Tell it like it is Rob. Now the VA is saying 12 to 16 weeks to proces some claims !

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.….….…

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 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.

Matt,
You do know you won’t recieve any more money until the 3,000 is recoupped right ?

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©(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/​c​g​i​-​b​i​n​/​g​e​t​d​o​c​.​c​g​i​?​d​b​n​a​m​e​=​1​1​0​_​c​o​n​g​_​p​u​b​l​i​c​_​l​a​w​s​&​a​m​p​;​d​o​c​i​d​=​f​:​p​u​b​l​2​5​2​.​1​1​0​.​pdf. This knowledge is power, and we can have our benefits restored to what Congress originally intended.

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.

Received my 3K in the mail today. Good old standard US Treasury check, so should clear quickly.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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 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.

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.

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 would think the 7 Ps apply here. Another VA failure.

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!!!

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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!

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 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!

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.

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

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.

ramadan.alhamsi.218913699969

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

the should let the VA be managed by Marine DI’s…no way they would F-​​up like this…never again.

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 .

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.

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??

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.

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…

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.….

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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!!!!

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.

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.

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!

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, 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?

Please don’t pick on people for needing the money. Times have changed and situations have as well. These days it is hard to find a job so having multiple to pay for school is asking to much. Don’t forget it takes money to go to school, child care isn’t cheap especially if it is evening hours. Each person is has a different reason for wanting or needing the money, but all have earned it. Also isn’t nice that they protect the rights for all of use to complain about it? And for those of you who are nice enough to tell people to plan on it, please plan on the horrific car crash you are going to get into and wish that I was able to further my education so I can save your life when I get there. To bad I couldn’t pay for my classes.…

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.

I want to know why the VA can’t tell me who payed the school !

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 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!

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

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.

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 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.

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!!!???

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.

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.

Tony, no, in order to get these particular funds, you had to have been on active duty on or after sept. 11, 2001.

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…

Get a better bank. Bank of America never pulled this stunt on me. Not once in the last forty years.

My husband classes started Monday he received his check Thursday, Tuesday (today) it cleared, NFCU Virginia.

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 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?

Trust & believe your dealing with the govt. and that emergency 3K will be recovered.

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.

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!

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alisha

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