the full article) The article also tells of continuing delays. Many personal examples of delays, errors, and successful claims processing can be found in the comments posted on this blog in the last week. Some veterans are now reporting delays in their Montgomery GI Bill claims due to the VA's back log.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

GI Bill Resources:

• VA GI Bill Website (Official VA Resources)
• Military.com Guide to Using Your GI Bill Benefits
• Guide to Choosing the Right GI Bill
• Military.com GI Bill Calculator

Comments

[Jessica]

I am very upset, as a single mom and I have paid for my MGI Bill while I was active duty. I am going to school for more than 12 credit hours, I submitted my attendence and I am only getting half of what I am owed. The claim was put in back in August and still haven't been processed. I am not able to pay my rent today due to them not able to process the claim or pending documents. I have three kids go to school full time and work two ten hour days. I need my back money, and when I called the VA rep said there was nothing he could do to fix my credit hours and process my back payment for August. What am I suppose to do? I am need of help, and the people I thought that could help me have failed me.

[Cav]

Well I just called the VA GET THIS YEA THE SCHOOL GOT PAID AND SICNCE THE VA HAD A COPY OF MY CHECK AND PUT THE MONEY IN SOMEONES ELSE ACCOUNT, THIS IS THE BULL SH T WE have to put up with, Come on the VA screw up everything from the START and still are screwing up!! You need to FIRE ALL OF THOSE EMPLOYEES and get some people in there who cares about having a job, Some people dont have a job thats why all of us are going back to school. WHEN THE GOVERMENT WANTS THERE MONEY THEY GET IT RIGHT THEN AND THERE FROM US. But when the little man wants what is due him its HURRY-UP AND WAIT.!! I say BULL all they have been doing is SCREWING UP everyone's stuff. Now you wounder why people are PISSED.

[Cav]

Well the VA said "That the Student will get paid 1st before your school" WELL THATS WRONG!!!! The School got there money before I did and I am still waiting. I had to fight evey week to make sure my GI-Bill was processed correct, week after week they blamed it on someone else at the VA and my file never got processed until 3 weeks ago from the 4 supervisor. And still they say I would get paid for my BAH and Books, and way before the School. Well I am still waiting. I had a hard time since the start and am hoping and praying that this will end for others. Good luck, because I still don't think the VA processing center are doing a complete job of everyone's file.

[Nancy]

Well, My Chapter 30 payment has been processed and received for the end of July. I called the VA (the secret is to call 800 AM Eastern time and was told my paperwork was processed and it waiting to be checked for Chapter 33. Was told I should see it by Friday, if not call and check.

The VA received my paperwork on July 23 to give you a timeline of were they are at.

[GoingCriminalSonn]

I guees ill add my sad story,

Checked with my school (United Education Institute) was told school qualified for new gibill. I switched over, turned in my paperwork in June. Waited till Sept. only to find out at some point my school lost its cert. and never told the students. Unable to switch back to the old GIBill, I've been out of benefits for almost 3 months now. With my school just getting allowed back into the Post 9/11 program. It will be another 2-3 months before I can see any money. I give it another week or so before I start using my training to rob,steal,cheat,lying and hurt whoever to feed my family. How sad to serve and now ill be a criminal just to keep a roof over my son's head.

[sammytki]

I just spoke with the VA ed people again. I wanted to confirm what my school told me, but just as i suspected, my school was not completely correct.

I was told that the VA had paid my tuition on the 27th, but all that happened was that they deferred it.

The nice lady at the VA hotline told me nothing had been done to my case. The school certifying guy sent it in on the 20th, even though he told me he did it on the 19th of aug.

She also said that most of the backlog is due to the schools sending in the certifications at the last minute. She said she had to tell me it would take 4-6 weeks, but honestly to expect longer.

if you want to call and get through, dial their 1-888 number and then just hit the prompts 1, 1, 0. Don't listen to the recordings. I get through every time.

Laters!

[Mad Martigan Uber Mensch]

I think everyone here has a legitimate right to complain. The main thing that matters in the real world is GETTIN YOUR DEGREE! To the crusty old lifers that say we shouldnt complain remember you are living off retirement while we need this money to help our transition. PS I finished 3/4 of a bachelors while was in and most lifers never even got their associates, what does that tell you.

[Disappointed Veteran]

"MGIB rates increased". I suppose that would be promising if the Department of Veterans Affairs could ensure timely distribution of payments. What good is increasing the rate beside causing more difficulty. Save that money and hire some more damn employees to keep up with the heavy applicant load. Spoke with a VA representative who ensured me that "well sir, VA employees are doing all they can-even working overtime." However, I wonder how many VA employees enjoyed their Labor Day holiday. I don't seem to remember having the luxury of holidays, especially when the workload of the mission was overwhelming.

[Insider]

Many of you raise good points and @Chris, you're right, the VA had a lot of time to get its act together. They tried to outsource the benefits, but they couldn't get any serious bidders who could tackle the crap that the lawyers [read: Congress] and DoD pricks developed.

You're incorrect on one major issue, they've hired a lot of employees, but not soon enough. The computer system was a huge problem because it didn't exist till recently and the people are new using it. Hiring many temporary employees as the VA did, I can say that you're in for a real surprise down the road when those jobs go by the wayside.

Supposedly, we're going to get a automated system to process claims by December 2010. In case you weren't aware, we already had a similar program that was an utter failure. Basically, they need to get rid of the unionized offices and leave the non-unionized offices to hire more employees.

FYI for everyone: school officials hold a lot of control over whether or not you're going to be paid. They could begin sending in enrollment certification no earlier than July 7, 2009. For many of you who have not gotten your payments, ask your school why they sat on it for so long? I look at claims all day long, the vast majority did not come in until well after August 1st.

It's true you did earn this benefit (its not a right, you're not going to find it in the Constitution buddy) but when you have the command structure who literally does not produce anything making decisions on how claims are to be worked, school officials who couldn't find their ass from a hole in the ground and some (not all) unionized VA employees who only do the minimum work required, you're created a recipe for disaster.

I'm not so optimistic this program will be better because the pool of eligible people is too large and you haven't even factored in the scoundrels who use the benefits instead of working and drop out and we then have constant adjustments to make. Plenty of blame to go around, but Congress and the DoD created it and the VA command did practically nothing to make them aware of how reality works because frankly, they're overpaid yes men.

[Shawn]

Well I am not only disappointed with the VA but also all the people that are being pricks about us being upset over this situation. I am a disabled veteran and a single father of three. I am struggling and my loose my house before this is all said and done. It's not like I am looking for a handout and I know there are others that are worse off. However I was told that I would have this benefit and here it is 8 weeks later and still nothing.

[kaleb taluban]

Im frustrated too but it was hurry up and wait then so its hurry up and wait now. What do you expect rite? Im sure people are trying their hardest. Its a lot of people that signed up for this new one. Im having the same problems as everyone else. So in the meantime write who you want or bitch at someone hopefully something works. I just that I'd y'all know that people are starting to receive their proper funds (not me but people are). Good Luck BIAS

[CMCButler76]

The one thing that needs to be fixed on the new GI Bill is to allow veterans to attend college via distance learning (internet) and draw their housing allowance.

Please see my article at:

http://www.helium.com/items/1557398-distance-learning

[Rick]

An update first today I recieved my first payment, but no Eligibility Litter, it's in the mail. My payment is only around $200 short along with the other $1300 of brake payment I have not received. I know I should be happy with what I am getting it will help. The thing here is that I only received 80 percent due to the fact I only served 30 months after 9/11. O one more thing two lines down from were my DD form 214 says Honorable Discharge, it says reason for separation PERMANENT DISABILITY. Now I know we are talking about the government here, but when I call VA today I was inform that I should have recieved a 100 percent, but due to the their overlookinng the fact the I was retired disable, I would have to write a letter and it will take 6 more weeks for them to correct it. So maybe by Christmas I'll have all that back payment.

[Chris]

There's quite a few things I am not understanding about the VA at the moment. Like many of you, I applied for Post 9/11 GI Bill the moment they accepted the applications. The school finally submitted my enrollment on August 28th. I got my certificate of eligibility on September 12th. I received my book stipend on September 14th, which was just enough to get my bank account out of debt. Now I get to play the waiting game to see if they will actually give the BAH by October 1st. I don't know if they will back-pay for the payment that never came for August classes. What I'm not understanding is if they process in the order of being received, then how are people that had delayed enrollments certs sent in getting through, while everyone else seems to be forgotten about. The book stipend for me was a tease, I still have little faith on the BAH arriving on time, and if it doesn't, then I am evicted.

To everyone trying to throw guilt and sympathy around about how we are complaining when others don't have it as good...leave it off of this blog. Most of us have been there and seen that and even carry wounds of our own, and we don't ever forget about it. What we want from the VA is what was promised, obviously, but right now it's so 200,000 vets aren't homeless by the time everything is situated.

[Chris]

Part 2 continued from my first post, posted on September 15, 2009 at 05:27 P.M.

Well its now September 15, 2009 and I have received no payments of any kind; no book stipend, no tuition payments. There are veterans who submitted all required documents before me who still have not been paid. I'm fortunate only because after years of dealing with the government and its bureaucratic nature, I expected this would be a complete and total disaster and had around $3500 saved. In addition, because I was unsure of the actual cost of living in this area, I opted for the maximum amount of the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Its a good thing I did, because so far I've had to pay out all my tuition and fees ($2900), my books ($1300), rent ($1380 thus far, including deposit & 2 months rent), utilities ($340), and telephone and Internet service ($238), directly from my savings, my grants, my scholarships, and my loans.

The funds are getting tighter and tighter, and I've given up calling the VA, since for the past 8 days I've called, I'm not even allowed to wait in queue, instead my call is dropped because of all the other individuals calling about their benefits.

Every person who is raising concerns here is absolutely justified. This is a completely unacceptable situation. There are veterans here at Mississippi State University who are in the same situation I'm in, although even more dire. Several of them can't even afford books, even while working a job, because the cost of living is absorbing all their funds.

I don't normally call people out directly on the Internet, primarily because it reminds me of the old adage of two retarded people fighting... you're still retarded no matter who wins, however, some of comments here are so poorly thought out that I simply can't allow you amnesty for your callousness and/or ignorance.

Anthony USMC: I'm not sure where to even start with you. Instead of trying to console your fellow veteran, you belittle and berate him. Is that typical for the Marines? I know in the Navy, we pick our shipmates up when they fall down. Furthermore, the world may not owe anyone a living, but Corey (and every other veteran who is eligible) *is* owed his benefits from the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill - this is a federal law, an Act of Congress. It it absolutely his right to claim these benefits. And while you may have the luxury of working a full-time job while being enrolled full-time, I do not. I'm a pre-medicine major out of college for 11 years who was allowed exceptions to several of my classes to move past simplistic courses so I could move into the pre-medical pipeline faster and better prepared. I don't have the luxury of working a job for extra money. I have to make my funds 'work' so I can spend every moment pouring over my textbooks and supplemental resources to become as best prepared for medical school as possible. You choose to work sir, no one forces you to, and in that same vein, no one should be required to work to attend college. You go to a university to learn, not to work a job. In another comment you bring up that we should be thankful we are getting our money. You can't be thankful for something you haven't received. That's a contradictory straw man argument. Your only valid recourse to be upset with someone's behavior would be after they receive their monies, then you can make that statement in a justified manner.

J. Miranda: This benefit wasn't 'granted' to us by our government. Queen Elizabeth II did not touch us on the shoulder with a ceremonial sword and bequeeth us educational assitance. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 is a federal *law*. It is a guaranteed benefit for those eligible.

wounded warrior: You make an appeal to sympathy by trying to remind veterans that their active duty counterparts may (or may not) still be serving. The appeal to sympathy argument is a poor one in this nation for two reasons. 1. We have an all-volunteer military, so no one has been forced to join against their will, therefore whether they are still on active duty or not is inconsequential to the argument. 2. You're trying to equate your reasons for joining the military and force those beliefs on everyone else. It doesn't work that way son. You may not have joined for educational benefits, but quite a few current active duty, guard, and reservists did (and continue to do so, even now). Its asinine of you to begrudge anyone who joins the military for a college education, especially when the services themselves enforce a culture of education so wholeheartedly (for instance, there are many Navy programs with $50,000 additional college benefits on top of G.I. Bill benefits, along with tuition assitance programs for active duty servicemembers; I could go on, but most of us are familiar with these programs). It must be a terrible thing to be unable to do something you love, but you shouldn't begrudge anyone else for not sharing your viewpoint. Remember Aristotle - "The mark of an enlightened mind is being able to entertain an idea without believing in it."

Bill Samson: I'm not sure what to make of your comments. You're comparing an Act of Congress that was engineered by a democratic Congressman, former Sectarary of the Navy, and veteran himself, Senator Jim Webb, and then the subsequent passing of this law by nearly the entire Senate and House of Representatives with socialist ideals that are held by Cuba? At least that's what it sounds like you're saying. It sounds more like you're the one who should be ashamed, and while you might be angered about people expecting their benefits (which are guaranteed to them by law), I'm rather angered that you'd compare our Congress to Cuban leadership. Shame on you sir.

Chief E: You raise some very good points which I think no one has really addressed. While its certainly possible to live on your 9/11 G.I. Bill and attend school as well, it takes diligence, proper planning, an a willingness to scale back your standard of living a bit. In regards to this, I opted to take out Stafford loans so I could focus more thoroughly on my degree program. Others may want to consider doing the same. Since I'll be attending medical school, I already expect to be $130,000 to $240,000 in debt, another $20,000 won't make a tremendous difference.

Many of you made good points, and many of you made truly abyssmal, poorly considered ones. There seems to be a tremendous divide between veterans who joined the military to pay for a college education (and possibly escape into a different social class) versus those members of the military that are careerists. On top of that, there's another group somewhere in between that seems to be apologists for the government and specifically the Department of Veterans Affairs. I know nothing more to say to you except, "For shame." Patriotism, despite what someone may have told you, is not condoning everything your government does. Patriotism is defending as vehemently as possible the visions, concepts, and ideas our nation was founded upon, and just as vehemently opposing any who would attempt to stifle them.

[Chris]

There seems to be a lot of misinformation on both sides of the fence about this issue, from the VA apologists to the those who are furious with the handling of the new G.I. Bill. Instead of starting off talking about what should have been done, let's talk about the facts and what actually was done so far.

Timeline:

January 2007 - Senator Jim Webb introduces the original bill as his very first legislative proposal.
June 30, 2008 - The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, Title V of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008, Pub.L. 110-252, H.R. 2642 becomes law.
August 1, 2009 - The law's provisiions come into effect.

So there's our timeline. Simple arithmetic reveals that the the Department of Veteran's Affairs had around 13 months, give or take a few days, to hire new personnel to attend to this issue. So it begs the question: how many new hires were made in those 13 months in order to deal with these new 9/11 G.I. Bill claims? The answer is, sadly, none. So there was no preparation from the Department of Veteran's Affairs from the standpoint of increasing claims' processing. Furthermore, during these 13 months, there were contradictory statements from VA officials. Some VA officials claimed there would be a surge in new claims because of the generosity of the benefits. Other VA officials promised that the VA would be more than capable of ensuring all claims would be processed in a timely manner.

Fast-forward to around May 2009. By this time, I had visited my future campus (Mississippi State University) over 3 months ago, and most of my paperwork was completed with the assistance of persons from their Center for America's Veterans. I had originally submitted under Chapter 30 so that my paperwork would be shuffled into the system quicker, however at the first available opportunity, the program coordinator there at the CVA at MSU sent in all my paperwork to switch me over to the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. I waited 9 weeks to receive my Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. All remaining paperwork was completed and submitted by the Center for American's Veterans on August 6, 2009.

[Mario Rodriquez]

I a appalled by all you who are complaining about some perceived slight the VA has subjected you to. I challenge you to go to your local VA hospital and see the condition some of our fellow veterans find themselves in. Stop complaining and realize that you have more than many veterans have and they do not want your pity or your sympathy. Stop crying because every one of you will get what you have coming! Be patient and understanding or you will work yourself up about nothing. One more thing to all you who want to call Oprah, she has created the mentality in our country that is causing you to act the way you do. She does not care about you. She wants publicity to make Oprah richer. If you allow her to get rich off your dumb *** then you deserve each other.

[Corey]

Well for your FYI.. I was US Army Recon,(Cavalry) so shut the hell up... I seen more dirt and seen more action then a lot of marines.. So don't try to Dis me..
2nd is that the VA and the US Government promised people who join the military the G.I Bill or was that just taken out of your contract.. So until the VA/DOD gets of there ass and dose it right people have the right to bitch.. So don't call me a child when I shed blood for this Country!!!!

[Maria]

I wish we could all be on the same side here. I hate to be the "why can we all just get along?" person, but I guess I am.

All this ridiculous Marine-pimple-garbage is not getting anyone anywhere. I would hope that we could all just agree that the system is flawed and something needs to be done.

I am very thankful for the legislation that enabled me to be eligible for this education benefit. Now all I would like is for the leaders in this country to see that the method of processing needs reform.

Join "I want my G.I. Bill Money" on Facebook... and write Oprah!

[Anthony USMC 88-00]

Corey,

You wouldn't make a pimple on a good Marine's ass. Your acting like a child. Grow up kid. My college rep faxed me the paperwork I filled it out and now I wait, patiently. I'm a full time student with a full time job. Piss poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on the other end. Be patient young man, the world don't owe you a living. This is still the best damn country on the planet.
Anthony USMC 88-00

[Dawn]

I am really upset about this because it seems they are trying so hard to get the Post 9/11 finished the chapter 30s have fallen by the wayside. It makes no since for it to take 8 weeks especially if you are already in the system and have received the GI Bill previously. Thank God that I am married and we do not depend on the money but what about the people who do? They should have been more prepared.

[Maria]

Again, WRITE OPRAH! We need media attention on this. Remember a few years back when it came out about the poor conditions of VA Hospitals? Things changed.

Please join my group on Facebook "I want my G.I. Bill Money." We will make some noise and somebody is going to have to listen.

[Angie (Ret Army)]

I am truly sad that most of the comments are negative. I received my book stiped and a pro-rated amount for Aug 09. Everything seems to be going on time for me. I did my paperwork back in May and it did take a long time to get it back, but once it received it and took it to my school. They was on it. All I can say is hold on. We are servicemember should know how to hurry up and wait. I just pray I receive my regular payment the end of this month and the program goes weel for all.

[Rick]

Like most of you I have not received my benefits or my Certificate of Eligibility. Two weeks ago I was told that I would have it by the end of the week and payments would start in a week or two. As of today I have no letter or payment. The confusing thing here is no one at VA can tell me why there is a delay on my paperwork. They have everything they need. So why is it taking so long? I have been a full time student for a year now after becoming unemployed and count on my benefits to pay my bills. This week I was informed that it may take till November to get paid, so who is going to bail me out? I have bills that are passed due and my creditors are not very understanding about it now. How understanding are they going to be if I’m unable to pay in October. The late fees are adding up.
I have contacted my both of my Congressmen’s offices and today have no reply. Guess who I not voting for.

[Matt]

I can't believe some of you. When you sign up to serve this country, your signing a contract.We are held to that contract. So is it "Un-American" to hold this government up to their end. The fact is that there are alot of soldiers out there having a hard time getting a job due to the economy. When you have aline filled with College grads and a transitioning soldier. The College grad is going to get the job everytime. To reference us to communist/socialist is outrages. I got news for you. This is an all volunteer Military that has recruitment incentives. One of those incentives was a College education. I think that the frustration comes from the VA claims that it will begin paying out in August. Why put that out there when you cant meet that deadline. For all of you who are waiting just like me, do what you have to. We will get through this, we're soldiers. For the rest of you who say that it is wrong to complain and demand payment.Goodluck to you, be that "good American", the one and waits patiently in line. Because there will be a soup kitchen at the end of it.

[J. Miranda (USN RET)]

Everyone has a valid point and a right to express themselves. I believe that we are only entitled to this benefit because it was granted to us by our government, NOT because we have a right to it. We do have to take into account that this benefit will reach us only when the VA gets the ball rolling. Well, if you have been around for a while, we know HOW FAST the VA moves. Follow-up is essential, keep doing that. I would not bad mouth the DOD, President, VA, nor congress, they are the ones that helped get the program approved. Talk to your local congressman before faxing or calling everybody and their mother. Good Luck!!

[Maria]

I can't believe some of you people. Of course people are complaining! This is messing with our ability to LIVE. This is something we were promised and now we're not getting it.

I don't know if those people who are saying we're "babies" and are "whining about college" have ever tried to raise children and go to school full time and work full time.

We were promised this when we signed up. Fortunately, just wanting to "do a job and serve your country" is not the only reason many of us served. It was also for this lovely benefit we were PROMISED.

Call it socialism if you will, but take that up with the gorvernment.

We just want what is ours.

[Corey]

BTW VA Rep at college said if I want to know anything about the 9/11 bill I need to go online to read it because I don't know anything about the bill... OK DOSE THAT SEEM LIKE THE VA REP WAS TRAINED OR WAS IN THE KNOW ABOUT THIS BILL.... HELL NO!!!! So don't tell us to stop wining its our right per the Constitution of the United States.. Or did you not really serve in the Corps..

[Anthony USMC 88-00]

Hey,

What's all the whinning about. Thanks for serving your Country. But quit pissin and moanin. What's with the sense of entitlement attitude. I, me, mine. Do you realize your suppose to represent America's finest. Selfless and Honorable. Some of you sound like spoiled little brats. Be patient and remain in line. The money is coming. Be thankful your getting money. There are some that paid into the Bill that died on the field of battle. They won't get to see there money. You should have contact your college VA rep first place.
Semper Fi!

[Amethyst S.]

I have had nothing but a pleasant experience working with the VA people. Sometimes I get someone on the phone who seems to have a bit of an attitude, but after reading all of your comments and complaints, I can see why they would be in a mood! It's from talking to you all all day!!!
I have not had any problem receiving my benefits and I'm starting to think that it might have something to do with my politeness when speaking to them...
Just something to think about...

[Corey]

Just an up date to my G.I Bill Problems, I have called the VA and I had to go through 2 supervisors to have them tell me SOMEONE DID NOT PUSH MY FILE FORWARD SINCE IT WAS DONE!!! I said "If my file was done and no one pushed it forward why was it not FLAGGED? They blamed it on someone else!!! So then 2 weeks have gone by and I called the VA again and went through 3 people to get to a Supervisor and that Person told me that my file was DONE but someone did not send it to Finance... I EXLPODED!!! What the hell I have been at this for alone time and 2 weeks ago someone blamed someone one else. I ask if it takes 1.5 hr to finish someones file how come someone dose not take 2 hrs and do it right the 1st time? The supervisor said"I don't make those decisions.. Oh yea did I tell you I still have not got my file done or got my money.. So I will have to call and wait on the phone for another SUPERVISOR>> Come on VA/DOD Get your people working and make them do it RIGHT the 1st time..

[wounded warior]

after reading the comments posted im almost ashamed to have serviced in the service with so many babies, have u forgotten your brothers and sister are still fighting for freedom and i hear crying about college. I joined the service to do my job not to get a free ride if u dont like it get out and shout up. i paid my dues and can no longer service. be thankful for that when other had to give up the job they loved more then life itself.

[Bill Samson]

I rather agree with Chief E's sentiment. We are not a socialist country, I have always looked at the MGIB as a shortened pension for my five years of service. Anything greater than the 1800 dollars I invested and I'm grateful, which has been surpassed a long time ago. Lets not forget the conscription laws of some countries, Thank God we even get paid in the military. We could just as well been forced to service and compensated with three squares and a cot. Not to mention we wouldn't get jack when we're done. Lets keep this in perspective people, I'm sure we've all been compensated well during our military journeys, if not in monetary terms then at least in cultural/experience terms. Thank you. As a read more of this responses, I get more angry. Phillip W. Dugan says "We want our money!!" hey *&^% you hog, how dare you say its your money, man! Fellow veterans and there holier than thou attitude, I got news for you, You're not any better than a civilian who worked for wal-mart age 18 through 24, what about their supposed free ride for four years, you veteran socialists are really starting to scare me. The very fabric of this great nation is being torn apart by supposed "republican" veterans, AKA disguised Socialist/Communists, you want benefits, than move to Cuba!

[Maria]

sammytki,

That's awesome! We really need to try to get some media attention to this problem. I started a Facebook group called "I want My G.I. Bill Money." Please join if you have facebook.

I think Oprah would put something on her show about if enough of us email her.

I am also thinking about organizing a protest. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

[Natalie]

All this mess sounds normal for the VA/DOD. I have been wanting to use it,but sounds like a mess and I dont have any extra to put out if I have no idea when I am getting it. They sound like CHASE. They give you the run around and cant find your payments you make.
Good luck all.

[sammytki]

Maria,
I've faxed the President and Senator Webb. I also faxed my Congressman. Congressman's staff was on the case right away, but they couldn't get anywhere either.

i hadn't thought about Oprah - if anyone can do it - she can.

i'm faxing her today.

[2luvher Pourd Seabee Wife]

cheif e whatever we have to pay for with our benifit money we do what we have to im sorry but not all of us are in it for the long hall some of us got in to go to college in the first place .

[Maria]

Write the President! Write your Senator! Write Oprah!

If they are that backed up, they need to hire more people. We can all sit around here and complain to each other, or we can contact the people that have the power. I already have.

I'm in the same boat as a lot of you. No money. Already started school. Rent to pay. Bills backing up. 8 month old at home.

Do something! Start sending emails. Someone has to listen eventually.

[Matt]

Gennaro, I too did my budgeting based on my wifes salary and the GI Bill.I knew that I could make it through school without getting in to debt. Now that all this has happened, I am going to be late on my mortgage for the first time ever. My mortgage company is certainly not going to be "patient" with me. I too have thought about quiting school as well. With four kids working and school is not possible. We are left with hard decisions to make. Good luck to you

[Gennaro]

I was just discharged from the army from a 5 year enlistment and am now persuing my long time goal of getting an education. I applied for my benifits in late july as well, and it is almost 4 weeks into the school semester. I am now a full time student and have about $1200 in bills per month. I budgeted my exspenses based on the timeline that the VA had promised. I am now about to go into collections because I cannot afford to pay my bills. So its either continue going to school and go into collections with credit cards companys, my truck that is 2 months behind in payment and hope that I get payed in time before im out on my butt.. Or.... quit school and go to work so I can pay my bills and save my credit and have a place to live. HOW PATIENT DOES THE VA EXSPECT MY LANDLORD, ORCHARD BANK, VERIZON, USAA, EDUCATIONAL CREDIT UNION, PROGRESS ENERGY,HERNADO COUNTY UTILITIES, EXCHANGE CREDIT PROGRAM, CITY FINANCIAL, ANYTIME FITNESS and OAK HILL HOSPITOL to be?????????

[Major Payne]

I am a veteran awaiting funds from the VA because I decided to go back to school while I worked. But, I have recently been let go from my job. It would have been nice to fall back on these benefits as a veteran and say that the sacrifice made for my country paid off "literally". But, I will say that I am just grateful that I am able to receive this money. I am grateful that its available for us.

[Matt]

I think Chief E is used to taking it in the rear. No wonder he isn't complaining. He likes it.

[Mario Rodriquez]

I don't want to make light of all the horror stories of how the VA is so horrible to everyone, but I have a good story to share. I applied online and by mail on the very first day applications were being accepted. I received a letter in the mail from the VA saying my application was being processed. I received my letter of eligibility approximately 6 weeks later. I have started school in September and have not applied for the housing stipend yet. I imagine that if I don't get it within a few days it won't matter much. I have a job and as long as I eventually receive the money no harm, no foul.

One last comment I want to make. All of us veterans know how the VA works. There are some very decent humans, some of them veterans themselves, who are working to take care of us. Have a little patience and realize that things take time. Remember the rules about prior planning and become a little more proactive in your relationship with the VA, not reactive. I retired in July of 2008 and so far my experiences with the VA have been commendable. I want to thank the Bay Pines VA Hospital, the VA educational benefits office in Atlanta, and the Winston Salem VA office for making my experiences pleasant.

[Phillip W. Dugan aka Good1]

I am pretty frustrated about this whole situation as well. The VA Benefits department is always taking a long time to process claims and payout benefits. I thought they would send us veterans our funds in late August as well, but they haven't fulfilled that promise either. It bewilders me that they would even say that the benefits takes effect Aug. 1, 2009, when it still hasn't even been very effective at assisting veterans further their education. They should have started processing claims and accepting paperwork long before the semester began, because I'm certain they knew this would happen just by reviewing how slowly they handled/processed claims in the past. Better yet, I shall speak on what they should do, not should have (past tense) done...they should stop being so greedy and pay more individuals to process these claims to expedite the process. WE WANT OUR MONEY!!!

[John]

Chief E, You don't understnad what this is for. It gives the men and women who gave up 4+ years of their life a chance to get noticed. Corporations say they want leaders and all they care about is a degree. I say crawl bck in the porthole you came out of, no one asked for your input Chief.

[Kenwin Jones]

I enrolled in college back in the beginning of July. I havent recieved book stipends, or BAH, but the VA has paid the school tuition fees. Ive paid out of pocket for all of my books. Just be patient everybody!! Maybe Oct 1 will be pay day!

[Chief E]

What really bothers me is that everyone is expecting the BAH to pay for not working. Money isn't free. I understand you served your country, but don't use this program as a way to pay for anything else except your education. What really upsets me is that everyone who is complaining, probably complained during there whole time in the service.

[Jeramiah Joy]

I received a partial on the book stipend, my school verified my enrollment, and I am waiting on the BAH and was told I would receive it at the end of the month. This is a new program, and the VA is receiving an unprecedented amount of applications, all I can say is try to be patient and a little more understanding.

[John Cameron]

I applied for the Post 9/11 GIBILL in early June, I recieved my Certificate of Eligibility just about 5 weeks exactly afterwards, and that is what i was promised but I have also been getting mixed answers of when i will recieve the BAH part, first I was told 2-4 weeks, I call the second week and was told 4-6 weeks, i called the 4th week then was told 6-8 weeks, I also haven't even recieved the book stipend so i had to pay that portion out of pocket, this is getting rediculous but I do have faith in the VA, they are trying, they have a very busy job trying to take care of us and I cannot complain, then again I still do...Anyways it all takes time, patience, and hope...Good luck to you all

[Dan Terry]

Hello Comrades, in the same boat. Paid up front approx $1000.00 for school, books and supplies as required by the school. I call daily to check in to certify and I am not in the system. Pending process.Losing job hours and funds. As we old timers say; FUBAR.

Dan