VA Seeking Assistance of Nation’s Banks in Cashing Emergency Education Payments for Veteran-Students
So far the biggest glitch in the VA GI Bill Emergency Payment process is that several veterans are finding it hard to cash their GI Bill advance payment checks. In some cases it was a matter of bank policy to hold funds until the check clears. This is further complicated because the checks are handwritten US Bank checks which may have seemed odd to the banks.
At any rate the VA is asking banks to help. In addition the VA is offering a toll-free number for banks to verify the authenticity of the checks.
See the VA's official letter below:
From VA – The Department of Veterans Affairs is issuing advance educational benefit payments to Veteran-students in the form of US Bank business checks. These emergency checks are issued in amounts not to exceed $3,000 for Veteran-students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their VA payment. VA's 57 regional offices began issuing these checks to eligible Veteran-students across the country on Friday, October 2, 2009.
VA is soliciting the support of local and national banks to honor and cash these emergency checks written to our Nation's Veteran-students.
In many cases these checks are handwritten and could pose concerns of fraud from banks. Therefore, VA has established the following special customer service call-in numbers for banks to verify the validity of any US Bank check brought to them by a Veteran.
1-800-827-2166
Banks calling these numbers will be connected directly to a VA employee who can access to all necessary information to verify who the check was issued to, the check number and dollar amount of the check, and whether the check was previously cashed or not.
And the hits just keep coming. I believe Shinseki should be fired for this crap. He has completely left veterans out to dry. If you knew at all what he was doing he would have hired more people with some of those stupid "stimulus dollars". At least that way the money would have been spent on something useful. This advanced payment idea is another stupid idea. This is taking manpower away from those people that should be working on the actual paypents. I still can't believe there are idiots out there that want the government in charge of health care.
Tell it like it is Rob. Now the VA is saying 12 to 16 weeks to proces some claims !
The most interesing question behind this entire mess is what caused this delay of the educational benefit checks. For a vet in school it is critical to get this money promptly I can imagine that the administration does not have the vet's back. This is a disgrace! The second question is who is in charge and the answer is obviously no one.
i think they should of processed this paper work earlier like around jun 1, 2009 instead of august 1st.
and i believe this cash advance is a distraction to get the real job done.. like getting this claim process. i mean we are Vets that did our time and service like they told us to.. and now they just wanna jam us up and leave us in a bind.. it dont make sense.. VA need to get off the ass and work over time if have to.. get this claims process. come on now…… if they call us vets up from IRR our paper work would be filled out early before we get the called saying we were activated.
VA need to do more and helps us out. on real talk…………
There should be a long line of people in tthe VA fired for just cause. This means no pension and no other benefits for these clowns!
I'm in this predicament along with the others. I started school 1 Sept and haven't seen anything yet. I filed for the emergency funds and awaiting for this check. I suppose I am getting it, all though I have not received any feedback from the VA in regards that they even got my info from the online request.
Along with all this, I keep getting sent a bill from the school as they are awaiting their payment as well. It just saddens me that we ALWAYS have to go through some kind of "delays" for whatever it may be when it comes to vet benefits.
I think the saddest part is the VA education counselors aren't telling anyone about this. I have spoken to the 4 times in the last month about getting my money and all I get is it's going to take 4-6 weeks to process and then you will get your money. My wife (Works for the military department of the State)had to tell me about the emergency funds….WTF!!!!!!!
Not to mention we have this to look forward to each and every quarter. Hell I can't even get a good answer if I will get all the funds in one check (that goes to the school) or if just the tuition goes to the school, and the BAH comes to me (well you may get one or you may get 4, we don't know).
I have not received my benefits and I have been going to school full time since August 1, 2009. But I will appreciate my benefits when I do finally receive them. Of course I did 20 years and got my bachelor's degree for free using TA funds.
I got the emergency payment on Friday Oct 2. The guy wrote out the check on a table cloth. It looked like my five year old son had wrote the check! I went to my bank (Wachovia) and they told me it would take 7 days to clear. With a deer in the head lights look I asked them if she (the teller) ever heard of the post 9/11 GI bill. She of course said no so I then asked for a manager and explained that this was an emergency relief payment. She then proceeded to give me the policy is policy speech. I left the bank threatening to close my account(I dont think they would of cared, isnt any money in there any way). I went to 4 other check cashing places. I finnally found one who would cash this poorly hand written check. I waited for almost an hour for them to verify it because they said that they have had over 20 people walk in with hese checks on that day. So I waited patiently of course(what other option did I have at this point. Finnally the teller calls me and tells me he can cash the check but it going to cost me $138.00. I almost hit the floor. Being the only place in Florida to cash these checks was a very profitable day for this business. I understand that this is a business but WTF. They completley took advantage of us simply because they knew we were in desperate need of help. The name of this establishment was Money Corner and I believe is deserving of a good old fashioned boycott. As far as the VA giving the heads up to banks about these poorly hand written checks, They were a day late and $138.00 short.
Matt,
You do know you won't recieve any more money until the 3,000 is recoupped right ?
The irony of the situation is such that, there are people waiting to receive their money… In return the VA is providing these emergency funds… THE VA HAS TO VERIFY YOU ARE ENROLLED TO GET THESE FUNDS… why are they unable to verify our initial VA Benifits claim and send us our true checks… seems kinda redundant… UGH one thing after another!
The new GI Bill is intended to pay the cost of tuition and fees of eligible persons. The amounts payable are capped by the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate and the highest in-state undergraduate fee rate. A person's eligibility rate (based on length of active service) also determines the maximum amount payable. VA currently assesses the tuition and fees as separate amounts. For example, if one's tuition is charged at a rate of $60/credit for 12 credits, the VA will pay only $60/credit. Additionally, if that student is charged $700 in fees, VA will pay only $700. That totals $1,420 in VA payments, which covers 100% of that student's education costs. Now consider the cost of education at an independent institution. Let's arbitrarily say a veteran enrolled in 12 credits is charged $10,000 in tuition and $250 in fees. Since the maximum rate for tuition is $60/credit, VA will pay $720 in tuition and $250 in fees, for a grand total of $970.
My opinion is that Public Law 110-252, Title V, sets a higher payment rate. Section 3313(c)(1)(A), Section 3317, and Section 3313(h) outline the basis of my position. I believe that the new GI Bill was intended to pay, either, the actual cost OR the maximum payment allowable. In fact, that's what the legislation says. If that were the case, then let's say a state's most expensive program amounts to $15,000 in tuition and fees. A 100%-eligible veteran who's charged $3,500 in tuition and fees would be totally covered under the new GI Bill. But, a veteran who's charged $20,000 in tuition and fees would be covered up to around $15,000 in VA payments. This payment method is what VA originally communicated to veterans advocacy groups and the academic community after the bill was passed.
–Don't Tolerate This Separation of Tuition and Fees B.S.
Go to the Q&A section on http://www.gibill.va.gov, and look up Answer IDs 927 and 932. In those examples, VA does not separate tuition and fees, but treats the actual costs as one amount. Instead, VA now looks at the maximum tuition, and pays up to that amount. Going to Harvard? Where your tuition might cost you $18K per semester? Well, you're only going to get $330/credit, so enroll in 12 credits that's only $3,960. Fees are minimal, usually around $1,500 or so. So in total, VA will only pay you $5,460 for a $18K bill! But, if they didn't muck up the interpretation of the law, you'd actually get around $17K+ from the VA.
Wake up, veterans! Read the legislation. Know your rights and know what you're supposed to have earned! Here's a link: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cg…. This knowledge is power, and we can have our benefits restored to what Congress originally intended.
Section 3313(c)(1)(A) states: "An amount equal to the established charges for the program of education, except that the amount payable under this subparagraph may not exceed the maximum amount of established charges regularly charged in-State students for full-time pursuit of approved programs of education for undergraduates by the public institution of higher education offering approved programs of education for undergraduates in the State in which the individual is enrolled that has the highest rate of regularly-charged established charges for such programs of education among all public institutions of higher education in such State offering such programs of education."
What that translates to is, "You're state's most expensive program by established charges is $10,000 (tuition and fees). Veteran #1 is charged $3,500, so VA will pay him $3,500. But if veteran #2 goes to an expensive private school and is charged $18,000, the VA is supposed to pay $10,000, i.e. "except that the amount payable under this subparagraph may not exceed the maximum amount of established charges". Instead VA is paying UP TO the highest tuition, and UP TO the highest fees. Well, FYI, most states have low tuition and high fees, so if VA is only paying UP TO the state's tuition cap, that doesn't add up to much.
So I just spoke with the VA once again and they informed me they still don't know how they are going to recoupe the money if you took an advance payment. Given that if it's possible to wait, vets, please do so.
Its the same dance every single month, every single month, whether it may be the school or the VA, like really does it really take that long? Figures after you decide to get out they treat you like crap, F'em, F the schools, F the utilities for cutting off my lights, F Pacific Marine esp(for not giving me a signiture loan due to me not being active duty), and F the corps for their grudge of me getting out and treating like crap for it, F u motivators, i may be hungry and poor but im not in the crazy games anymore!
Received my 3K in the mail today. Good old standard US Treasury check, so should clear quickly.
If you could have waited to take the emergency payment you should have, because in the end it's going to bite upi in the ass.
With that phone number they give for the banks to call, I just wonder how long the bank has to wait to get a person to talk too…10 minutes?, 50? I don't think the bank will stand for that. As for how the VA recoups the emergency funds, it should be easy, they just won't send any more money until the month you go over the $3000. If it isn't that easy, who cares? They will get the money back in, say, 3-6 months…just like they treat us.
Exactly Rob I did the math and it was more benefical for me to wait. I did the math to figured out what I was owed and it was over 3,000. There some folks who don't even qualify for the 3,000 payment yet the VA still gave it to them.
One thing that is not mentioned (at least I didn't see it) is that those who are transferring benefits to a child (mine is currently enrolled in school) are not eligible for this emergency payment.
I went to my regional VA administration center on the second. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes and my bank had no problem cashing the check and giving me my money that day. Don't blame the VA folks if your bank is the one screwing you.
I have been in school since august 1st. My paperwork as far as I know hasn't even been touched yet. And this emergency check came to late to help me afford gas to get to and from school and I have failed a course because of it. Now when they do finally get my stuff together and start my benifits I am going to have to either pay back for the course I failed or wont receive any money at all. The closest school around me that offered what i was looking for was 52 miles away, and yes i should of planned better and should of planned for a delay, but not this long of a delay and now I dont know how screwed up my benifits will be bacause of this failed class for lack of participation. Of course I think the school is partially to blame because I told them about my situation and they reassured me that it wouldnt affect my grade, well it did.
RE:The irony of the situation is such that, there are people waiting to receive their money… In return the VA is providing these emergency funds… THE VA HAS TO VERIFY YOU ARE ENROLLED TO GET THESE FUNDS… why are they unable to verify our initial VA Benifits claim and send us our true checks… seems kinda redundant… UGH one thing after another!
Not true. I am not enrolled in school, have not received my letter, by received my 3g check. Funny thing is I dont really need it, but I figured that if Obama is stroking checks why not try. Bam… 3g's of the governments money working for me.
I'm an old dog got in the 60's and when I tried to use my GI Bill the school tried to hit me with a non-resident fee. However upon discharge and being a vet I had the right to claim residentsy in any state with no waiting. I don't know if that law is still in affect but if it is it could save you a lot of money. You young guys should look into it. I see the powers that be have not change. Good luck.
Frank
How can I get a VA loan for school in Guam
I applied for the GI Bill benefits back in may, I called and called, they said 6 weeks from July 16th! Then I called 5 more times, got told that it should be here any day now, that was sept, 1st! It is now fricken October and soo many of us are waiting for payment. Are they even going to back pay? Also, I'm just now hearing about this ER GI Bill payment. What is the point? If they just pay us in the first place there wouldn't be a need for this. Lesave it to the VA to screw with us after all we have done in service.
This doesnt supprise me I medical retired form the marines from 1973 and that damn va has allways tryed to get me kicked off. Ever sence the va became a cabbent of the goverment they dont car about the vets of any time or place
I don't see a problem. Waiting for a check to clear is standard banking practice. Why should you/we expect otherwise. Plan ahead for the whopping two-day waiting period and get over yourselves, and stop acting like a a bunch of entitlement minded liberals.
The certifying official of my school sent the vet students' Fall semester status to the VA back in June and it's still not showing up at the VA website as being processed. Is there really that many more people using the GI Bill this year for it to take so long? When I first started using the GI Bill last year, it took less than two weeks for my benefit status to be processed. Luckily, I have the means to get by right now but so many people are really screwed over because of this.
I applied for these emergency funds on the 2nd and I have not received a check at all. My school has been verified with VA since 22 Sept. I have no funds in my account and no paper check so I'm not sure what VA is doin but I do know they are giving people the run around because that's all I get when I call there.
So, my husband was using his MGIB chapter 30 benefits up unitil Auguts when it was advised to him that it would be better to switch over. So, we switched all his paperwork online back when the first day of applying for the Post 9/11 benefits was available. He has been in school since July 2008 and not missed a single day. He has still not recieved any payments (took us 2 1/2 months to get July's money) and then the stinking VA processed him like he was still under the Chapter 30. He has called and called for 2 1/2 months only to find out 2 weeks ago that his paperwork for the Post 9/11 was "over looked somehow". I would like the VA to explain to my landlord, the electric company, the insurance folks as well as my car payment people why they have not been paid in 4 months…. We had to go to the Red Cross for emergencey funds under the BRAVE fund since he's a disabled VET. I am still using my benefits and switched over to the Post 9/11 from the Chapter 30 program and have decided to just "hurray up and wait" like the military has been so fond of having us do…GRRRRRRRRR Whats up VA??? There are people who need jobs…hire some people and process the paperwork for goodness sakes…..Oh yeah..and what bugs me the most is you can never get a straight answer out of anyone when you call…and your lucky if someone actually has an idea of helping you.
I happen to be a vet who had a problem cashing my check… funny thing is, I work for the VA in the education office. I would like to explain why it is taking so long to process these benefits. First our office alone received over 70,000 applications in less than a month and we have just about 200 people to work them. Secondly, it is a new benefit and the regulations and training did not get done until… well we are still learning how to process them becuase they are very different. The old benefits could be done in about 15 min this one is taking over an hour per claim. The programs to run this program are still not finished and so if you add/dropped changed anything after your claim was started it has to be on hold until the 3rd phase of the benefit is completed. Unfort for all, the politicians started this benefit before the VA was ready to implement it. We understand the frusteration, I am a full time student waiting for my benenfits too… we just ask you to please wait alittle longer, we are working on hiring more and contracting out work to make it happen faster. One thing you can do to help, is make sure your paperwork does not change. Dont drop/add classes and make sure the school certs with the full time credit requirement in the remarks block. For example if you are a grad student taking 6 credit hours and the school has a full time credit hour for grad of 9 just have them note that in the remarks. Our new program requires that information and we spend hours calling schools and leaving messages to get that information. Other than that, thank you all for your service and from one veteran to another… I promise to continue busting my rump to get you your money. God bless you all
My Island of american Samoa was hit and damaged by hte Tsunami, my village Leone was big time demolished by huge waves, and my house was soaked by water and thick mud still inside, waiting for FEMA.
Can I get some releive help here.
Thank You.
I would like to know which bank only has a 2 day hold on checks, every bank I have talked to it is a minumum 5-10 day hold on all checks whether they are government or not. Also, I do understand frustration my paperwork was approved in July and I still have not seen any money whatsoever. I do understand that VA officials may not have had much training since it is new, but come on everyone has known this program was going into effect for at least a year before it did so people could have been hired and trained and maybe even taught how to be sympathetic to vets, cause even that is still hit and miss on how we are treated by Va personnel. but thats just my opinion
It worked great and efficiently for me. The Portland office has it streamlined. Got my check in less than an hour. Cashed my check after 2 hour waiting period. Good job on Portlands part.
I just got my summer school funds and it was the chapter 30 funds, which I am staying on. So I am guessing, by time they get my fall stuff squared away, it will be February. Seems like the VA needs to hire some more vets and help this poor economy back. I told them I would work for free just for the experience and to get people their money quicker. However, I have two notes to post, I called many times after my 6 week waiting period, and I often heard the VA staff in the background laughing, I felt it was rude, as I lost my car to a repossession and lost my phone as well. So now I am relying on friends to get me back and forth to school, this was my only income. I think they really screwed alot of vets over with this whole poor choice of timing.
I have just over $3,000 in tools, books, and supplies that I have to have for my classes and I still haven't recieved anything yet. My vet rep at the college didnt tell me about this er relief check, another student told me about it. The whole process is a goat F***
I CAN TELL YOU WHY THAT YOUR BENEFITS ARE NOT COMING THROUGH! THE GUY THAT IS CHARGE OF THIS ONCE PROUD COUNTRY ABSOLUTELY COULD NOT GIVE A FLYING FART ABOUT YOUR SITUATION! HE ALREADY SAID BEFORE HE WAS ELECTED, THAT WE WANTED HIS PERSONAL ARMY, EQUALLY EQUIPPED AND AND EQUAL IN SIZE AS OUR MILITARY!!!! I DO LISTEN! TIME TO WAKE UP! WOULD HITLER COME TO MIND!
I got my check within 4 days after I applied for it. It was a US Treasury check and had no problem cashing it at BOA
I understand everyone’s frustration, however did some of you lose your professionalism when you left the military. I am shocked by some of the comments that I have read. This is a new benefit that is going to have problems in the early stages that will eventually get worked out. I also started back up with my Masters program in August, and so far I have only paid for my book. I believe the majority of us can stand to wait a little longer for the VA to give us this wonderful benefit that we didn’t have a year ago! Let’s not get greedy.
WHERE’S MY FREAKIN MONEY !!! I HATE WAITING AROUND. I DID MY TIME AND I WANT IT NOW !!! NOTHIN BUT A BUNCH OF TURDS !!!
I too am surprised to see such childish comments. First of all, realize how lucky you all are to have this benefit in the first place. Second, be patient! It’s a brand new program and it needs time to work through growing pains. If you weren’t prepared for difficulties and didn’t have a back up plan, shame on you! Lastly, throwing around F bombs at everyone who is trying to help you isn’t going to get you anywhere.
Thanks again, Mr. Shinseki another program gone bad because of poor planning and fore sight. The idea was good but short in hitting the mark. This happens when you appoint someone who know very little on how the VA operates. Remember, Mr Shinseki has to date failed to address healthcare issues among veterans, rather the poor heathcare that some networks are getting away with. Hopefully, he will ask someone to knows about all the problems, maybe even a real veteran who has gone through it. Remember the check is in the mail. If you continue to have problems call the DVA in DC and ask to talk to Mr. Shinseki. Oh yes,good luck. He might out giving money to cemeteries or giving money away for more programs that will never see light. From a combat Vietnam veteran, welcome home.
Sounds to me that most people are only going to college to just receive the money. Anybody going to receive an education? I read one comment and the guy is blaming the delay of his benefits for failing a course. Give me a break. It is obviously that person was not ready for college and probably should have stayed in the military. I hope that most students will get out and be serious students and not just go to school to receive easy money. College is not easy and takes a lot of work. Good luck to all with college and school. My bachelor’s degree was paid for while in. One last thing. It is funny how a lot of people got out to get a free education, but some of these veterans never once used Tuition Assistance while on active duty. Your education was free while in and you got paid from your job in the military. Irony at its best.
I understand everyone’s frustration with the VA…they are pretty notorious for taking their time and throwing up red tape and roadblocks. On the other hand, I don’t see how everyone’s life is so destroyed after not receiving tuition payments. I’ve read all the comments and it sounds like the majority of the commentators are seriously financially affected. Perhaps everybody was expecting to live off the Post 9-11 GI Bill and not look toward any other means of income? If you were one of these people and now find yourself angry at the VA and unable to afford even the gas to get to school, maybe you should have saved money and work to earn money. Too many soldiers rely on government support after their time in the service is up, whether due to laziness and lack of direction, or due to poor planning. Another thing, many schools (including mine) do a military hold on tuition, where they will not charge you or drop you as long as you notify them of your veteran or military status.
I would think the 7 Ps apply here. Another VA failure.
I find it hard to believe some of the people leaving comments here are really in college. Not so much the spelling. I’m a horrible speller my self. The grammar though is awful! To the issue at hand.
The Milwaukee regional office really had their stuff together. It took about 20 minutes from the time I walked in the door to have my check. I got 1500. 5 for books and 1 for that first month. Sure hope everything is straightened out by November but if not I’ll get by somehow. Always seem to.
I am a vet that DEPENDS completely on this money to pay for the food in my household. I have a 11 month old son that I have to feed before me. I cannot get a job because if I did it would just be to pay for daycare.I wish I could get a job to support my family, but when weighing everything out it wouldn't even out. So like I said I completely rely on this money to feed my family. I have been calling and emailing my VA for MONTHS now trying to get my money. No one told me about the e-fund, I had to find it myself! Why didn't the VA tell me about this when I called them a thousand times??? I have the most stressful time waiting for this money. My school hasn't even been paid for yet! I have NO income right now! The VA knew that there was going to be an influx with the amount of people transferring over to the new GI bill, so why didn't they get a head start and process stuff a little earlier? And why are there some vets going to the SAME school that I am that have ALREADY received their money and I have not? I did not have this type of issue with the Montgomery GI bill, but now it seems as though I have slipped through the cracks! I applied for the E-fund check a while ago and I have yet to see the check! If I don't get my money by Monday I will be contacting my congressman! I hope others are doing the same!
Came on Vets!!. You are not showing the tittle of VETS. You just showing ignorance. You guys should be happy for getting this new benefits, How would you feel if the VA take this benefit away from us???. Be patient, and if you need extra money, applied for the “Veteran Work Study Program” at any Va Facility or Vet Center, It is a fast process. Also, Don’t forget if you just got out of the military you are guarantee Unemployment benefits.
I, myself still waiting for this benefits to continue with graduate school. Let’s be patient!!!
wattt does that mean.. I was in the air force forgive me. please explain
I am mad that there are issues. I agree with some of the posts. You should have money saved. All that combat pay (lol) you should be able to pay you dues and have the money repaid. I had some delays but everything was taken care of before it became an issue. Although I finally did get to purchase my last books.
After reading these comments I am very concerned that the VA has progressed very little in the past ten years. If the VA has not enough employees to accomplish this task, let us (the American Veterans) take the blame. We, as a unit of retired veterans collectively, are the largest voting body in the United States. We fought for this country and our people and our way of life. We can (as a voting unit) totally control our country by contacting our Political Representatives and voicing our concerns to them. Contact your local VA Rep. Let us band together and start utilizing our political system to OUR Benefit. One soldier standing alone is one soldier. Together We are the VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES of AMERICA. You have all made your points on this web page, do not stop now. Send your concerns to your congressman, and the President. Keep it professional and do not let your emotions overcome your point of view.
I am one of the VETs that has been effected by the delays in this program. Luckily, I do have a job and do not depend on the my GI Bill money to survive and my school has been very patient about waiting on their money. However, the fact that I applied in May once we were told we could apply and as of today, Oct 9th my claim has still not been processed is crazy. I have been very deligent about following up on my application and this is what I discovered: 1) My application was filed via VONAPP on May 12,
2) While checking on my application status in June I learned that my DD-214 had been received but not my application. My DD-214 was attached to my application when I submitted it electronically via VONAPP so how did they end up with the attachement but not the application??? I resent the application with the original confirmation receipt and was told it would be associtated with my file and processed as soon as possible.
3) July rolls around and still no Certificate of Eligibility (COE) showing my benefits from the VA so again I check to see what the hold up is. Well apparently my application shows as not being received until July 7 ( sent in May and re-sent in June) and it is going to take 4 to 6 weeks to process!! But if my school will go ahead and verify enrollment my claim will be processed according to the VA rep.
4) Aug 4 my school verifies me online while I am sitting there but when I call in Sep to see where my claim is at VA says my school verification was not received until Aug 18th!!!
5) So last week I call to check again and I am told that I am only at the 6 week point and that Buffalo is very far behind so it may take another 4-6 weeks for my calim to be processed!!!
I am fairly patient but this is ridiculous and shows that the majority of delays with my claim were caused by people not doing there jobs correctly. Missing paperwork, delays in filing paperwork etc..
For Manual: I am not sure where you are or what your experience with the VA is but I can tell you that Before the Post 9/11 GI Bill even though I have a 70% disability rating and am unable to physically do the job I did for the military any longer when I applied to the VA for education benefits to retrain the counselor basically told me I didn’t need the program because I had a job. And as far as unemployment benefits go, here in Vigrinia military retirees can not get unemployemnt because our retired pay is more than you can make and still be eligibale for unemployment benefits.
I agree that many of the people that are complaining should be working or doing what they can to make ends meet until their GI Bill money comes in BUT the fact is they were promised a certain amount of money per month for taking a specific amount of credits and if that is enough for them to live on I can see why many of them choose to concentrate on school without the added stress of working. I am sure that no-one expected the delays to be THIS bad.
I bank with USAA, I deposited my hand written check, online with their at home deposits, and my funds was in my account immediately. They did not hold one dime.
Yes another messed up government program! Most Americans want so sort of health care program! I won’t be using this till late 2010 or 2011 maybe by then they will have wasted tons of tax payer cash to get this program working well.
Just wanted to voice my piece on this issue. I will be using the new gi bill next semester and I know I will probably run into trouble judging by all the comments here. I don’t understand how this country can use these benefits to get us in the military and then when it comes time to pay up just give us the run around. You should have made sure the program will work before you start it these are peoples lives that are being screwed with. and good solid american patriots not welfare sucking scum. I hate the fact that illegal immigrants are getting free health care and welfare and we as veterans can’t even get the money we were promised from the start. Wake up america or else you will have alot of pissed off vets who can shoot straight to worry about.
I get tired of all the complaining about government programs this GI bill exceeds any ever to liberal if you ask me, and i have been in 13 years. I have already been able to transfer my benefits to my dependents and they are using. So it requires a little work and waiting. Take your welfare check and be quiet. Our forefathers gave more and got a lot less remember that.
I think this program has been workoing fine, even though I have not received my funds yet they did pay the school’s tuition. I went and got the advanced check yesterday and have the cash in hand today. The only bad part is I had to drive 4 hours to get to a Regional VA post. Just be patient and all will work out.
I have yet to recieve funds or have the school’s tution paid.
I have waited over six months for my payments for my gi bill. I have been calling in every week and get someone telling me something differnet. They tell me that they are processing the claims for the veterans that are transfering their money over to their family member first then working on the the veterans that are going to school. I told the guy that they are the department of veterans affairs not the other way around. So i went above his head to MAJ Tammy Duckworth who is the head of the department of veternas affairs and got my check. It helps that you know someone like Tammy when you were in the same unit and same state.
I am deeply saddened and emotionally wounded that there are people who are having issues with this program. I too am a Veteran but I think as Veterans there is a certain amount of respect that we should display when communicating our issues. With anything (especially when it is new) there are pros and cons. THe system will work, we just have to exercise a little more patience. What ever happened to grace and mercy? No project, progam, or office is perfect. Each persons situation is different and I understand this may be a difficult time but please be patient and optimistic…things will get better.
I am a vet that DEPENDS completely on this money to pay for the food in my household. I have a 11 month old son that I have to feed before me. I cannot get a job because if I did it would just be to pay for daycare.I wish I could get a job to support my family, but when weighing everything out it wouldn’t even out. So like I said I completely rely on this money to feed my family. I have been calling and emailing my VA for MONTHS now trying to get my money. No one told me about the e-fund, I had to find it myself! Why didn’t the VA tell me about this when I called them a thousand times??? I have the most stressful time waiting for this money. My school hasn’t even been paid for yet! I have NO income right now! The VA knew that there was going to be an influx with the amount of people transferring over to the new GI bill, so why didn’t they get a head start and process stuff a little earlier? And why are there some vets going to the SAME school that I am that have ALREADY received their money and I have not? I did not have this type of issue with the Montgomery GI bill, but now it seems as though I have slipped through the cracks! I applied for the E-fund check a while ago and I have yet to see the check! If I don’t get my money by Monday I will be contacting my congressman! I hope others are doing the same!
I can tell you about the payments. A check for tuition and fees goes to the school. Another check for housing is issued going the the Veteran, and another check for books goes to the veteran. If you have a kicker, yet another check will be written for that and it will be a lump sum and go to the veteran. This is part of the problem with time, yet better for you becauses you dont then have to wait for the school to process the payments and give you your money. I hope that this helps you understand your entitlement.
I will answer whatever I can for you. I work processing these payments. If you ask a question on here, I will do my best to answer you. I am sorry that you are all so upset, I am a vet who is waiting for payment too and so is my school.. I do understand and am trying to help you. Check back later.
For those people complaining about not recieving their money i can only say this. When the new GI bill was put into effect, the people that waited to the last minute are now not recieving the money. I have recieved all my money that was owed to me because i did my paperwork in advance and had it submitted with enough time. the VA says to allow 6 weeks for payment due to the amount of accounts. Don’t complain now because your not responsible enough to get your paperwork done in a timely fashion
This is very SAD and interesting. I’m glad that I got an email regarding this, so all of you can also feel my pain. I have called twice, trying to be patient with when my money will be, at least, mailed out. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE AREN’T ENOUGH OFFICES TO HANDLE THESE SITUATIONS. THERE IS LIKE ONE OFFICE IN EACH CORNER OF THE US, DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE. What is ridiculous is that when I called two days ago, this lady helped me with my question, which was if they received my DD214 and remained cordial, but CUT ME OFF with the words, since you’re under the Buffalo office it’s going to take 12-15 weeks to process your information and when I tried to talk, she cut me off with the same words, like she was a scratched record. I couldn’t get a word in afterwards, cause I’m assuming she thought I was going to keep asking her where is my money. I got off the phone feeling HORRIBLE like I did something wrong. *shaking my head* This is a disgrace!
I completed the TEB for my son who started college August 31 of this year. I completed VA Form 22-1990E on-line and received confirmation on September 3. I have called VA numerous times but always the “busy signal” and drop off line. Can you give me an idea how long it is taking to receive eligibilty certification and for reimbursemnt to start to take place?
Well mr. smartthinker
Did you not read all the comments?
many of us applied at the first opportunity. I applied fot the new bill the first week of May.
I had already registered for the Fall semester. I did that in April.
I received my letter of eligibilty on 18 May. All paperwork went to my school certifying official soon after.
HE did not send it in til 20 August.
Registration for spring starts in a couple of weeks. I hope things are working smoothly by then.
Thankfully my school won’t drop me for lack of payment.
I received a emergency check on OCT.2. I went to US Bank. They called and verified the check. I had cash within 10 minutes. They will give you a letter with all of the information you need to verify the check. It does not take long at all.
I applied for the Post 9/11 GI Bill on July 13th. It took the VA 13 weeks to get my Letter of Certification to me. However, my girlfriend applied two weeks after me and she got her letter in 9 weeks. To those of you who are having problems receiving payment: You all know what it’s like dealing with Uncle Sam and he has never, ever, been on time. I know it’s easy to say but be a little patient, the VA is swamp!
Smartthinker,
You must not be on the east coast.
I’ve had nothing but a good experience with this entire 9/11 GI Bill process. I signed up for the program in May; then applied to school in July; received my letter of confirmation in early August; and returned to my school with the letter knowing I didn’t have to worry about paying the bill or setting up a payment plan. Yes, there was a delay in receiving the check, but the VA squared it away quickly and smoothly.
I read an article in the newspaper on Wed., received an email from my school on Thur., and had a check in my hand on Saturday. Not to mention, the staff at the Federal Building in Baltimore, MD, were the most helpful and professional people I’ve encountered in a long time. Kudos to the VA, their staff, and President Obama for at least trying to help a vet!
I paid my rent and brought a little food with that money.
Sad to say, but in order to get benefits we had to go through our elected representative. Each Senator or Congressman has a person in their office who handles Veterans’ affairs. Another good lead is through one of the organizations such as Amvets, DAV or VFW who have representatives familiar with the paperwork and process. Good luck!
Darrell,
This benefit is not like any other I know I keep saying that but we all understand that or should by now. The regulations pertaining to transfers did not come into place at the start of this benefit, infact it was just confirmed a couple months ago. Because of that there was allot of claims that were not completed correctly. We have to address everything that comes in, so it took allot of time addressing these. Now that the regulation is out and people are starting to fill them out correctly, we are moving through them much quicker. Our office has a team that works on them everyday of the week and we are making a huge dent in them. I understand your frusteration, and ask that you wait just awhile longer. Please understand that I cannot give you a good number (which would be mine) the numbers for the call center is the only numbers that are available. There are many people working the call center and please understand how busy they are. I would suggest calling very early and maybe you will get through. We have been doing system updates to assist us in processing more quickly, so that might be the reason for the dropped lines. Not to make excusses. I wish you a speedy process and I thank you for your patients and understanding. I hope this helps you in someway.
Thank you
This upsets me I knew that there would be a back up with the payments but I had no idea it would take this long I quit work to go to school for a little less money but not as much stress I am living off savings but it wont last much longer I filed for the E-fund on the 2nd and still waiting hopefully it will come soon all theese people with no jobs why cant the VA hire some vets to help process the payments or at least people who care
Wow! I am really shocked with the tone that some fellow vets are taking with each other. What exactly is a timely manner? How much time is it actually? If vets knew of a cutoff date that would make things easier. Saying that, many of us did submit our paperwork in a “timely manner” so whats to be said to that? If I owed VA do you think I could tell them to wait 4-6 weeks to receive their request, then 4-6 weeks to process the request, an additional 4-6 weeks to verify that they are in fact who they say they are, and finally 4-6 weeks for me to send them a payment? Don’t think so. And another thing, noone has the right to tell someone that they shouldn’t return to school just for the money. If they’ve earned these benefits, they are entitled to use them for whatever reason they see fit.
WTF happend to the 7 P's there VA???? and just like Land NAv, u plot,u check, then u double check sp u only walk once! guess its the same like our guns, the VA got the lowest bidder company, aka the crappiest one.FYI …if u in school u dont qual for unemployment, for whoever genious said it.
When’s the last time you have seen our government get it right???
PERSONAL THOUGHT: I am a vet of a 22-year Navy career and I am college educated; but, some times my grammar and spelling really sucks. My feeling is if that is all one can say, they are not contributing to the subject at hand. But, I would defend to my death to preserve your right to express it.
ramadan.alhamsi.218913699969
The POST 9/11 GI Bill is in fact an awesome benefit which the Government is providing its veterans. As patient as I have been and understanding, I never figured it would take as long as it has to receive the first payment.
I finished my classes earlier this week and have yet to receive a payment. It is odd that people in my class have received their first payment yet other including myself are still waiting.
I have read reports stating that processing agents are under mandatory overtime trying to reduce the backlog. I do not for one second blame the veterans who are applying for this benefit. The VA should have prepared for a large population to apply.
When accessing the education benefits page online, I consistently see between 2000 and 4000 benefits processed a day. This is unacceptable, when 277,000 claims are waiting to be process, according to VA statements. Considering that the VA hired an extra 700 plus employees to process the new claims for the POST 9/11 GI Bill. The education site also reports other education benefit claims processed. Which are always recorded at a higher rate than the 9/11. I thought most of those other benefits were automatically processed once the student verifies their enrollment?
I am troubled that the VA is reporting a glitch with the present system and pleading with banks to accept the handwritten checks. This is not the right option. Something tells me that down the line from receiving this one time benefit, will pose an added problem to the next set of payments.
I do consider myself lucky to be afforded this opportunity for my service, but the VA should have created a system that could handle large volumes of claims. I am lucky to be employed and going to school. I feel for those who stopped working to concentrate on school. I do not believe that people on here are being ignorant; everyone is just frustrated with the process and the long waiting time. As with any process in the beginning, it takes time, but there should be an amount of time, in which claims sit on a processors desk. The daily quota should be set much higher than what they process a day. There is no one being held accountable for this delay, they get paid every two weeks while others are still waiting two months, for promised benefits.
In response, the claims do not sit on a desk everything is automated. Therefore as we all know we can only work as fast as the systems provided to us. All claims have to be processed not just the Ch33 claims and they all require us to look at them, as people do have elig issues that change. Each Ch33 claim take about 1 hour to process which only allows us to work so many per day. If we were rushing through the claims, not taking our time and making mistakes that could cost veterans money, would that be better. We believe in quality and hope that quantatee follows somewhere close. I do understand the frustration, my school is waiting and so am I. My school work is getting harder to keep up with considering the demands from work to make sure that those of your depending on your money can get it. I would take all your names and do your claims myself if I could… without getting myself in trouble… although I still would more than likely. If you are in the eastern region that is becuase I can only access those claims. I couldnt do it anyways without your name and while I know none of you want your information out there like that… or do you? I cant tell you I will look you up, and try to help you faster… anyways. I will do what I can everyday to make sure that everyone is getting something coming their way. Thank you for your understanding. I must say that I agree there are things that could run better but there are some of us busting our butts and doing the right thing to help you. My break is over (but I wanted to address you if you had questions). Back to processing and I will check again before I leave tonight.
So what Veteran68 is saying is they believe in quality, not “quantatee.”
Also, don’t trust him or her. How do you know s/he doesn’t work for VA and is really trying to steal your SSN?
And, the claims process is NOT automated. The only thing that’s automated is applying online. Even paper applications are scanned into digital files, and then is piled into the rest of the stack with the online applications. From that point, they are all manually processed. That’s how it was when I visited the Buffalo RPO back in June 2008. That’s another red flag in my mind, so if any of you are thinking about your $$$, don’t try to contact this poser, or else this poser will steal your identity.
what do I have to do to get these emergency funds? I am using my dad’s gi bill to go to college and have not heard anything yet.
It’s already costing Veterans money! First, we wait for our eligibility letter, then we enroll, then the school certifies us. What is there left to verify? We submit forms to request a change of school or program. If everything is online, you might as well just leave it up to the veterans to submit their claims.
Surely, this is not your fault, just the process that was poorly established. I understand the meaning of quality, but right now, it should also be about “quantity.” If it takes about an hour to process, a claim that means you only complete eight a day. Overtime entails an extra one or two. In your opinion, what needs to be requested, to make this process more efficient?
Also, in what order does this automated system organize the next claim to be processed? I ask because people in the same school certified at the same time have different wait times in receiving payments.
Vigilant: First off your rediculous and should know your facts before you speak. I am an employee of the VA processing these applications. I am also a veteran- have 10 years of active duty and currenly in the reserves and am offended that you would question my integrity. I never asked for anyones SSN and would never so know your facts. I also have offered to assist by answering questions not processing anyones claim out of order. The claims all come in electronically or are scanned in. Either way they end up in our computer data base and the computer organizes them by the benefit that someone is applying for. Therefore when a priority is placed on a particular benefit we work from that electronic file. If your application does not say what you want then yes you will probably wait a little longer than you would normally. We do not have stacks of paperwork on our desks in fact it is reason to be let go if you do because of confidentiality rules. We dont want to make errors, so we follow the proceedures on all claims and do not cut corners. Would anyone be happy to receive a check for less than what they should get? becuase right now the system to make corrections is not even finished and therefore no one has been trained on them. The VA is not creating these systems they are civilian contract and we then use them. There are currently about 12 systems that we use to establish elig for 1 client. Yes it is time consuming and frusterating. Yes we would love to wave a wand and have them done so all veterans have what they are entitled to as soon as posible. But we cant. I have said it over and over I am frusterated too and understand everyone else who is. I just offered to give up my breaks and my lunch to help answer questions. Obviously the help is not wanted or trusted. Good luck to all of you and know that some of us do give a crap and are doing all we can and more. The VA is a federal organization and thus have to follow strick guidelines… once again, I am sorry for all who continue to wait.
lrb: Thank you for your question. The system is organized by which benefit you are asking for. Right now it take the longest to get the correct information. Schools are submitting the 1999 certifications without breaking up the tuition and fees. If you are in grad school the school is reporting full time/ half time etc. that used to be ok, but this new program requires us to input what the full time rate for your program is. It slows things down when we have to call schools to get this information and sometimes we wait days for a return phone call. The schools are learning this benefit too, so not blaming them. I have called veterans too and waited for return phone calls and that slows their application as well. Sometimes I see that it is not in the Veterans best interest to make the choice they are, so I call them to explain the benefit and make sure they understand they might get more money another way… to me this is servicing the veteran and I think that if it whoever is reading this is the person getting my call then you would be thankful I had your back, I could just process and not care about who I am processing for, but that is not me. I care about my fellow service people and want you all to get the max. If everyone submitting the applications took just 5 extra minutes and reviewed them it would help. It asks for banking information so that you dont have issues with checks and people dont provide them. Dependants are applying on the wrong forms as well. I am not placing blame anywhere, it is a new process that has bumps we need to work through. I hope this helps in some way. I am real and not here to hurt anyone.
Veteran68: “when a priority is placed on a particular benefit we work from that electronic file”. So how can I get a priority on my claim so that I can get paid by close of business? You can do mine, then go enjoy the holiday weekend, unless Buffalo’s got you tied down to your desk.
And I wasn’t saying that you had stacks of paperwork on your desks. Everything is digitized, but claims are processed manually, meaning people have to look at them.
And I suggest you don’t let your emotions get the best of you and reveal internal information just because you took these comments personally and felt you had to defend your employer. I was not aware that VA was having civilian contractors develop these computer systems. At least, that’s not what Keith Wilson told the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. Are you saying Education Services is spending money on something that we didn’t know about? Shouldn’t VA have had the foresight to know that changes need to be made sometimes? Why didn’t they plan for that ahead of time? I guess you do what you got to do. But geez, again this is stuff you don’t want to be posting as fodder for the media.
Anyways, stop checking these posts and get back to processing our claims. Why don’t I email Mr. Wilson and tell him one of his employees is not working and making VA look bad?
Joe Eshelman, yes you know the
government can get it right. They
got it right when you were selected
for Warrant Officer and kept you off the GRAND RAPIDS, didn’t they,
ha, ha. Think back 40 years ago.
Yes, our vets should not be having
this kind of problem but the whole
damm country is screwed up. Hand
in there you guys. It will improve.
replying to: Wow
You are so right. I can bey that almost 70%+ of the people complaining about this never used TA while on active duty. Everyone is always looking for a hand out. What I don’t see is people complaining about their school not being paid for. If you are going to school that’s the most important is making sure your tuition is paid for. I hate when people look for an easy way out of a situation. Everyone should have known that if all you had to do was be on Active Duty for less than 6 mo to recieve this benefit, everyone who either got out or whatever were going to apply for it. I for one am kind of mad because of the fact I actually paid the $100 a month for a year for the MGIB. So that now the people who were too cheap and didn’t even care about education can get this one for free. I laugh at all of you who complain about not getting any money, I say go get a job! Either that or stop your complaining. If you are getting things repoed you obviously were living outside of your means. Granted that you are getting money to go to school, it’s really not enough to live off of unless you are living with family or someone is taking care of you. Act like you got some sense and stop making my military look bad!!!
It is bullshit what is going on. I do understand that there are going to be problems and that the VA is short handed and that when this bill came out almost everyone and their mom applied for it. The one thing that pissess me off is that some of you that posted comments on here about being greedy needs to look in the mirror. Anyone and evryone that applied for this 911 was looking for extra money and if you say otherwise go punch your self in the face till you die. And especially all you that want to talk crap and collect that disability check every month for vaganitis might wanna re-think their words. What a lot of people do n ot understand is that there is nothing for jobs out there and the few places that do need people want experience in a certain profession or don’t want to pay crap. I work 6 days a week and pull at least 4- 12 hour shifts a week to make ends meet. It’s not that we are living outside the means of our money situation it’s that there is none to be made which is why we all opptted to go back to school for a degree. One more thing is, if the goverment knew they were going to come out with this plan than they should have preped a hell of a lot better for it. It’s not like this plan popped up in a memo one day and the next it was out there. I know I know it is the GOV.
I am not at work, I am sorry that I am not processing claims right now. I was just following the posts while waiting to see my doctor. I am recovering from cancer and being on line with fellow veterans was helping to make the time pass while I was waiting for treatment. I am sorry if I offended anyone, that was not my intention. I was only trying to help. I will be working sat and sun to process your claims however…. have a wonderful weekend and god bless. I wont bother you again and I truly am sorry.
Vigilant: Anybody told you lately that you are a butt head?
I would like to say thank you to Veteran68 who is not only a citizen twice but thrice: serving 10 yrs active duty, now in the reserves and working for the VA. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! After reading most of these posts I’m appalled at the Veterans who are ungrateful for to the VA and the people who work there… you’re blaming the VA for your own short-sightedness. This is my first time dealing with the VA but EVERYONE knows that when a new program/process rolls out there are always (let me reiterate ALWAYS!) glitches. Yes, the VA should have figured there would be a huge response to the Post 9/11 GI bill but I’m not convinced they could have figured on the enormous response.
Please remember that in government, as well as in the corporate world, there are 10 people doing the jobs where once there were 30 thanks to down-sizing, right-sizing, or whatever they’re calling it today.
(I would also like to give the Hampton VA Medical Center a huge kudos for their professional, courteous people. You have far exceeded my expectations!)
Again, thank you Veteran68 (I pray that you will beat the cancer you are dealing with now) and thank you VA.
Its funny all of those people saying ” oh its your fault if you dont have money and didmnt prepare yourself” newsflash… i did!! but its gone! and…duh! there aint no jobs!! and we can drop all the F bombs we want, we earned that rigth when we step into those yellow foot prints and miscellanous…and dont come back saying there is jobs, or if you do it, how about regering all of us having difficulties!
WTF happend to the 7 P’s there VA???? and just like Land NAv, u plot,u check, then u double check sp u only walk once! guess its the same like our guns, the VA got the lowest bidder company, aka the crappiest one.FYI …if u in school u dont qual for unemployment, for whoever genious said it.
For Rodney Bowers of USS BEXAR APA-237 and COSRON 1 (The Check Mate Squadron) fame…
Nope, they didn’t get it right lol, that’s why I retired as a MASTER CHIEF BOATSWAIN’S MATE.
You are right shipmate the gov does have the ability to get it right but I just don’t think they remember how any more. They need to take themselves back to that point where were they could say, as I always said, “I have been doin’ it right so long I forgot how to do it wrong.”
__________________________________
Don’t worry VETS, your collective voice will be heard and you will receive what you have so rightfully earned.
In your support,
joe e
the should let the VA be managed by Marine DI’s…no way they would F-up like this…never again.
I understand the delay but holy Christ if that stupid benefits number just hangs up on me one MORE time I will be visiting the VA for mental health benefits. I only want to make sure I turned in all the necessary paperwork.
college is not cheap and a lot of vets serve for there education. that being said the va,s job is to take care of vets SO DO YOUR JOBS. somthing like this would never happen in the military. and to the va emplyees that r posting here your job is to help us with our needs. so stop posting because you dont belong here unless you served. you have no idea what risks some of us have had to take .
If you had 30 years of fighting the va you would know its a dog shaking its flees. That is the opportunity to keep some from thier payments for a while gives them more time with the money. The other is to shake some so bad they just give up and go it alone. This is the same for health care. Mental health is best at keeping you away from help you need.
I understand that there are vets posting on here that may be in a financial bind. It seems that some vets are like pro athletes, when the checks stop coming you might as well be on welfare. I know the answer already, but how many complainers were kicked out of the military and did not have time to develop a good, sound financial plan.
You are one of literally millions of vets the VA must serve. I hope all of you are using this money to further your education. Using the give a man a fish analogy, the fish will eventually run out and you will have to start fishing for yourself.
I do not work for the VA. I have a job because I planned for my retiremenet. I have a family and am the sole provider for my family. As long as the VA owes me I know I will eventually get it. Since the 9/11 just began, anyone going to school should only have about one month of benefits under their belt. Taking the advance payment is like getting an advance pay when your were in the military. Then you will complain because you will have to wait a little longer for the real payments to kick in. Think smart!
I don’t work for the VA, but I damn sure appreciate the service I get from them. I have not has one bad experience at my VA hospital. I can wait for my benefit money because I planned for my life after the military. I will wait for my money, so those of you complaining just to complain can get yours first you can shut your mouths and stop complaining. If you had Jesus in your life you would understand. I do.
The argument that veterans are simply whining because they haven’t received their “handout” from the VA is moot. When we enlisted, a recruiter buttered us up with a bunch of promises about how America would take care of those of us who fight for her freedom. We’re just collecting on those promised benefits. That’s not welfare, that’s our entitlement.
VA: Pay Me Now!
Hello Veteran 68 I had a question. I will exhaust my G.I. bill in 7 days. I wond be dont school until 7 months from now. If I apply for the new G.I. Bill how would it take to process?? Would I be getting money for school next month??
I applied the 1st of May and recieved my elgability the 11th of May. I had already been accepted to my school and they had already notified the VA. So all of you who think that some of us are not getting paid because we didn’t get our paperwork in right away…. well mine was in before it was even the first of May stateside. Maybe the only problem is that I am attending the American University of Rome. I don’t hear anyone saying anything about the overseas schools. We can’t even get the advanced checks nor is my tuition payed. Infact the school was nice enough to lend me the money for my books. I am one week away from midterms and quit my job to attend school because trying to work go to school and be a single Mom together just wasn’t working. If you were lucky enough to get your money and so on and so forth well good for you and I am happy that this is working for some but don’t respond as if the rest of us have done anything wrong or are beneath you. I have sent two emails to the gi bill inquiry website and have not heard anything back, not even somthing saying I am sorry but we are trying to work on the problem at hand. Absalutly nothing but silence. I have tried to call several times and either I get hung up on or the person readily admits that they have no idea what to tell me. So Ia have a question for the Va…. If I have to quit school to work becuase my son and I are not eating are you still going to pay the tuition even if I will have to quit?
PMiller: Veteran68 wasn’t sitting in no doctor’s office all day, he said he was at work and responding while on his breaks.
Oh, and if you can find my original posts on here, you should read them.
F***head.
PMiller: My bad, read my posts here http://military-education.military.com/2009/09/bloggers-persuade-va-to-cut-emergency-gi-bill-payments.html If you want to be rich and bring a huge ass class action lawsuit, you should find a good lawyer who’s willing to take VA to court over their misinterpretation. I even have proof that they tried to cover up their mistake and make us believe that what we have today is what Congress intended.
You’re still a f***head, though.
Well after getting put out once, I decided to finish up my undergraduate degree, and once more return to the miltary, on pursing my career, I have’nt been paid anything for my full time with the air force, army I got a part of it. But still…
and still put out twice, something here is’nt right..
OK Veteran 68. So what are they doing about overseas schools? They told me they havn’t even decided how much tuition they are going to pay to the overseas schools yet… I have already been going since the end of August…..
I was at the doctor, left work early to take care of my appt. I signed on here said I was sorry that any and all of you have to wait for your entitlements. I have tried to help anyone with a question and have been verbally abused by my fellow veterans. I will not sign on here again and I wish you all a speedy receipt of your entitlements from today forward. I am very sorry and would give you all thats due to you myself if I had that power. Thank you all for serving, that you all for your sacrafices and god bless all of you.
It is sad to hear about all the problems veterans are having with the 9/11 GI Bill. There is no executes for the VA being so slow to payout. People that work at the VA should be held accountable, someone is obviously not doing their job. I have 22 years active service in the army and I have always ran into problems with benefits. When I retire next year am I going to have the same problem with collecting my benefits? One thing I did learn during all my years in the service, you have to keep fighting for what you deserve, call them up everyday if you have to, continue to send letters, and emails, get names of people you talk to on the phone, know who is actually in charge and responsible. Writer your congress person. I have them explain to you why you are not getting your benefits while they are getting theirs? I just wish everyone luck and hope the situation will change for the better in the near future!
I did not have a problem cashing my check. I just took it to a US Bank. It is much easier for a bank to verify their own account
I just had a briefing for the 911/Mont GI Bills here in Korea. Lots of good info. If I can answer any of your questions i will. One that is about attending overseas schools. VA will pay the rate for the stateside zip code of the HQ’s of the school you are attending.
All right. I have servide in the Army for six some years already, and I am planning to get out next September to be a family man. I have worked in different echlons. We do have a well organized system. and it is a well known truth that it takes time to take care of every type of paper work. The world is going digital. Army is not exempted from it. we always have to tell our selves to be patient while waiting in line in DFAC or in hospital. God, sometimes we even have to wait in line to use latrine in the combat zone. We should at least be prepared to wait in line for the VA benefit. We are under staffed or short handed everywhere in todays’s economy. why are we so surprised to learn that the computer systems are slow or it takes a little bit longer to get the money? At least I am prepared to wait.
I Really appreciate Education Payments for Veteran-Students,don’t think that very !, if I go to receive to cash Emergency GI Bill Checks ,I did not expect that,but Gi Bill can help me pay for education it’s all
I don’t blame the VA for the delay of my payment, I blame my school. I turned in my certificate of eligibility at the end of August and the school’s VA rep didn’t send it off until the end of September. Thank You school VA rep. I owe the school for books I had to get on a emergency scholarship, but it still has to be paid back. I really just want to pay the school for the books before I sign up for my next set of classes for the spring. Books are expensive and I just don’t have the financial means to pay for all the books I need out of pocket and still be able to take care of home.
Good luck to all my fellow Vets!
I swear there are a lot idiots on here saying people just want handouts and should have prepared for their life outside the military. Look here buddy, I served 8 years in the Army and I had money saved up. I live in Los Angeles, which is my hometown. When I got out I entered the world known as recession before we even came up with the word. I am considered a person with no job experience even though I had all the soldiers and responsibilities in the world in the Army under my belt. The only jobs I could get were retail which don’t help out when you get paid 8 bucks an hour where the average rent is 900 bucks for a crappy apartment. At one point I worked two part-time jobs and went to school fulltime, which still didn’t help out. I lost my transportation and everything because of this bad economy. Last semester my school district dropped classes and there are rumors that the next semester might be canceled. I expected life to be rewarding as a veteran. But from the looks of it, it’s not. Now, I can’t get money because someone didn’t plan right to give out money for those trying to go to school to better themselves in this world. This is ridiculous. I feel as though I took a step back into time and I’m 18 again at the age of 29. So you guys complaining about people’s comments need to seriously look at what’s reality to a lot of people and take that into consideration. You can lose your job anytime and you could be in the same boat. No matter what, I have God on my side but it’s still hard living in a city where the unemployment rate is over 12%. Those who are in the same category as myself keep your heads up and you are always in my prayers.
Sounds like the VA hasn’t changed much. I finished my bachelor’s a few years ago and couldn’t get a reimbursement check for my final semester. You see, I filled out the pre-semester approval forms, the approval forms, and the post-semester approval forms, but missed the deadline for the pre-pre approval forms by 48 hours.
I swear, the ridiculous little bureaucrats get paid a bonus on how many vets they screw out of benefits.
First of all, if you are just going to blog about someone blogging, shutup and color! This is a place to blog and they are blogging about the topic at hand so those of you complaining about someone complaining (M. Rodriquez) go back to the play pen.
Second, I’m retired military. I’m on chapter 33 benefits. I applied when I registered like I always do. On the Friday before Labor Day I get a message on my phone from the VA saying they needed a form and I could fax it to them. They didn’t leave a fax number or phone number or name. I took care of the form on Tuesday after Labor Day. I have called the VA and they got the form on Sept. 9. Have they taken care of my claim yet, today being Oct. 13? NO!!! This type of service is unacceptable and I have come to two conclusions.
One-The head of the VA needs to be fired.
Two-We don’t want the government involved in health care, we would be sitting around waiting to die, blogging about the piss-poor service while others are blogging that we are whining and we should have expected it.
To be honest I do not know why I thought I was the only one having problems with the VA. Now I am not happy that there are a ton of us having problems, but it is good to know that I am not suffering alone.
That being said, I served over 6 years in the Navy. I have been attending school and receiving my educational benefits for over a year now with no problem. After my last verification I noticed that the VA shorted me on several days. That was back at the end of July. Then my school verified my attendance like normal in September and I have yet to see that money. I have been trying since the end of July to get a hold of an actual person from the VA and that has been a waste of time.
I am actually trying to find help for this matter through my Congressman. We need to get our elected officials involved. Hopefully this will light a fire under the VA and get them moving a little faster.
For those that have posted comments about how people should have seen this coming or people should have planned for this, you are right. BUT…As I see it this is money I worked for, served my country for, and ultimately risked my life for. I deserve this money in a timely manner and with friendly service. If this were any other company, we would all be writing the better business association complaining. They would probably go out of business but since we are complaining about the government run VA, Nothing will probably happen. THEY NEED NEW MANAGEMENT!!
Boy, have we changed. I served in the Air Force for 8 yrs. during Nam. I got out in 1977, and immediately started using my VA benefits to earn both my BS and MS degrees. I worked 3 jobs and went to school full time. I had a wife and 3 children. There were no great jobs then either!!! Be thankful that you have an opportunity to improve your life….if you want to work hard for it!!!!! Lets quit whinning and get back to what made the US the best country on earth Belief in God and good ole fashioned hard work. Not hand-outs or welfare. I have the upmost respect for our fellow service men and women, but lets stop complaining and do whatever it takes to solve our on personal problems and not have to depend on someone else to do it for us!!!!
I really have no clue why people are complaining. I have been dealing with the VA and educational benefits for the last few years. I have ALWAYS gotten paid on time, and verification has been a breeze. The problem is really not the VA itself, it’s the influx of people now wanting to jump into the education realm JUST TO GET MONEY! The GI Bill has been out here for years, however, where was the slew of people jumping on the bandwagon?
You have the same amount (or less) of people in the VA offices, however, you have tons more paperwork to process. Is it really that difficult to undestand that there is going to be a slow down to what things were until the paperwork is sorted through? And yes, I am one still waiting on money from VA, but, I know it’s coming. There’s nothing to act crazy about unless you are banking on getting this money and living off of it. There should always be an alternative plan on action, but as said earlier…most have jumped on the bandwagon of JUST money, and now that it’s not coming in as you planned you are pannicking.
It’s great that people are passionate about helping our Veterans. It’s sad, however, that they are still having such trouble living their lives after their service. We don’t delay their deployment dates, so don’t delay their payment.
Can anybody tell me if the military, helps you out if you lose your job and your wife loses her job? But the reason you lost you job, well there is no reason at all, bc if you missed work you had a dr excuse, and this is working title 10 job also by the way
I just wanted to say the I am to waiting for my GI Bill to kick in. And I am one of those relying on this GI Bill money to live on. I spent 7 and a half years in the Marine Corps thinking that when I got out I would to get a good job. I even have a security clearance, great fitness reports, and great references. I don’t know how many jobs I applied for even with MCCS. Do you think I got an interview? No! Anyway, if it weren’t for my husband still being in the Marine Corps, we’d probably be living in South Dakota off of my mom or working or the family business. Which really isn’t one of my life goals. So not only am I waiting for this money to pay my bills, I am also using it to pay for my school which will get me a better job so I can my more money than my E-6 husband!! So I do think the VA needs to get a little more organized and they should’ve had all their ducks in a row before they started to make promises. They knew what needed to be done and they should’ve expected a high volume of requests.
I’m still amazed there are those idiots posting comments telling people they should stop complaining. Hey “nam” guy, we are great because we don’t let slack-asses stay in charge. That is what the head of the VA is. We should not let poor government service go by. We didn’t let that happen when we were in the service. We would always push for improvement. The VA is providing poor service and it needs to be corrected, PERIOD!!!! The way it is being corrected isn’t even acceptable. Those of you who say we should stop complaining, shut up. Let us correct the dis-service
What a horrible experience! First of all, I went through the drive thru at my bank, after providing an answer to the teller after requesting an explanation as to why the check was hand written, only then did she inform me she could not cash the check. I then went inside the bank to a teller who immediately processed the check without any questions. Just in case, I had a letter which was provided to me when the check was issued, the letter included the 1.800 number for banks to call for verification/authenticity. Nothing was asked of me by the teller. On Saturday I received a letter in the mail informing me the check was going to be held for elven business days because it could not be verified. As you know the bank was closed on Monday. I went to the bank on Tuesday and spoke with the head teller, who also signed off on the letter stating it could not be cashed. I explained to the teller who and why the check was issued. Attempted to inform her of the documentation I had, but was rudely interrupted. I explained my discontentment for not being notified by phone that the check would be held, which would have simply giving me the opportunity to make a decision as to what I wanted to do. After conversation back and forth, I requested to speak to her supervisor who was apparently not in, I then asked for the next available person and the teller told me, “There isn’t anyone else, I run everything up here!” Needless to say, I had to walk outside to make sure I contained my composure. Five minutes later I returned and requested to speak to the bank manager. When the teller overheard me asking for the manager, she got on the phone and began to verify “whatever” and asked for my social security number. I went in to see the bank manager and explained my dilemma regarding the check as well as with his teller. I also provided the manager with the letter I was given and politely suggested he make a copy, he did. The manager also immediately removed the hold from my funds. What’s so horrible? The teller and I have been knowing one another for about 25 years; I am an investigator with the city police department who has worked heaven knows how many financial crimes for the bank! I divulged all this information to the manager, he apologized for the inconvenience and could not help but agree that the teller should have cashed the check. He was also not aware the checks were being issued. The teller stated she had received numerous checks, but none could be verified by US Bank. She obviously was not interested in going a step further to assist the veterans!
a. It’s one thing to depend on someone, but to drop what you did have going and depend on someone who promised to provide you a benefit is another topic. I worked three jobs and went to school; I stopped working one job to concentrate on school. I have one full time job and occasionally make it to my second job, because I want to keep my GPA at a 4.00. Luckily, I have a good paying full time and part time job while attending school. What angers me is that others who gave up working expecting to receive a benefit are not receiving it. To me its money owed that I do not need at this moment. For others its money needed to survive. Have you checked the Education website today? Only 1921 Post 9/11 claims were processed over this three day weekend, while 8444 claims for other benefits were processed. What is wrong with that picture? No one is being held accountable for this. For people saying that everyone is waiting for handouts, is ridiculous. If you had an employer who didn’t pay you on time, you would be upset. Most people while in the military didn’t have the luxury to attend school because they were deployed too much or their unit didn’t allow it. Therefore, those of you saying that no one used their benefits while in the military need to stop. Not everyone was able to attend school.
I am curious to see what happens in November, since this is a one time emergency fund. With only a few claims a day being processed on a slow system, we should expect our benefits, sometime in January. Unless the VA starts to pass out checks again…
Well, dani23 | October 13, 2009 at 10:34 AM, I think the first line in your post (“I really have no clue why people are complaining.”) pretty much says it all.
Methinks maybe you should look a bit deeper into your crystal ball so you can really get the answers you are looking for and to perhaps show you what the financial circumstances are of those vets, who have by-the-way EARNED what they are not receiving, who you consider to be jumping on the band wagon just for the money.
Gawd I hate this term, but been there and done that.
Respectfully,
joe e
Well, Posted by: dani23 | October 13, 2009 at 10:34 AM, after reading your post, where among other things, you suggested that vets were jumping on the band wagon just for the money, my response to you is in your first nine words “I really have no clue why people are complaining.”
Don’t you think it’s enough that they are being screwed by a broken system? or do you think they also need to have a fellow vet to basically say quit crying about it?
Most of you on here are veterans, well I’m not. I’m a spouse who’s husband is deployed and it’s up to me to figure all this out. Our child is attending college and the money from this GI Bill will help immensely paying for it. I’m thankful that we have this, but I can only tell the school so many times please be patient. Would be nice to have the payments start BEFORE the 1st semester ends so they don’t drop my child from school!
Please don’t tell me I should have “planned” better for our children’s education or should have worked harder to save for it. That’s insulting to everyone. We did have money set aside, but it sure doesn’t go very far right now, considering tuitions, cost of living, fees, etc, etc. have all gone way up since they were born. I’m sure glad you have it so much better than the rest us…good for you, but don’t insult the rest of us when you don’t have a clue what our lives are like. *rant over*
@ Joe
ALL us vets have EARNED the right to receive the GI Bill..thing is, some of us have been using the Bill for some time now. The system is not flawed, however, it has become overwhelmed with an enormous amount of paperwork because of the influx of ‘new’ GI Bill. Of course VA could have had persons do paperwork a year in advance if they were planning to be be a part of the ‘new” Gi Bill to cut down on the extensive paperwork that is now clogging the system, however, I do not feel the system is flawed. Many people have had an opportunity to use their GI Bill prior to the change, however, many are using if now in order to get the money, plain and simple! Yes, there are always those that are the exception, but I guess you are seeing things in black and white.
I’m sure you have never had to deal with a backlog of paperwork, and even though you were working as much as possible, you could not finish the work in a timely manner as you predicted, and others wanted…SAME CASE! Point is, you, me, and everyone else can be as upset as you want, however, when they get to the point where things are running smoothly, then everyone will get their money in a the manner they should be receiving it. I’m sitting waiting for money from two months back, do I want it?? Of Course…when will I get it? When they have processed me. Must everything have to be a pissing contest..it’s not under yours or my control.
I’m sorry to hear what’s going on with you guys.
I’m in luck because my university “DeVry” stated that they will not kick me out regardless of how long it takes. They know I’m a veteran and they know the money will eventually come in, which it is..we just have to be patient. Well, I’m glad that such a school is patient and confident. I’m starting a 2nd semester without paying them a dime which I appreciate for them doing.
Thank you for the information, Veteran68! I appreciate to know now how it works.
I want to know why the VA can’t tell me who payed the school !
We are also having a HECK of a time. Our bank never told us about the hold, either, took the letter, the teller “verified” it, and then chaos ensued a day later when we were informed of the hold on our account, by virtue of checking our online info. We’ve made several trips to the bank, have called HQ and complained, have emailed and complained, and have even filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. We relied on that money to our detriment (my husband and I are both veterans, who are now in school full time – me in law school, him in undergrad). This is the poorest treatment of vets I have ever witnessed. It is named “emergency relief” for a reason. We have handed the letter over once, and faxed it in TWICE now, and still no one seems to be willing or able to help us. Thanks, Bank of America, for appreciating our service! Apparently Bank of America employees are so incompetent that it has now taken 13 days to call the 1-800 number listed on our VA letter to verify the check, and we have been told it is going to take another 5+ days.
Your telling me that the Veteran can not deposit their check in a bank account or checking account ?
Call the FBI if a Bank refuse a check from the Federal Government.
3 to 5 days to clear !!!!
I am thinking about making a You Tube video about this. Supposedly, that is what one man had to do in order to get Bank of America to finally be willing to listen to his issue. I am seriously shocked and appalled. We have made FOUR trips to Bank of America to resolve this claim so far, and have lost time from school, work, etc. This is completely unacceptable. We were told the hold would last 18 days, possibly longer. We are at day 13 now, after having provided them the VA letter THREE times.
I apologize to every Vet out there and their families. I work at the VA and I type until my fingers are raw seven days a week. It is my mission to pay as many vets and schools that I can possibly pay in a day’s time. We have a new system in place for the new GI bill and it has slowed us down tremendously. Please let me offer some advice, when you go to va.gov website to apply for ch33 post 9/11 state if you receive another benefit, example ch33 in lieu of ch30 and give a date that you want it effective, example class starts on 08/24/09 make it effective 08/23. Don’t put the date July 3rd because it didn’t go into effect till 08/01/09. The checks have to go through a three part process to be authorized that is what is slowing everything down. Yes you can always say the one in charge needs to be fired but that won’t get you your money any faster, I’m sure if you asked anyone he would say his boss is stupid. Well you can’t fix stupid. I hate to say please be patient but once your claim gets set up and your 99′s come in from your school it will start working smoother… We work as fast as we can because we care. If you are already receiving ch30 exhaust it before applying for ch33 because if you have 6 months and 3 days left it transfers to 33 and that is all you get…ride it out, it’s better for you in the long run. Yes ch33 pays housing if you are going more than half time and your sitting in the classroom, online learning doesn’t count. If you are Active Duty you receive 100% of tuition and fees, that’s it, can’t give you housing because you already are given that. If you are approved at 100% eligibility ask if the school has yellow ribbon..it really helps your responsibilty of whats left to pay. If you are only entitled to 50% the school can’t help you with YR. We all want the same result! Thank you for serving!
Yawn. I got out in 94 and used the GI Bill. Why is everyone so poorly prepared? I didnt use the GI money for tuition, it was gas and pizza money. I had my money saved up before getting out to pay for the BA and MS. what is this like social security? no one saves money for retirement and expects a govt program to cover everything? wow. you remember how when you said the word “civilian” as if it was a term to describe dirt bag non military people. News flash …they have been working in factories earning 3x your pay to do nothing. Everyone will tell you that employers want to hire vets. wake up you will be the only one in the factory saying “hey isnt this place running unsafe and ass backwards?” to which the rest of the workers will tell you if you dont like it theres the door. Welcome to the real world. Anyone that does business with Bank of America is a sheep. They are rated the worst yet people are to lazy or clueless to simply make a withdrawal and walk across the street and try business with a different bank. dang people wake up and use your brains! reading these posts just shows why the country is going down the toilet. everyone acts so helpless. how do some of you people survive without someone reminding you to breath?
i got check in less than 10 minutes ,and took it to navy federal credit union, quantico, and waited the normal 5 days…..trust your instruments….use your resources…they work…..go navy
isn’t all this cash these banks are withholding from our VETS taxpayer tarp money???? WHAT A SYSTEM!
Just want to say I really feel for all you’re going through.I work for a fabulous local credit union & think it’s the perfect time to help educate/remind anyone about the benefits of a cu- we’re for people, not profits like banks. People helping people. Several weeks ago we were informed of these checks coming & told not to put them on hold.Maybe it’s time to try something different- check out a credit union- military or otherwise (we are mil!).Good luck to all.
50.000us..libya. 218913699969…ramadan.alhamdi libya.trblo
I knew the VA was useless when I joined in ’84. When I punched out in ’04 I wasn’t shocked by their lack of organizational skills. All Government run programs are worthless except for the employees sucking on the program funds.
I served from 1975 to 1988 in the Navy. Am I eligible for any of these funds everyone is talking about?
I’ve been taking out loans and paying out of pocket for my education and anything would be a welcome break to draining my account each quarter.
Thanks,
Tony
I live here in Savannah Ga. I had to go to Decatur Ga to get my check. I took me 10 min. I took it to Geovista Credit Union at Hunter Army Airfield to be deposited into my checkings account. When I gave them teh check and the memorandum, they were hesitant to cash it. The branch manager called the 1-800 number but got an answereing service. They told me they would put teh check on hold until they verify its authenticity. I called the bank the next day to see if the funds were available and they were. So, I had a good experience. I Got the check in 10 minutes and was able to cash it and pay the school some of it teh next day. I think the VA is doing a good deed. I haven’t gotten my regular benefits since August. So I really needed the money desparately. I was 2 semesters behind, so with that money I was able to catch up.
Normally, a machine-produced government check can be treated like a cash deposit and drawn on almost immediately. A handwritten US Bank check would be a cause for suspicion and if I were a banker, I’d hold back funds subject-to-collection.
IMHO, it’s sloppy work on the part of the government but at least the VA is working to get money into the hands of its vets.
My niece is trying to get payment for her school from the transfered GI Bill/911 but has not received any payment. When she called the number, they said they could not help her, that the primary beneficiary (her father) had to call in. He is deployed of course.
Any recommendations or solutions!!!???
Michael, in fact the opposite of what you were told is true. With Transfer of Entitlement cases, the claimant (i.e. benefit transferee) is the only person that is able to access any information on his/her claim unless we have a permission to speak to 3rd party form on file. It’s a privacy compliance issue and one that often frustrates callers.
Tony, Go to the Financial Aide Office of the School you are attending. Talk to them. They have pell grants, VA funds from the GI Bill, and Other Grants you would qualify for. Try to do it today.
Thanks Atlanta Regional offic. I walked up at 0900 stood in line for 20 minutes and the processor was professional courteoeus and sincere she asked what did i need i said i want 3000she wrote my check out and i cashed at a western union store it cost me 60 dollars but no hold thanks again VA now if you guys can not take it all back next month all at once that would be great
Cashing checks is dependent upon your relationship with your bank. They look at your average account balance and length of time with the bank. If short on either qualification they will want to place a hold.
A polite manner and asking for the manager will normally get the hold released. If a tuition bill is due and the bank holds your funds, just call the school finance department and let them know. If they push back, again, polite manner and asking for managers will get you some leeway. They won’t kick you out of school-they need you to pay the tuition. The worst they will do is hold your grades until they are paid, just keep going to class.
If you don’t have a bank account, the big retail banks are normally the best place to get one because they are usually more sophisticated in handling people’s problems — they have seen it before.
All of this is a matter of trust; bankers get burned all of the time by the unscrupulous. Their jobs are protected only if they follow policy by checking stuff. However, Old Sea Dog Bankers can size you up and will do the appropriate thing if they are allowed time to evaluate you and your situation.
Angry confrontation is a technique used by bad guys, so if you do that, most of us Bankers won’t violate policy by releasing the hold.
Mike,
They won’t be sending you a check until the full 3,000 is recoupped.
Tony, no, in order to get these particular funds, you had to have been on active duty on or after sept. 11, 2001.
Has any one out there even gotten paid for their 911 g/I benefits . Am I alone in this as to not getting paid
Okay so yes, if you are military vet, you have earned your money for school. Yes, it may take a while to recieve it, but dont go blaming everyone for your lack of planning. If you dont have back up savings before entering college, then its your faught, not Bank of America, etc…. or the VA. So much complaining. If I recall correctly, most people dont pay but 1200 for the GI BILL, whereas, police officers, fireman,etc other people who help protect and care for others in this country dont have a GI BILL. They have to get student loans/most have to pay them back. So before you blame everyone is for your problems think of all the students who have to use there own money for college or not even get to go…
back in the day soldiers were paid cash by a paymaster….designate a senior VA employee @ each VA office and count out those benjamins for our brave men and women VETS….lord knows we lost and had stolen at least 2 C17 loads of cash in THE IRAQ…and i’m pretty sure the bad guys didn’t use the money for education!!!
Get a better bank. Bank of America never pulled this stunt on me. Not once in the last forty years.
Finally received my official award letter in the mail. It was dated 15 October. The school certifying official sent in my info on the 20th of August. I did have all my info in to them in May – but that is another story.
So 9 weeks to process.
Good luck all
My husband classes started Monday he received his check Thursday, Tuesday (today) it cleared, NFCU Virginia.
For the person saying to stop complaining. When we enlist in the military they inform us of the GI Bill. Obviously when u join the PD or the Fire Department, they don’t offer a GI Bill. We were offered this college benefit and the majority of us paid into it, no matter what amount. They promised us this benefit for risking our lives for this country. I’m sure you’ve complained about something in your lifetime. Some of us font come from high income families and I don’t know if u realize, we don’t get paid much for serving our country. I know Police Officers and Firefighters make really good money. Do before you open your mouth, educate yourself on the subject. We earned this benefit and when we plan everything around being full time students to beoutlived lives and be more productive members of society, we expect to get our payments. If u don’t get paid at work, would u complain? If u want the same benefit, enlist in the military.
I will say this as a Marine vet with 4 tours in the sandbox. I am appalled at how vets are treated in this world. All I wanted was a job and to go to school with the GI Bill that I paid for. I got laid off in on July 4 of all days and now that i am finnally going to school i find that my savings are gone my checking account has dropped below the tripple digets and I still have not received a confirmation letter for my ED benifits or my check. I’m not going to lie this is the first time in my life that I have had to choose between eating going to school and paying my bills this is bullshit I’m a vet and have earned not only my right to my education benifits but the right to employment. Vets should not be having these kinds of problems when we get out. Also as far as people who don’t have the GI Bill or can’t afford to go to school, sounds to me like they need to suck it up and quit being cowards and serve something greater then themselves.
I do not blame the VA for anything; to include the different issues I have had for more than the 17 years since my Career Transition and Alumni rating; and “VA” was part of it; still having issues proving things were “service” connected that were “evaluated” by VA while on ACTIVE DUTY; LMAO (so now I see kids still getting asked do YOU HAVE ANY PROOF) and it kills me; as well “No sir; my Colonel would not SIGN THE LETTER for you; while the explosions were going OFF; so you could EVALUATE ME LATER? I ASKED: he said GET OUT OF HIS HOOCH” or even THIS CHECK SCAM/SCHEME by BANKS DRAWING INTEREST….MY FIELD NOW…am a PhD; and THEY MAKE LIQUID MONEY ON THOSE CHECKS IN THE BILLIONS PER NIGHT ON HOLD IN “THEIR ACCOUNTS” IT IS A CRIME>>NOT A SHAME BUT A CRIME…and they would get NOTHING in penalties but a “OOPS”…if CAUGHT…or a NIGHT IN THE OVAL OFFICE; of “ANY PRESIDENT” not this one; but ANY…..IT IS A CRIME to LET THEM DO THAT TO SOLDIERS MONEY; and they have done it “HELD” US TREASURY CHECKS; PRETENDING THEY ARE “FAKE” for YEARS; KNOWING FULL WELL THEY ARE NOT! (THEY CAN TELL; JUST DON’T WANT TO RELEASE THE FUNDS FROM THEIR ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE; HURTS THE MONTHLY TAKE YOU SEE????)
I was wondering if there was any way to get an extension on your G.I.Bill Benefits if you are close to your experation date but currently attending school?
I had a direct deposit in my account for books and the partial Aug and full Sept stipend. This is in addition to the $3K that was mailed a couple of weeks ago.
I thought i wouldn’t see another deposit til December. We’ll see what happens. Not going to touch it.
But somehow i get the feeling that the emergency $3K will never be recovered.
Trust & believe your dealing with the govt. and that emergency 3K will be recovered.
Yes you earned your GI Bill benefits. Do you realize you have also paid for federal benefits such as pell grants and student loans through taxes? What would you do if you were not a veteran expecting GI Bill? The same thing everyone else does. Hmm a novel concept eh? As a veteran, and one who pursued a BA degree after the military I could not pay all of my schooling, bills, daycare on just my GI Bill. It is a fact and the cost of education. I love the expectation that a GI Bill check will be waiting for you on the first day of school. NOT. It is retro, and has always been. Other articles quote veteran students living on their credit cards while waiting for checks. Get a grant, or a student loan that is either interest free or 4.5%. Get a VA work-study postion which is tax free. I agree with those that say you should have planned for this 100%. I work in Government now as a Vet Advocate, and I always remind people the only thing the goverenment does quickly is collect taxes. When the post 9/11 GI Bill was announces last year, VA came forward and told congress they did not have the system in place for the influx of apps they would receive. Get informed, use all your resources, and suck it up and drive on…
For the person saying to stop complaining. When we enlist in the military they inform us of the GI Bill. Obviously when u join the PD or the Fire Department, they don’t offer a GI Bill. We were offered this college benefit and the majority of us paid into it, no matter what amount. They promised us this benefit for risking our lives for this country. I’m sure you’ve complained about something in your lifetime. Some of us font come from high income families and I don’t know if u realize, we don’t get paid much for serving our country. I know Police Officers and Firefighters make really good money. Do before you open your mouth, educate yourself on the subject. We earned this benefit and when we plan everything around being full time students to beoutlived lives and be more productive members of society, we expect to get our payments. If u don’t get paid at work, would u complain? If u want the same benefit, enlist in the military.
I don’t know about this anymore…We signed on the dotted line and where told to hold our promise to serve true and were warned on what would happen if we didn’t stick to our word. I was told I would get my benefits to go to school and now all of a sudden “oh wait, yeah about that money we promised you…” I don’t think the military would like it if my unit got activated and I said “yeah I know I said I would deploy when you needed me at the time of signing but I changed my mind and I don’t wanna go this time”
Don’t make promises you can’t keep, if the winter comes and I don’t get my money to go to school I’m going to volunteer to go Afghanistan because I can’t afford to be more broke…If something happens to me over there then it won’t be on me
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE EMERGENCY GI-BILL FOR SCHOOL. BECAUSE I HAVE MY NEXT CLASS THAT IS COMING UP ON JAN 13,2010 AND I NEED BOOKS SUPPLYS, GAS TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL.
E-MAIL ME BACK TO TELL ME WHAT SHOULD I DO TO GET THE HARDSHIP MONEY. THANK YOU!
You are def. right about that…How are we supposed to pay them back if our benefits haven't even started yet. That information should have been included or it should have just been called a "temporary loan." My cousin who is also a vet said that we should a get a petition going and do a march….That should get someone's attention.
does anyone know how i can report someone for getting the emergency gi bill payout that wasnt enrolled in school?
I want to know where to report a guy who cheated the system also. He doesn't even have a clue where the Ed. Center is let alone enroll in college. He just wanted a fast $3k after I told him he was not allowed to do it.