On Saturday Jan. 23, VA posted the following letter on their website. Although the letter is light on details, one thing is clear, those of us who received the “cash advance” on our GI Bill payments will soon begin paying VA back as the VA begins “recovering” the advance payments.
The letter is posted here in its entirety.
VA Letter:
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to Veterans and servicemembers who applied for education benefits.
“The advance payments were a huge success and helped thousands of student Veterans during the first days of the historic Post-9/11 GI Bill focus on studies and not their finances,” said Keith Wilson, Director of Education Services at VA. “Now, we can get to the business of closing the books on advance payments and focus on supporting Veterans for the spring semester.”
VA will begin sending out notification letters this week explaining the repayment process.
In October VA instituted an advanced payment process for all eligible students who were currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning for the fall 2009 term to ensure that all Veterans and eligible students were able to focus on their academic studies and not be burdened with financial concerns. As part of that process, a web portal was established to allow electronic submission for advance payment. Advance payments were also made on-site at VA offices around the country. At that time student Veterans were told that advance payments would be deducted from future benefit payments.
In collaboration with the Department of Defense, VA will also notify active duty service members who may have mistakenly applied for the advance payment of their options for returning un-cashed checks or reimbursing deposited funds.
VA discontinued advance payments via the website portal following the conclusion of the fall 2009 semester. VA is currently processing approximately 7,000 education benefits daily, up from an average of 2,000 at the beginning of the fall 2009 term. As of January 22 the Department has processed more than 105,000 of the approximately 132,000 spring enrollments received. Since the inception of the historic new program last year, VA has paid out more than $1.3 billion in education benefits, and opened the door to higher education to more than 183,000 Veteran students.
- Terry Howell
Hmmm. What is the VA going to do if that v eteran still has not got it school money yet.
This Is why I avoid this type of thing. always a catch. If you have to borrow, how can you pay it back in such a short time? and most things never go exactly as planned.
I agree with you victoria. I just got my benefits and I applied back in July and REAPPLIED in September…with classes starting in August. I had to cancel 2 classes because my benefits weren't in yet…
My daughter is considering joining the Marine Reserve, can you shed some light on the education benefits? Are you having trouble getting the money for education? Are you currently active, reserve, or veteran?
I now a few people that are still in the military and they aren't having problems getting their benefits. The only reason that this has even become a problem is because the VA is having to process claims that have multiplied 8 times over. Once this is straitened out , I wouldn't expect it to be a future problem, unless of course, the economy is still having these problems. Don't let this discourage you, typically the government is the only guaranteed job with so many benefits.
I'm in the same boot, sitting here waiting for mine since February of last year. Much less paying back advance pay. I have maxed out my credit as well to pay for the last semester and a half. I majorly screwed if something doesn't happen soon. My prayers are with anyone in the same position, talk about stressful.
I'm just about in the same boat you are, I applied for benefits in August of last year and have yet to receive anything but letter stating that they had denied my claim i appealed and then denied and i have appealed again and now I'm playing the waiting game. I paid that money when I was active duty unfortunately I didn't use it during the deliminating date but I have a disability which kept me from using my education then. I have no idea where and how I will repay this 3000, I guess they will take it out of my monthly pension.
Vets should tell the VA that it will take 10-12 weeks to process the payments and we only accept phone call on Monday Tuesday between 8 and 8:30.
I am love with your comment nick. I just might make it into a tee shirt and wear it at the va
Right on….
Truer words were never spoken. I fought for my country, now I have to fight for what is rightfully due me?
i agree if you need the money it takes for ever,call ,get put on hold ,hung up on, fill out a ton of paper work, then wait 10 t0 12 weeks for a reply, while the whole time you wait, but if they want their money they wanted it yesterday
I couldn't have said it better.
Its crazy I cant get through to them at all. i post on the web site and it gets closed without any answer at all.
to big thumbs up to that post nick!
I have been waiting 5 months for the VA to start my GI Bill payments to me. This is ridiculous, fall semester is completely out of pocket and now the spring semester is as well. I retired Aug 31 applied for my GI Bill benefits Sept 1st 2009. Still waiting………
Same here. I've not been able to contact them nor have I seen any money. This is RIDICULOUS.
I would settle for being allowed to charge the VA interest for all the months ihad to wait to get my GI Bill… say 10% interest, it took them 4 months to pay me, that should be around 300… (i rounded up)
That really tickled my funny bone. If we kwpt the hours they do, ; we'd get approximately the same piss poor results. However, I do believe that any/all moneys that were "advanced/loaned" must be repaid. Certainly we can set a better example than thye VA has. Perhaps if they stopped "feeling my pain" so much and started to actually deal with it; we'd all be better off.
Sierra Foxtrot!
The Old Corps sends,
SARGE
Lafitte, LA
lol!!! i love it!! i agree, i think it should be fair game, i am still trying to get through to them and its always the same damn thing… "the lines are busy", "our office hours are…" "call are bein taken…" seriously!!!?? let's see how much they like it!!
You are absolutely right on that one. It is amazing that they are so quick to want their money back, but havent thought anything about the Veterans who have bad credit now because of their lackadaisical attitude toward making the payments. I personally have had to fight tooth and nail for my money (which still has not been paid at all) for classes started when they said go. And it has been so great being able to talk with the school's VA rep (YA RIGHT) LOL who ever so unresponsivley never answers the phone anymore, or respond to emails… You are right, we all should send them a letter and state the same…..
ROTFL…after 30+ years of dealing with military bureaucracy, I appreciate your answer;0)
That is brilliant. I agree!
I am still waiting on my payments too. 10-12 weeks to wait for them.Maybe we can do something like letting the IAVA people bring this issue up in congress or to a senator and maybe the VA can work alot faster
Nick you forgot to add that we are NOT responsible for misdirected checks and a payment will be reissued once we track the lost check, which will take 7 to 10 buisiness days.
But seriously I am still on the regular GI Bill and i have had No problems with it. I have been recieving continious payments for 14 months now. I Do Not like that i have to wait until pretty much the 1st of the month to certify for the last month. let us certify 5 days before the end…
WELL SAID AMEN TO YOU!!!
We also will repay at the end of of the semester to ensure they have met repayment requirements
Did someone seriously post a ignorant racist remark on our military website? What is wrong with you.
As for the gi bill loan, it was a loan…
Amanda, Where?
The "GI bill" was and isn't a LOAN. It was and is an entitlement established by congressearned for service menbers that served this country in WWII through Vietnam, then it was modified, and modified again, and modified again. Now if you have an entitlement, such as this tuition assistance, how it is administered is as important as the ability to get it. The problem we have is that there fewer and fewer people in congress, and the White House that are veterans. We are a necessary evil to them. Unless one of you with the problem can get the attention of the national news, nothing will change. Forget e-mailing the White House, e-mail ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX, and then forward a copy of the e-mail to the chair of the Defense appropriation Committee. They have oversight of the VA and Department of Defense.
It may have been a loan but when I spoke to a rep on the phone about it they told me that I would not recedve any other funds until the amount I was loaned was used up, nothing about repayment. GI Bill is crap and going downhill, ridiculous.
It wasn't a loan. It was an advancement to be paid back from our future monthly benefits. It is there fault for not taking the money out like they were supposed to. Many people took the advancement because they had not been paid in months. Bills don't pay themselves. I tried my best to hold onto the extra money in case something like this happened, but when you don't have a job that isn't much of an option.
Amanda, i am a Disabled Vietnam vet. When I got out of the Navy I went back to school. The GI bill is NOT A LOAN! You earn it when you serve and shouldn't eb
ven THINK about having to pay back GI BILL.
Mike
AMEN, Mike! We all served and many of us lost a part of ourselves, physical and mental, and we were entitled to the GI Bill. Many of us were cheated out of it and many of us are still fighting to get what we were assured we would.
About the only education I actually got was in how the system fails us.
That's right!!!!!!!
if you haven't gotten your school money yet then they could go after your income tax.
Why would they go after someones taxes if they have not received their Gi Bill benefits. That doesn't even make sense.
The KEY word in the whole equation was…ADVANCE*. That didn't mean free money, it meant money that a person is intitled to, and all the bugs weren't worked out yet. It was simply put, and interest free loan, backed by money that the veteran SHOULD recieve in the future. Hopefully most students actually spent theirs on their education and not Christmas gifts or a LCD TV!!
(*This is why I didn't take it)
T B
I am truly understanding everybody's frustration with the Veteran's Administrative Office. I am in the same boat as 85% of you. I have retired for 2 months now and what I though was smoot sailing has been one heck of a roller coaster ride. I have driven hours out of my way to get my benefits started and to no avail no help. I have only been retired for two months, but I thought I did everything in atimely manner, followed all the regulations and as soon as I signed out as a full retiree, I got my ego completely busted. I found out that all of my benefits were tied to two documents (disability % and dd214). Its easy when you have all the documentation but when you are missing that disability letter or someone breaks into your car and steals all of your documents, then things just go awry. For some folks it is easy to get their benefits started, I have found out that it really comes down to the state you reside in. Your disabilities are at the VA and educational benefits are basically decided by the state in which your college is located and the state you live in. It is all confusing and can be frustrating to someone who does not have a clue where to go. I found out that the VFW does more for veterans than the VA. so if you are frustrated with the VA, find a VFW rep to help you with the VA. They really do care where your benefits are going and if you are not getting them. The VA is the official icon that we must go through, but the VA has the final say and it would behoove you all to get help through them with the VA and things will start to get better. I found all this out by trial and error and I am glad I know how to deal with VA, therefore making it easier for me to just disregard some of the speed bumps that come up. I pray your situations get better. Instead of talking about what all is going wrong with VA, post things to help one another out. If we dont help each other by giving good information the we will be in the same position 10 ars from now….food for thought.
Sandra,
DAV does an excellent job too
Sandra, Jay, your Military Affairs rep is pretty damn good as well.
Thank you for removing the racial statement. There should be a place we can report those things instantly.
Can you beleive this another f*#@ up after another, Served my country for 11.5 yr.that's the Gov for you. So now your telling me that the 1200.00 I paid For the GI-BILL. Can not find it did you keep your copy. In god we trust but not the GOV. Get out (KY) This is just the tip of iceberg that going to sink this ship and I was in the US Army but it looks like Gov ran gound some where a long the of when they open their mouth. How about the GOV. Get your head out of your 4 point contact!!!!! Use us up then Kick us to the curb. Hello who driving….Look around see what has happened now. Next I will have to pay for the air I breath…. Better no give any Ideal.
HOW ABOUT THIS STUFF HERE.. I APPLIED FOR BENEFITS WITH THE VA TO GO TO SCHOOL SINCE MY DAD IS A VETERAN AND THEY TOLD ME AFTER 5 MONTHS OF ME WAITING AND WAITING THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE MY DAD WASNT 100% DISABLE.. I FEEL THAT EVEN THO HES NOT THAT I SHOULD STILL RECIEVE SOMETHING. ITS NOT CHEAP TO GO TO SCHOOL AND SCHOOL DOSENT PAY ANY BILLS EITHER SO I FEEL THAT THE VA SHOULD CONSIDER THAT AND SHOULD AT LEAST SPEND UP THE PROCESS FOR SOME OF THESE PPL WHO ARE TRYING TO GET SOME TYPE OF BENEFITS
you do know the VA slogan, right? Delay, deny and let them die.
Same thing happened to my son. Only his Father was a Veteran, and was diagnosed with Metastasized Lung Cancer, which had spread to his liver, bones and his brain, and eventually we lost him. He was labeled as 100% disabled, but that wasn't good enough to get ANY benefits for school for my son. Or for me to qualify for the CHAMPVA medical card. They said it had to say 100% disabled and unemployable. What the hell do they call metastasized cancer? He could barely breath, much less go to work! He passed away last year in March, and we still are trying to get my son's money for his college. I am so put out with them. They even sent letters to us saying he now qualified, and we filled them all out and sent them all in. We recieved a letter saying they had everything they needed and would let us know if they needed anything else. We waited snd waited and 6 months went by and still nothing. Finally I called and then could not get anyone on the phone, so decided to email them and finally a week later they emailed back saying they needed certification that he was actually in school. They said they had EVERYTHING that they needed. It's a big mess. He will graduate this May with no help from them. It's draining my savings. I am self employed and have no retirement. It sucks!!
Why do you feel like you are "owed" education benefits just because your "dad" is a veteran. If you want the benefits why don't you go sign on the dotted line and "earn" the benefits your self. People are ignorant in the fact that some feel that things are "owed" to them. Things in life aren't free sweetheart. Your dad proudly served, do the same!!
I see were everyone comes from and I see how some people think were just impaitent. But you got to look at it from our way. I got out couldn't find a Job so I started going to school I was signed up for the pre 9/11 gi bill when I started getting emails and letters saying to sign up for the post 9/11. I am a full time student with bills to pay cause I didn't qualify to live on campus. I sighn up for the new one the tell me I won't recieve a payment till October and I signed in july. That's 3 months I didn't get a check. Then I recieve a email saying not till end of November. So I sign up for the advanced payment option. But it was to late. I am still in debt paying bills off. And now another one. Not everyone uses all there gi bill. So I think whatever is left over they should take it out of there. And I'm with the people saying to start emailing abc and CNN and fox cause with enough people we can probably change how things work over there in the va office. Vetrians are not treated right and it should change
VA is the Gov. But I did my time plus 11 28 1989 to 09-11-2001 Started at 10th Mountain 145th Maintance Fort Drum , Then Big Red One Fort Riley First Maintance Custurd Hill been there done that. 6.5 oversea 16th CSG and 22nd ASG, Then Back to 10th Mountain 210th FSB the whole time on Active Duty and two EX-Wifes. Then work For TSA oversea with FIS 2003 to 2005 keeping our country safe. Tell me I have what?. Paid my 1200.00 in too when I joined as E-1 with pay scale 800.00 amonth. Take a 100.00 off that for 12 month and what you have is KY and nothing but excuse's It's not my job or A machine. We will get back to you. Leave a message. This computer doesn't talk to this computer. I've been Home for 2yrs and all I've got is nothing but headachs and wait.
Up here in god country UPstate NY its worse then you think. I cant goto the er here I have to travel 150 miles one way to receive ANY HELP MEDICAL HELP AND I'VE GOT HAVE SOME SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE. IF YOU NEED HELP. VA IS THE WORSE. MY DOGS VET GIVE THEM BETTER TREATMENTT THEN THE VA HAS GIVE ME
SO HOW LONG MUST I WAIT. OR DID YOU FOR GET TO SIGN IT OR WHAT. GOV. GOT PAID! WHAT ABOUT US..THERE NO JOBS UNLESS YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO WORKING FOR GOV. THEN YOU MIGHT HAVE A JOB IF YOUR NOT DISABLE OR ON SO MANY MEDS THAT YOU CAN NOT EVEN REMEMBER OWN NAME. BYE TIME THEY FINISH LOOK UP ALL INFO I WILL BE DEAD, AND THEY WONT HAVE TO WORK ON MY CASE THEY CAN MOVE FORWARD. NEXT VETERAN. AND I'M PART OF THE VFW HERE AND I'M STILL WAITING 2YRS. BUT BY THE TIME GET IT FINISHED MY CHILDREN WILL BE WEALTHY. OR GRANDCHILREN BUT THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY TAXES ON IT.
We have to wait, yet they continue to give the GI Bill reps bonuses and raises.
How can the VA "change their minds" regarding the advance payment? I, for one, used the advance payment for education; now I have to pay it back? What "horses-ass" thought up this procedure? What if you can't pay it back? Another "stab-in-the-back" for the veterans!
Don't you know by now the V.A. does'nt care about us Veterans, they never did and they never will.
I believe the text said that only those who had mistakenly applied have to pay it back. Those that properly applied don't have to because the VA would have already taken it out. For example, I got $3000 in advance and never got money for about 2 months worth (which would equal around $3000).
Those that say that VA doesn't care don't have the slightest idea. Please look around and get a better view of VA as a whole not just how it's going with you yourself.
No… it is anyone who has taken the advance payment… there were some active duty who somehow were given the loan also, and they wanted to make it clear to them that they would for sure have to pay it back. I thought about getting the loan, but I am SOOOOO glad I didnt. It is just that much more trouble that would have to be dealt with…
are you really that much of an idiot? the VA had hundreds of thousands of people apply for the post 9/11 GI Bill… Im not saying it was easy waiting for the VA to pay me the GI Bill, i got a wife and kid to help support, which meant full time work and school while i waited, but it was a choice i made, The VA made it very clear that payments would be delayed. I was on the phone with them everyweek, on hold for 45 min each time just to talk to someone. You have to be proactive. The people at the VA want you to get what you deserve, but with all the paperwork they had to do is it any surprise mistakes were made in the paperwork delaying some vets their pay?
Thank you, that's probably the first intelligent thing I've read on here yet.
No Vet should have to pay anything back, If you served your country, to me you guys and gals have paid more than your share, Over sea's or not, You fine people have paid your dept. Thank you for all you've done….
Come on man. Didn't you pay attention to anything they told you when you went to pick up your advanced payment? It's an "advanced payment" which means it was paid to you before you started getting your checks. Then, you got back pay from the time you started school, on top of your advanced payment, which means you got an extra 3000 dollars. If they would've held back your first couple of checks to level out the advanced payment then you you would be even right now. Get it??
They'll yake it from your BAH!!!!!!
AMEN!!!! WTF!
YALL ARE SO RIGHT. I THOUGHT THE $3,OOO WAS COMING STRAIGHT FROM THE GI BILL. THIS IS BOGUS AND SO UNPROFESSIONAL. WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO PACK BACK THE MONEY IF WE ARE PAYING THE GI BILL? AND IF WE CANT PAY IT BACK, THEN WHAT??? WE HAVE OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO PAY FOR, THAN TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULDNT HAVE TO PAY BACK.
Maybe you should all start using the GI Bill for school and not Crack. Read this: A – D – V – A – N – C – E. look it up in the dictonary and the light shall shine upon your small brains.
How true. Plain and simply put, the advanced pay we recieved should simply be deducted from the back end of our remaining benefits.
This is how it supposed to be. Just a simple mathematics to resolve and the VA administration should already have it on top of their head. The total amount of what you're supposed to be entitled minus the 3K advance payment, and/or if you are delayed with one month BAH, then whatever that amount would be, then make an off-set against 3K then that should only be the amount to be setttled.
That is not the first time they stab us in the back, now we have to pay for medical care. Where once before as retired veteran it was free. Soon they will take that away to make way for the new veterans. Out with the old and in for the new. Good Luck VA groups are not help us.
I'm not sure where you''ve been, but when we were active duty we had to pay a Tricare premium just as we do now that my husband is retired. I'm not sure where you got the impression that retirees get totally free medical. Try not having any medical and see how far you get….if you are retired, you can get all your meds free from any military facility….that is worth a lot in itself! and if you go to the DR it's only a $12 copay…$25 if you have a hospital stay….I chanllenge you to find a cheaper insurance plan anywhere..
When I was active duty my husband and kids had to pay tricare copays as well to see the doctor at the naval hospital. Then when they moved to where there was no military hospital they had to enroll in Champus and pay a monthly premium. That was less than 9 years ago.
I know for me the advance pay helped. They advanced me the money cause they had not processed my application by oct when i was waiting for my Aug payment. after i got the advanced pay a week later they gave me my regular pay that covered me from Aug to Oct so its only fair to pay back the advanced payment. If they hadnt payed me my regular payment then no i shouldnt have to pay it back but since they did its only fair to pay it back its not right to get paid twice for the same time frame. .
According to the latest info the pay back is mainly geared toward the active duty people who were not supposed to get the advance in the first place. Of course the VA as usual did not check to see who was who. When I tried to get my certificate of eligibility the VA at first kept saying I was still in the army. Go figure. Another inept ineffective government agency run by clowns. Just look at how many are standing around shooting the breeze in the hallways when you visit a VA hospital or clinic.
If you are still active duty…it will probably come from your pay.
I think your to blame on that one, not the VA. You need to hold yourself responsible for your own spending. So you need to quit blaming the VA for your stupidity. It was to help you out not the VA. So if you did not want to have to worry about paying the money back you should of not taken it. People with the mind set that do not think they should pay it back, Just gives the honest Veterns a bad name. So be a man or just be an ass.
SHCM B Retired
Just STOP CRYING…..wHINNER
How is it a stab in the back. I know when I received my advanced payment, I was told it would have to be paid back. Hence it being called an Advanced payment.
Totally agree!!!! We did not know this was a loan! This was supposed to be an "allowance" u dont have to pay these back, and now u do? What!!!!!!!!!!!!!?
It will probably be next year before the adjourn a committe to think about thinking about this matter.
Well they thought about it and will b taking it back through your BAH!!!!!
No, when it comes to the va getting their money is the only time they work fast. Let them try to help a vet in need of help and it will take years. Look for it to happen by the mid summer.
Did you not read what the advance payment was for and why they did it? It was just an ADVANCE pay. It was just money you were going to get in the near future. This means that you would be responsible paying the VA back the money you received above the amount you should have received.
NO we were informed that they would take it out of the remaining balance of what they owed you for attending school. I paied my GI BILL, im keeping the money. I still have not recieved any money toward my education… whens the money coming that I was promised?!?
This was not about the Montgomery Gi Bill, this was about the Post 9/11 Gi bill. If you have not received your Montgomery Gi bill yet, I would check to see if your school messe it up, not the VA. You should not have received an advance for Chapter 30, only Chapter 33 benefits were elligible.
You are obviously an idiot, see "advance payment" the VA didn't pay anything into the fund, as it has nothing to do with the GI Bill. It was actually a loan from J.D. Power and Associates, and needs to be payed back. You are still entitled to your monthy benifits from the VA, they will take a little out each month until it is paid back, so stop whining and do your homework.
The VA is a joke. I would love to know why they throw out these numbers saying this is how many people have been paid or processed. These reports are most likely false. I have been in school since Oct 20, 2009 and have yet to receive any payment. I call the call center and "all lines are currently busy, please submit your questions online". I go online and takes them 2 weeks to answer your question and when they do answer your question, they make stuff up up. I was once told I received 2 payments the first being 12/31/09 and the other 1/19/10. They replied back to me on 1/15/10. So tell me VA, how could I have received payment on 1/19/10 when you sent the on 1/15/10. They have no clue what they are doing. I personally would like to see a congressional investigation to see the actual number of veterans that have not been paid as of yet instead of worrying about baseball and steroids, investigate this. I mean after all, we the Veterans deserve better than this.
If you think the VA is such a joke then stop using the benefits. i have not had any problems with the VA and I have been going to school since June 2008…yes, sometimes it takes awhile to get the payments but please, given the amount of people trying to get them all at the same time, I am surprised it is not taking longer. So, if they are such a joke to you then I suggest you stop using the benefits and leave them to the members that actually appreciate what we are getting. I hate people that feel as though they are entitled. Makes you sound pathetic.
Congress gave the VA an allotted amount of time to get everything set up so that they could be ready to start this program. The VA did not adequately train their people to handle this. Why doesn't the government hire more people to work for the VA's G.I. Bill program. Helps the Vets and creates jobs.
Brenda relax…….I understand what your saying, but you need to understand some of these people dont have other incomes or they CANT get other incomes due to no job availiabilty and/or location. I havent received payment either and its been months. I am anxiously waiting and will continue to wait, but lashing out at people being frustrated is the wrong approach here.
Sorry Chuck, I disagree…hunter0325 didn't have this money prior to this new bill, so he, you, me and whoever else falls into this category need to be patient and let the VA do their job. Eventually he will get his money. And just think he may even get it in a lump sum.
Exactly what benefits do you think hunter is using? Did you not read that they have not received ANY money yet? Not receiving money isn't a benefit, it's a disgrace, and he/she has every right to be upset.
Don't want to bring Jesus in this, but Amen! I love being a Veteran and would never be so disrespectful to those that are trying to help us.
They use you up in a war and then when the grunt gets broken your treated like trash or a person from a third world country, there is know hope for us.
I received my 'cash advance' by mail in October.. my payments were deducted there after and I have continued to receive payments.. I have even changed not only schools, but states over the winter break.. give the poor offices a break, they are so overlaoaded and any one of us veterans who have ever worked under pressure during a crisis or change of venue should have at least half the gutts and balls to agree.. Shit, you are getting compensated for what you did and teh time you served.. yes, you might have at one time 'paid' for the GI bill, but you will get that $1200 back.. QUIT BITCHING and deal…
I totally agree with you, the V.A. takes your GI Bill money of the initial payment of $1,200 dollars and what if the Veteran was disabled and used the Vocational Rehabilitation program, they just take my $1,200 dollars and invest the money, not including the money Congress passes to the V.A. each year. They are totally raking in the cash, and yet again the Veteran gets the SHAFT! They have a ton of programs that they never market to Veterans, if we don't tell each other and share the info. then where/ or who gets all that CASH?
Steroids in baseball? They sure know how to waist valuable time. You are right on the money. F**k congress and thier high dollar whores. They all need to get real jobs and remember the values and beliefs this country was founded on.
That is not the first time they stab us in the back, now we have to pay for medical care. Where once before as retired veteran it was free. Soon they will take that away to make way for the new veterans. Out with the old and in for the new. Good Luck VA groups are not help us. You can sue the goverment and they have access to your money, w-2 and all done though the court. We can sue them but they can use the courts against us. How does it feel to be subject of goverment. Would you like some tea?
Lol, your being sarcastic and it's funny, but your totally right old school, the thing is they have the people, or at least near half thinking this war was for a just cause, where as Nam for instance
had a terrible backlash from the people… since you guys have started to die off and the generation is fading they're back to their
old tricks… sadly the peoples gov. doesn't work for the people anymore, if it ever did! How would you like your tea!?lol
I would send a copy of the e-mail of supposed payments to your congressman to look into the theft against our veterans.
Hmmm, I think maybe it is your VA rep at the school… Mine has been fabulous and keeps up with the veterans on campus…I have received my tuition, however still waiting on my housing-was told that can take months. I hope that maybe next semester you will be better prepared, as I did and have had no problems…
Good Luck
You need to physically go to your nearest regional VA office, or get Disabled American Veterans (DAV) involved. Don't waste any more time calling.
hang tight, i started school mid august and finally got 1st pymnt mid December… they just jumped into something without reliezing the intensity of it all.
I DEFINATLY AGREE WITH YOU. I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN PAID A DIME. THEY OWE ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, AND WHEN WILL I SEE THAT. 2 YEARS FROM NOW. THE VA IS A CROCK OF ****. THEY NEED TO THIS ADMINISTRATION ALSO BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ONE THAT CARES FOR VETERANS THAT WORK FOR THEM. THEY ACT LIKE THEY DO BUT THEY REALLY DON'T.
You know if your too relevant they'll just delete your comment anyway, that's how they play… take it outside the chat room and give it some real media attention hunter0325… that and the white house idea will really light fire to some executives… but Obama probably
doesn't read his own emails, the best bet is media attention… the
american people love us more than ever these days, but the gov. is
still up to the same old tricks!
hunter0325 I think i was in the same boat as you, but I have to say when I called VA they were very helpful and I got paid soon after the mistake was made. We as Veterans have to understand that this new bill is just that "new" and it takes time to work out all of the bugs. We should appreciate the fact that this new bill is even available…THINK ABOUT THAT!!!
Wait till you see government health care. Tell me one thing Government bureaucracy does well?
The one thing they do will is take your money and then piss it away!!!
Apples and oranges my friend, two totally different things. Health Care is needed! Have you ever been without it? I haven’t and I would be terrified if I couldn’t take my love one to see a physician. If folks would pull together and stop this us and them crap; it can and will work!
He has a point. Government Run HC is not the answer. It would be worse then this with a sudden 30 – 50 MILLION people thrusted into it.
for sure. It will be a while for the VA to catch up but eventually they will be better staffed and equipped to handle the volume.
Stabbing us in the back, now we have to pay for medical care. Where once before as retired veteran it was free. Soon they will take that away to make way for the new veterans. Out with the old and in for the new. Good Luck VA groups are not help us.
I've been getting Health Care from my local VA Medical Center since losing my job, and have had nothing but a great experience. This discussion has also come up on Reddit on multiple occasions, and the vast majority of VA Medical Center patients say pretty much the same thing.
Nothing, you should read George Orwell's (Politics and the English
Language). And if that doesn't blow your mind, then try Henry David Thoreau's (Civil Disobedience)- Ghandi and MLK are students of this philosophy. I mean really do they ever say what they mean?!?
Or do they just want to look the part and use "plausable denyability"
to pretend they care about us when really one you sign that contract, then you leave!!!! Your useless to them now… those are essays, but when you want a really political book to check out, hit me back, and I'll drop some real Amoral shit on you soldier!
what about the veterans that served in 1950's and the1960's are we intitled to payments? and why not?? i would like to further me education.
i served in 1957 -61
Yeah well the current vets will miss out on future bills. Its just the way it is, otherwise no bills could be passed duo to the large amount of vets.
You knew full well that you would be entitled for education benefits for 10 years following your discharge.
The vets under the old gi bill got thier education within 10 years after they got out. I used all of mine and do wish I could get more. But oh well guess not. That money we didn't have to pay back. Get with the program. These new vets dont have those benifits we did. times are a changing…… where were you smoking in boys room when that memo went out.?
"POST 9/11… hmmm… you think that may mean that it's for individuals who served AFTER September 11, 2001???? DUH!!
No Eugene it's for veterans who served on Active Duty after September 11 2001
There is still title IV funding available. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and apply like every other American does. You will be surprised at what aid is there for you.
Very good advice… I hope all those whining about their credit scores and credit take it. American's "vets" included. GI Bill does not pay for your entire education.
How can it when we only get 36 months of benefits and it takes 4 years to get a Bachelors. I understood from the get go I would have to take out Stafford Loans. Yes, I have loan payments now that I graduated, but I make a nice living using the degree I got. Even if these folks have to take out loans, they don't have to make payments on them until 6 months after they get out of shool and then have 10 years to pay them off.
It takes less than 48 months to complete a bachelor's. They don't consider the time that you aren't in school (such as summer and winter break) toward your elegibility. If you use your money wisely you could finish a bachelors. I finished a bachelors and an associates on GI Bill. But I worked to support myself and family. A lot of vets want to just go to school and live off GI Bill. That is how the money runs out fast. Besides, GI Bill is not meant to fund your ENTIRE education. There is also pell grants available that do NOT need to be paid back. I did not take out a single loan but I did recieve a pell grant to finish off my last semester. I also streched out my GI Bill by attending part time most semesters. If you take the time and do the math you can figure how many credits to take so that your tuition is paid off and you still have some loot left over to save for a later sememster.
Listen to all these late comers whine! If they were in the Vietnam war (as I was) they would have gotten nearly NOTHING! Where is my school money? Can I get it now? Do I even count anymore? Oh yea…I didn't count then either!
Actually, you had a nice VEAP, you must have not been told. It paid better then the Montgomery Gi Bill, it was a lot like the Post 9/11 in many ways.
Like some of the other writers said on this site, the VA is a joke, sham and a Shame. And Gen. Shiniski is cruising along as usual drawing the big bucks. I served during 1966 to 1968. Only got 30 months VA benefits back then according to them. I later went back in and even served during and after the 9/11 period and now they want to deduct the Vietnam GI bill from the new one. I surely would not want to work for a company that calls you to work, then pays you then later calls you again and then decides that since they paid me the first time, the second is a free ride on me. Further more they (VA) beat me out of 17 months on the first GI Bill.
Great… I did 70-74….
We paid, we lived, all the vets, full college tuition, no pay backs, you earned it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, our high school daughter, sample; Dad worked when he came home, did not use GI college funds, asked about Daughter using or getting some college funds, they laughed at me, said better purchase the book of seeking searching scholarships, to many forms, B.S., as no funds for old Viet Nam War Era Vets et-al…. Grrrrrrrrr. 4 yrs 3 yrs overseas, not there, but lost a few military family members, there and other places…to return home & work for college cheaters, whom inherited corporations, we became indentured servants, economic slaves, not good, We need to form legal militias, it should not be our children conflict, it is us, it is ours…
You are not entitled to the advance payment because you did not serve during or after 911…..Hence the name…..POST 911 GI BILL! How hard is that to understand?? This payment was only for the Chapter 33 or Post 911 GI Bill….not Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30). You should have participated in the Montgomery GI Bill if you wanted to further your education.
You had a GI bill in your day too. just like us "youngstas" don't get the same benefits as vets that served in Nam and Korea.
What happens if you applied for the check but never received it but received an email saying you had to pay it back?
Have the produce the returned check with your signiture! Then run it up to your Congressman from there. They have a VA rep usually, and are pretty good at getting back to you pretty quickly. And in turn, the VA after their office calls actually.
pless this is robbie i'm in fl retired and feel ur paindo
listen guys and yes girls like always we got bent over! for u that haven't seen the money go to regional office they'll cut a check in a min. then u can hand it back and tell them what ever i drove 3hrs to get my check with no pay back for gas,time and wear and tear on my car also i for got to tell you the best part i was t-boned by a person no insurance was in the hospital for 3 weeks with no income va wants their money and oh yea insurance gave me half of what my car was worth so va and your employees go u know what yourself and your boss also
i received the same email, but i am looking for the check everyday. still haven't received a check.
I too, have had my problems with the V.A. over the past 40 years. However, if you did not want to pay the money back, you should not have taken it. There are other avenues open such as grants and things you don't have to pay back. If you do not pay the V.A. back there goes the money for future veterans. If you owe it, pay it.
Again, they were supposed to take it out of our future monthly benefits. We were not supposed to be paying anything they back, they were supposed to withhold from FUTURE MONTHLY BENEFIT AMOUNTS. They didn't do it. End of story.
The VA amount I DIDN'T recieve yet will not even come close to covering my tuition and books. I am out of pocket, thousands for books alone. Horrible!
I totally agree with you and the above statement is true. I received a letter stating I owe $816 when I have been waiting from July-Nov for my payments.
Just one class alone is over a $1000! One book was $200.. Now times that by four classes!
We shouldn't have to owe anything back.
Never buy your books from the school–use Chegg's, Amazon, EBAY but never the school.
my school wont even credit me for books . i d told them the money is comming .they said there sorry.it's a business. I said alright when i get mob again .well you know what i mean !!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only free about this program is the headache that is guaranteed when you have to deal with them. I am sure the Director of Education at the VA has no clue about the screw ups they make, or how ignorant the people are when they mess up and you call them on it. I bet the Director of Education at the VA does not have an email address where you could voice your concerns. If he did have an email or phone number and people were calling him or emailing him with their concerns about the screw ups, maybe something would actually done right over there. Sh*t, when you call them and ask to speak to a supervisor, they tell you, you cant talk to a supervisor because they dont take phone calls. Great system they have there. And dont even get me started about Regional offices who approve or deny the claims, then dont send you a letter saying anything is wrong to get it corrected. Nah, sure, just wait about 10-12 weeks for processing and then when your money does not come, we will skirt around the issues for another 3 weeks, then tell you what is wrong and when it gets corrected we will make you wait another 10-12 weeks to process your claim. Then to top it off, they dont even have a friggin phone number to contact the regional offices where they process claims. I am sure Obama would love to know how Veterans are being treated, if he meant anything he said last night about the way Veterans should be treated when they come home.
Obama doesn't care.
When I called the VA prior to switching from MGIB to post 9/11, I was told to apply a certain way. Weeks later I called to check on it and found out I should have applied a different way. And to top it off I had to wait for that processing time. Their continued incompetence is astounding.
YOU'RE GETTING PAID TO GO TO COLLEGE… YOU'LL GET BACK PAID… FREAKING CRY BABY!!!
that's what this is for. Voicing your opinion and exposing how lowsy we veterans are treated . if you have an issue with that you should go back to your trailer. Im sure that your village is missing you.
How about 12 YEARS? It took the VA 12 years to finally say "Oh, yeah. Your issues that you did not have prior to service are service-connected." "However, we are only going to make it retroactive to 6 years ago because that is when you sent in the nasty letter demanding a response."
Of course there is no contact information for anyone in the VA. They would be inundated with calls, letters, and emails.
obama could give a $hIt less!!get a fax number for the local office and then get every body together and come up with a bitch sheet and send to the appropriate VA gurus plus your home senators and congressman. don't stop till you get a reply IT DOES WORK!!!
Hunter,
Have you considered that your payments may be going to someone else? Wouldn't be the 1st time THAT happened
Hi to my fellow vets and welcome to the sinking ship that we fought so hard to keep afloat. I am a 24 years vet and i don't regret the sacrifices that my family and i had to endure but what is blowing my mind is the aftermath. The way we are treated with all the empty promises and the lack of professionalism at the main office and not to mention the run-around. At first, the 9/11 GI Bill sounded good in fact too good to be true. It ended been another financial pain in our wallet. i am in agreement with you all. The system is not functioning the way it should nor are they attempting to fix it anytime soon. BUT THEY ARE READY TO COLLECT. At least they can collect from us but we can never make up for all the sacrifices that we've made.
Those who are responsible to meet our needs doesn't care about us. And now, they want us to pay back the initial payment which would further create financial hardship for most vets. Mr. Director we are the bottom feeders that are in need of a bail out. MR. DIRECTOR, "YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE INITIAL PAYMENT FOR THE VETS WHO'VE RECEIVED IT AS A BAILOUT". I think we deserve it.
Your lucky if you hear from them every 10 -12 weeks I filed 2 years ago they sent me a letter that said my medical record was missing and that it was FUTILE to look for it, I contacted Vetrans Records in Colorado and they infromed me that the VA had my medical record since shortly after I filed I went and seen someone at Vetrans Claims at the VA hospital and he help me out some he got me a phisical which they where not even going to do! They gave me hearing loss but not the loss of my finger the destruction of my knees, back or anything else that I filed for. I appealed it and still waiting haven't heard a thing that's almost a year ago. A peace of advise if your about to get out make a copy of your medical record I signed a form for a copy when I wa geting out NEVER Recieved it or they other things that they were supposed to send me. SO Do It Your Self Before you get out.
Viet Nam Era vet here. When I got my GI benfits back in the late 70's and early 80's, I never had any problems. The checks were always on time and correct. !
They are for me now as a Post 9/11 Vet… I think my generation might be a little impatient, Selfish and stubborn…
Mimi………i am in "this" generation also……yknow…..I completely agree. I also understand though, that times are tough and people need cash. Just one of those things……But I do agree with you my dear.
Same herein the late 70's, Now, I don't know what happen? I was retired in 2005 and according to the VA educational Benefit that I left the service. First I was stop-lost in September 2001. Now they don't know I retired. No out processing here, just go home. Go figure? thanks VA. personnel.
THAT IS SO TRUE I GOT MY SCHOOL BENFITS RIGHT AWAY IN THE 70
USMC 70's. Ya, one would think that with all this tec. today the process would be faster. It's a shame.. If there were more Vets in the House and Congress things would be better. FYI, out of 100 Senators there are 25 vets, just think about that come election time.
Good to hear posible solutions in times of endless problems Marine- good info.
consider yourself lucky I had to drop out of auto tech school in 77" because my checks were 5 months late and when I did get it they hounded me for 3 years over a $35 overpayment right up till I returned to school .
I am a Viet Nam Era vet here. When I got my GI benefits back in the late 70's and early 80's there were no problems. But now when I apply for increase in my service connected disabilities it is always decline and I have to appeal the it. I am currently at 80% but because problems with diabetes and bad knees high blood presure which are service connected it all ways decline and I have to appeal it even though I could apply for 100% for unemployabity I have to first quit my job. Who's going to pay my bills why wait 4 or 5 months for them decline it and then another 3 to 4 years for the appeal to go thur and becline again and then it just goes on and on.
Seems like a new day don't it soldier? After Nam the "peoples" gov.
didn't have the people behind it… They had to do some right to keep
control… sounds like history needs to repeat itself. All left to do is
use the media, and inform the people!
Should have gone to Ashford, they pay for your books if you are in the military.
Email your concerns to the white house. Maybe if we get enough people it will light a fire under the VA to start doing right by its veterans. Its time we take a stand. You can go to http://www.whitehouse.gov
sounds good
You will get BACK paid you jerk! WE ARE GETTING FREE COLLEGE!!!! SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!
Just remember if your emailing the white house. Keep it short, simple and be respectful. After all, we need to be taken serious.
sure…with a name like that u will be taken seriously…sometimes the best advice is ur own…
Not too mention that as veterans any thing that even begins to sound antagonistic constitutes terrorist threats.
Fantastic Advice and one to should follow. However the VA needs to be reminded that the Vets have already paid for their tuition and schools fees by their service and willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country.
Not to mention most of us signed on with that in writing, I guess when the ones that make the laws break them it doesn't matter!?!
Yay! It was a huge success…now we are going to not pay you for 2-6 months cause things are going to get messed up again. JUST LET US KEEP IT AND RIGHT IT OFF, WE NEED MONEY TO EAT YOU JERKS!!!
The VA held back a portion of my son's 70% Disability Payment until he paid back every cent of the severance money that the Navy awarded him upon his medical discharge. He should have received 100% since he is basically unemployable because of the medication he has to take to keep the pain and muscle spasms in check. He was a SEAL for 9 years. He was healthy enough to make it through BUDS and earn his Trident when he joined the Navy. When the discharged him he couldn't pick up his 3 year old son. That sucks. They continued to dock his VA benefit even after he paid back every bit of it. He had to go through so much BS to get the money back that they overcharged him. That really sucks. I was a SEAL and served in Vietnam and they tried to screw me out of my VA Disability but I fought it and was lucky enough to win. The VA is a mess. I feel bad for the Veterans coming out of the service today.
REFILE his Disability… Thats Horse Crap!! I am at 70% and I am still very much employable….. You really have to bug the hell out of your local VA office (in a nice way) and light a fire under them to do it.. he should be at 100%… DO IT!! Email me if you need some manuevering around.. lilkydo@aim.com
This is excellent advice and a very friendly thing to do. Cheers to you!
Again, He should see Disable American Veteran, Or other Agency who can help with his case. An Attorney ? check the website. I hope he is in the VA medical system and being seen there. Good luck and more power to you .
write/go see your Senator or Congressman. You'd be amazed how fast that gets things rolling…
You're right Emily. All you have to do is say "do you want a Congressional?" and they really start moving. When I was in hospital after having emergency surgery, I was desperate to get my husband, a 100% service-connected Vietnam Vet into VA extended care as he could not take care of himself. Finally, my priest, who had previously worked for the VA, asked the above question. Within two days, our part time caregiver was able to take him in to the nursing home to stay while I recovered. There are very good people in the VA system; it's the one's who don't care and realize that the union protects them that gives the VA such a bad image. Unions, while they served an obvious and necessary purpose in the early part of the 20th century, have destroyed much of what makes this country great.
Thats BS. Second generation SF and being treated like that after putting your self through hell for them. Hope he gets everything he deserves -100%
First let me say thanks for your service during Vietnam. I was hurt in Iraq and had a hard time getting the VA to process my claim, so I contacted my local VA Rep for my county (he is a civilian). I would also contact my state senator. They have a VA Rep who helps with these issue's.
Second, thanks for the information on the severance money , my son is also injured. His vehicle was hit by an IED in Iraq. He has had one serious surgery and they can't fix his arm so they are putting him thru the MRB process. If he doesn't get 30% they will give him a cash settlement, then when he applies for VA bennies they will hold it until all of the money is repaid.
I say we write the State Senators and make them do their job.
Sorry about your son's case and condition. I am from the 66-68 era, and even went back in. The VA and the Army have hosed me over several times and I just put it all in my congressmans lap. He did help me get one issue taken care of and is working on more issues. If you haven't done so, get with you congressperson and senator and make them earn their pay. I might also add (and I dont mean any disrespect, since I have served with many female servicemembers) but the VA is giving them top priority on claims (that is from an inside source and congress). Some of their claims have been settled in as little as 60 days with huge disability percentages and not even been near a combat zone. Got an email yesterday from a female vet buddy of mine and she got 90% right off the bat and just got out. Also have a personal friend here locally who got an increase and did not even have to show up for the physical. Go figure that out.
sapper 41st eng btn hhc__wah wah wah i lost my educational benefits because i decided to ets instead of reenlist and our major didnt recieve his bird because eight of us decided to go home after somalia we served our contract. why were our benefits taken from us… everyone who enlist knows the govt is crooked so why sit here and post a bunch of whinning about it. hooah…….
I was medically discharged after 14 years of faithful service and the injury I sustained caused me to have to have surgery on my lower back. Titanium rods and screws were inserted into my back along with carbon fiber cages to fuse 3 vertebrate together. I was not retired because I didn't rate 30% while I went through a med and peb board at Walter Reed in 2005. I was granted a severance pay of $77K and when I went to the VA to apply for my disability payments I was rated at 40% disabled. Problem #1. If the VA and the Army were on the same sheet of music in reference to rating, I would have been retired.
I understand and agree. If you don't have a copy of your medical recoreds, you are scewed also, I lost a finger and destroyed my knees and injured my back plus, But when I filed I took a year to even get a phisical from the VA then the only thing they gave me was hearing loss,and said that that my medical record was missing and that it was FUTILE to look for it so, I contacted records keping in Colorado and they sent me a copy of my enlistment physical (which showed I had all 10 fingers) and that the VA has had my medical records for over a year (witch coinsides with my file date) so did they purposely missplace it (HUM) can anyone say coincidence. The thing that really piss's me off is I started to copy it when I was getting out and was talked into signing a form that was supposed to be form the Navy to send me a copy ( Never Happend) like my ships book it's in the wind some where if you can't do it yourself don't count on the Military or VA. to be fare they did ask if I had a copy of my medical record even though they have it..
This is what I don't understand, I am not active duty, but the wife of an active duty member. If memory serve me right, the first year the my husband was in the service he paid 100.00 a month into his G.I bill and that he was supposed to receive all these FREE benefits after serving 4 years in the service. Now even if you all received an advance in your G.I bill benefits, there should be no reason why is should have to be paid back. It is free money for education and if anything it should be taken out of the next installment for the service members education and then the member pay their school the left over amount out of pocket till their next installment comes in.
Wow getting FASFA is easier then dealing with the VA. I get grant money and everything and the school takes care of all of it for me. I don't have to worry about paper work or anything. I also think that it is BS that you all have to wait 10-12 weeks to start school if you want to attend, that give that service member just in time for the member to change their mind and the VA save money. I would just be better to do Federal Financial Aid and then once the VA benefits for the G.I bill kick in just use that money to pay off the students loans.
you have NO idea what you are talking about… the GI BILL (chapter 30) and the post 9/11 gi bill (chapter 33) are two different things. The money these idiots are complaining about was an interest free LOAN that they got paid on TOP of their payments… they all will get back paid and then have plenty of money to pay the V.A. back.
You know what John, instead of being and asshole about it, all you had to do was explain the difference. Like I stated from it sounded like, it was a difficult process that didn't seem like it was worth trying for. Also it doesn't matter which bill the service member chooses, it still takes 10-12 weeks to process.
Also I do know what I am talking about, I have researched things. Also I do have all the LES's going back from when my husband first joined and it shows how he paid into his G.I bill. Also no one ever mention an interest free LOAN, so get you head our of your ass and treat people with a little respect.
Amber, I work for the VA department at a private University. If it is taking 10-12 weeks, then either your school has not Certified the VA form 22-1990 or there is a problem with the application. I would contact your school asap. If you never received confirmation on your elligibility in the MAIL, yes snail mail, then your application has a problem. My students have not received their (Montgomery Gi Bill) Chapter 30 benefits later then 8 weeks and that was with problems.
I don't know about that. I have spoke to both the VA as well as my school regarding the MGIB. I first applied in July 2009. My certification of enrollment was not received until October, but I am still waiting for payment and it as been a lot more the 12 weeks from October 5th. When I did get someone on the phone at the VA (numerous times) for them to make sure all my paperwork was correct they told me that everything is in and correct (I have already talked to someone about 7 times since December) and I'm just awaiting processing. I think in some instances it does take longer especially because with every day that passes more people are trying to get their benefits, but I dunno. Maybe somebody missed something. I was told they received the certificate of enrollment, the 6 pages with signatures that shows my eligibility for the army college fund, the paperwork saying that i paid for the GI Bill as well as my application. Although everyone says that it's just a matter of processing, is there anything else I should be doing (Just wondering because you work for a VA department) or something that might be wrong that someone missed?
I agree John…I do not understand how all these VETS that one time or another represented th eUSA can complain about having to pay a LOAN back and having to wait for a GRANT? I t doesnt make sense…this is not something that HAD TO BE DONE! This is a BENEFIT people
I concur!
there is a BIG difference between the GI bill and the 911 GI bill. this articel is talking about the 911 GI bill and they money to ba paid back was because like in my example i started in Aug by Oct i still hadnt recieved anymoney so they issued me a emergency check which paid me from Aug to Oct then a few weeks later they PAID me for my aug -oct so therefor because of the emergency check i was paid TWICE for the time of Aug- Oct so yea i have to pay back the emergency fund. Its not fair to be paid twice for the same time frame.
I paid for the G.I. Bill and when I was ready to use it , it expired my bad I waited 10 years to back to school I was makeing a Very good living until the Telco Bubble POPPED. Anyway I knew the rules ( so they say). But ,my point is how many of us did the same thing we don't get a dime back and we put out $1200.00 each. So, Why are they doing this besides there records are not right to start with according to some of the things I have read on this Fourm. Are there any Vetrans running the VA or are they all POLITICIANS?
I paid for the G.I. Bill and when I was ready to use it , it expired my bad I waited 10 years to back to school I was makeing a Very good living until the Telco Bubble POPPED. Anyway I knew the rules ( so they say). But ,my point is how many of us did the same thing we don't get a dime back and we put out $1200.00 each. So, Why are they doing this besides there records are not right to start with according to some of the things I have read on this Fourm. Are there any Vetrans running the VA or are they all POLITICIANS?
I applied for my education benefits in July 2009 and started school in August. The only money I've recieved so far was the advance I got in October. Since then I've been told thru their web site, never by a human voice because they don't answer the phone, that my application is in the queue for review and should recieve payment shortly. Now they want the money back that I'm supposed to be recieving shortly.How does the VA expect me to pay back money I thought was a benefit when I'm paying tuition,books,rent,BGE,food when I'm living of my savings and unemployment because I got laid off due to this crap economy.
totally agree. I transferred to a four year college causing me to have to reapply for Va Benenfits. My ten year deadline was Nov 11th and they still owe me from July-Nov.. Now they are saying I owe them back money from the Va Advance!
GI doesn't even pay enough tuition for one class! Then you have to purchase the book
Where are you going Havard???
The Gi Bill pays Veterans that were active duty for at least 4years 1,388.00 a month every month you are in school. So if your tuition is a lot more then that, you must be in Yale or Havard or something.
not everyone is collecting that much…………..i am suppose to be getting 2218 because i use the post 911 gi bill
Look at her question. She is taking classes online, therefor she will not get BAH, if you take your classes online the Post 9/11 Gi Bill will only pay for tuition, no book stipend, no monthly payment to the veteran. So since she is doing it online, the Montgomery Gi Bill pays the veteran.
Depends on the state the school is in and if you are going to a campus or doing it online
Dear Charlie: I want to take my education benefits soon, can i still take my unemployment benefit? thank you MY E-mail: iililix3@aol.com
I second that emotion Charlie!!!!! Like I mentioned in my post, I just got my benefits and now they want it back…lol
I hope and pray for you dude and hope you make a full recovery, and i understand where your coming from.
The problem with the loan to help us out is that it is a loan that you repay in 1-2 installments at their discretion. Why not treat it like an actual loan and take it in installments which is the way it was explained to me when I accepted it.
VA has been good to me. It did take 4months for me to recieve my back pay but It was well worth it. Now everything is on track and I am receiving my monthly BAH at the end of each month.Some of you really need not stop complaining!!!!!! this is a great service. Yes! VA has been unorganized and lazy for years, but they are really trying to help us VETS. Just be thankful!
Yeah Erica, you're right. We should stop complaining because we haven't gotten any of the money we were promised. You're right. good thing you got your money though.
its easy for you to tell all of us to stop complaining…you've been paid. must be nice!!!
wow, the only good comment about the VA so far. I am so thankful that the VA is helping me and my family out right now. Couldnt have asked for more. Wished there were more people pleased about this. hopefully others will get everything straightened out.
Are you for real or having sex with someone at the VA? NO ONE I know is not having issues with the VA for benefits of any kind, let alone education.
you can tell us to stop complaining just because your situation is fine. Everybody is not as lucky as you.
I was finally glad to hear someone say something positive. I am a Certifying Official at a Florida University and I know the payments have been slow to the students. This could be partly due to your school, not the VA. Our school did not make our students pay tuition, we just waited for the VA to pay that way the students didn't have to pay, nor miss any schooling. Ask your university or college to work with you – if they truly are an institution for learning they will work with you. If not, consider going to a different school. My VA students (a few) did take the LOAN, and that is exactly how it was discussed on all the information I saw and I saw a lot. Now if you took the emergency LOAN be prepared to pay it back, if not, don't worry they know who got it and who didn't. If you didn't sign when you went to pick up the check then you didn't get one, right??? They must request these funds back – these particular funds aren't yours. When Chapter 33 started it was a hugh problem but I see students being paid pretty quickly once they get started and are in the system. Hang in there veterans!!
My husband's school didn't require him to pay upfront either, but waited for the VA to pay. My only problem with the school was we were told they'd certified him (or whatever the term is) 2 or 3 weeks before he actually was, so the initial payments took longer than we'd hoped.
Erica….all due respect, but do you read your comments before you post them? There are a ton of vets having serious issues with the VA and because you didn't have an issue everyone else should calm down and relax? You say this because you are happy and paid. For all the other people not being paid, unable to afford rent, food and daily expenses the problem is real. If everone having problems just stopped complaining then much less will get done to get vets their money, but I am glad everything is working out well for you and apparently, in your world, thats all that matters. Please save your comments.
Try wearing the other shoe. Wait until you put in a change and see if you are sining the same song. Anyone is allow to vent as long , each situation is different. I have seen the good the bad and ugly , have you?
Your probably only a one in a million, thank your lucky stars. If it were you getting treated like most people are you'd be disgruntled just like the rest of us. I have found that every aspect I've dealt with from the service I retired from right down to our local goverment, Veterans are just another number. Are with the exception of you apparently we've all been treated like crap one way or another. It makes me ashamed to have served 20 years. SO IN RESPONSE TO YOU ERICA '' YOU SHOULD JUST BE THANKFUL" AND BY THE WAY MAYBE TRY PRAYING FOR THE REST OF US WHO AREN'T"
YEAH they helped you, but there not helping us. you need to at least try and put your self in our place instead of opening your bigass mouth. to tell us to pay them back is retarded. most vet are poor and jobless, where are we supposed to come up with 3000 bucks?
Obviously this is the wrong place to be praising the VA. Go with the flow or go start a blog somewhere else. Believe me, you won't have too many followers. Happy everything is going well on Planet Erica
Feel your pain, and much more.. I only wish crutches would help me. Give them a break..
Yes I agree with all of u I have yet to receive all my benefits from education either and when u call u r on the hold line forever. I think before they start taking make sure all is paid to the veterans. They VA system is fuul of holes that is leaking political shit out of every end. I think all veterans should start a petition and send it to Washington to stop the payback until all the education payments r paid to the VETS.
You actually got to be put on hold? Shoot every time I ever called the recording said all representatives are busy at this time call back at another time.
AMEN, I am there with !!!! Wife of an active duty service member.
I am there with 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.
Amen to you comments not a bad idea
EVEN BANKS GOT TO PAY THEIR MONEY BACK WHENEVER THEY FELT LIKE IT!!!!! THIS IS BS!!!!
__ The truth being the Gov. is more woried about the Auto,banking and small bussiness than the person who laid their lifes on the line, and let alone the small (Vet) nonVet save their homes.. So,I ask why would you not think for one minute,that they care about education. Obama said spend for education,The the state of Indiana,cuts teachers and cuts monies for educators. No I'am not from Indiana. and besides Why can't the go get the monie from the Auto and back from the Banks and share with all Americans, Bank won't loan, and the Auto Industery in the bussiness of buying Planes.. and to the lady: Brenda T. How many times have you been shot,do you have all you body parts. Yes,I'am total Disabled,and I do think it a JOKE. We fought for the Government and the freedom, NOW WE FIGHT THE GOVERNMENT FOR OUR FREEDOM… You must be one thoes who grades us VETS. So what is taking you so long???? Viet-Nam Vet of going on 40 some years. SEAL76, Keep up the CHIN!! SEAL TEAM II ECHO Detachment. Took me a long time too. Later BRO
Amen brother….I totally agree. You said it BEST!
sister actually…but either way, we're all getting screwed over by this new, improved GI BILL. If the shoe was on the other foot and they were the ones that weren't getting their money it would be a totally different story!
Reword what the administrator deleted- I would love to see what you wrote.
i agree with texasvet….please reword/repost what the administrator deleted because it is probably the "bare naked truth"
i used cuss words….this is the nicer version.
the VA overpaid my school and didn't send me my housing because of their mistake, i need to go to my school and get the excess money from them…i haven't been paid since november. it just seems like they really don't care about us veterans..i've been to war, served my country, and get totally shafted…the headache is not worth our "FREE EDUCATION"
Seriously Erica, Stop complaining? So when we pay into this and most people do not have any other means to pay bills, electric getting shut off, eviction notices, insurance being cancelled, no money for food, and not to mention has a great paying job, that they leave to take advantage of these so called benefits, we should stop complaining. This is our right to complain. This is a place to vent, to voice our concerns because lord knows the VA doesnt listen to them. Sorry but you sound like either you had mommy and daddy to help you out paying your bills for you, or a spouse to help you get thru the 4 months you didnt have any money to help you get by, so dont come on here all high and mighty telling us what we can and can not do.
It sounds like your the joke my frend and to anyone els that thinks the V.A. is the joke it tells me what you think about our country. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY " 101st airborne / airassault the Fort campbell, Ky. The ending from my last report. GO FOR IT
Sorry I have to say something about this one. First, I always tell people if you are not ready to retire then don't do so…too many time military folks get out and don't have to nickels to rub together and get ticked off because
VA is not moving fast enough, so they can pay their bills. PLEASE….Second, let me add this no mommy and daddy didn't help me pay my bills when I retired, common sense did. Meaning I made sure that I could sustain my lifestyle for at least two years without stressing about bills. And yes I understand that some people have to get out for some reason or another, so this is not directed towards those folks…just to the knuckle heads who got out of the military without a pot to tinkle in or an education to help you get that great job or at least one to supplement you retirement pay.
This is the biggest bunch of F'n garbage I've ever seen. The advance payment was a payment for the money I had not received, and still not received. Now I have to pay back money that is still owed to me. Who in the F runs this VA anyway? This is garbage, nothing but garbage. We veterans swore an oath to give our lives if need be for protecting this country. The VA promised us that we would get money to go to school, and now they want to take away money that is still owed. This makes no sense. I got the advance, but never did I get a monthly check, shouldn't the advance take the place of the monthly checks? Now, I'm not going to be receiving any monthly checks because I have to pay back money that is actually owed to me. WHO IN THE F DO WE NEED TO TALK TO GET THIS SH^T CORRECTED!!!?
local media
John,
It has ever been the VA's policy to set up an obstical course that 85% get tired of running…………….and drop out.
Hang in there bro. The race doesn't always go to the fast, or the prize to the strong.
sad…why is this even an issue. We did our part, served faithfully and sacrificed more then anyone. Is it really that difficult to let veterans have their due? Like a car salesman – get you hooked then after the sale they ignore you like the plague.
I AM AN ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVES VET I APPLIED FOR MY MGIBILL 9 MONTHS AGO AND STILL HAVENT HEARD ANYTHING BACK SO I APPLIED FOR THE ADVANCE PAYMENT SO I COULD FINALLY START MY EDUCATION AGAIN THINKING IT WAS COMING OUT OF WHAT I WOULD RECIEVE NOW I HAVE TO PAY IT BACK??????? WE A ACTIVE DUTY FAMILY WITH ONE INCOME. I CANT FIND A JOB BECAUSE I NEED MORE EDUCATION BUT CANT GET AN EDUCATION BECAUSE VA WONT PULL ITS HEAD OUT OF ITS FOUR PINT OF CONTACT SO WHATS REALLY GOING ON WHY DO WE EVEN LOVE SERVING SO MUCH WHEN THERE ARE NO BENIFFITS FOR US THINGS THAT WERE PROMISED THAT WE PAID IN TO TO RECIEVE SO ALL THAT FOR NOTHING
my husband been fighting for disabilty since 1973 they have 4/5 pending did surgury on groin and it left him in pain ever since and A- holes still have it pending,he has all records,we know people who say they have problems who dont, who get money and schooling and the people who deserve it have trouble.It just goes back to if you know someone or family works there your in
I just got through refurbishing a directors office at a local VA hospital and I think everyone here would be happy to know that they installed 5 70" teleconfrencing monitors (TV's without the tuners) at $22,000.00 a piece. They need to recover the advanced payments to pay for the monitors. I wish I could afford a 70" tv in my house.
I'm just confused on why we have to pay back the advance payment when it's supposed to be taken from FUTURE benefits. When I joined I paid $100 a month for a year for my "education" and now I have to pay this back? Also, the website never said anything about active duty not being able to receive this advance payment until about two weeks before they stopped it. As for the advance payment being for the Fall 2009 semester, I didn't even receive my check until January, so how is that even dealing with the Fall semester? Maybe they should pay a little more attention and we wouldn't have these screw ups. It's always something with the military/VA, you're here for the soldiers right? When will you start acting like it?
You will receive retro pay back from the time you started school. So the first check is huge.
YALL MAKING ME NERVOUS, I JUST ENROLLED FOR SPRING 2010 AND AM SUSPICIOUS AS TO WHETHER OR NOT MY BENEFITS WILL EVEN START IN A REASSONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION AND VA ARE PRETTY STRONG IN MY STATE. LETS HOPE SO.
Well lets put it this way if they said it will take 8-12 weeks…..expect 12 weeks or more.
Great. I only took the stupid advancement because I went months without pay or even having a clue when I would get paid. What little money I had left over from my college courses I just used to start an apprenticeship, which the VA will not pay for until I finish the first 6 months of class and then I will get picked up by a contractor to be an apprentice. They told me I had to be employed in the field I am studying while I am in the classes to get benefits for the first 6 months. If I already had a job in that field would I be going into an apprenticeship? I think not because I would already be working for someone as an apprentice lol.
I want my 1200.00 back! I can hear the laughing already….
I went through boot camp at Cape May NJ. We were automatically signed up for GI bill or at that time was called Montgomery GI bill. 1200.00 Dollars was paid directly from my pay check and I have never been able to use these funds. I am just pissed off that no one ever addresses the hardship of vets who were never able to access their GI Bill money. They took our money pay it out to others and leave use with nothing cause of the time frame allowed to use it.
As a fellow Cape May Graduate I can tell you nobody stole your money. You were told that if you didn't use it within 10 years of getting out or you get a less than honorable discharge you forfeit it. That is the only way you lose your $1,200.
info@whitehouse.gov
they also screwed me a year of my dues.. (You know you have ten years to use it) well the first year they were backed up and was told it was being processed.. So I lost a year!
You should be able to apply for PTSD, Agent Orange go to <a href="http://www.va.gov/agentorange,” target=”_blank”>www.va.gov/agentorange, ( 1-877-222-8387 eligibility between 1962-1975)also later develop hephatitis C and other related illnesses. I guess all of us experience diesel fuel as a cleaner for any or other uses besides a cargo vehicle. I hope your are in area where to get help and venture into talking with Disable American Veterans. The way you say you spend cleaning it with a diesel fuel makes a lot of sense but not to others. Help is out there and there are Lawyers who will take a case like Hill & Ponton 1-888-477-2363, or check out the website. good luck to you and don't you give up, your not alone. we all are in the same situation with the VA. In 1979 I had my case and got 0% percent for injuries Now VA are a lot better than before application. I'm 70% but combined 60% according to the rules. so keep fighting it. You deserve more Airborne.
Call your congressman and senator and tell them your probem. It is the easiest way to get it resolved.
I have found that dealing with the VA is a lot like dealing with the IRS, it's mostly "hurry up and wait," but "we need your money yesterday" if you owe them anything. Unlike many of your stories, I was fortunate enough to get my Bachelor's and my Master's utilizing my Active Duty GI Bill entitlements with little or no hassle; and I was also awarded additional entitlements based on my deployments for OEF and OIF. The only real "hassle" I had to endure was reading ALL the fine print!
I agree that our hard earned entitlements and benefits should be awarded and delivered to us without a bunch of fine print and red tape. And I think the VA should be more responsible to Veterans in this regard. However, we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and read the VA's fine print whether we are seeking the VA's help with a new home, medical benefits, or our educational benefits. If our military service taught us anything, it was how to protect ourselves. So, please read the fine print before you commit to any advance payment…and especially if you intend to offer your educational entitlements to your children!
People, do you understand what "advance payment" means? It's not a loan, it's your money from the GI bill that is taken from about 9 weeks of your normal monthly payments from the VA and supplied to you in a lump sum to get your initial college funding satisfied. It creates a hole in your normal monthly payments that equals your advance pay; then tuition and housing payments continue normally from there. It was meant for people who may not have the necessary money now but will have it later. If you knew that you won't have enough cash to pay for school after the advance payment runs out then you needed to finance a loan instead of taking the advance pay in the first place. Some schools understand the delay in the GI bill process and will work with you on it. When the VA money does come through, the first payment should include any backpay that covers the months where no pay was received unless you took the advance pay.
If you received 2 months adv pay but your VA kicks in after 30 days then you have too much adv pay and will have to wait until it is used up before the VA pay continues. Remember not to use the money for what it is not intended. This is how it should work, but it looks like normal pay isn't starting until 10-12 weeks and beyond which defeats the purpose of the advance pay. This was a first time process that obviously failed and it's doubtful they will get it right for the second try this spring.
Does anyone have the Secretary's email address???? The VA is only paying me 70% of what is owed. I only got 70% of my book fess and the advance, But. no monthly compensation. And, I'm an officer; I can only imagine the horrors being done to out enlisteds and NCO's.
This is just so typical of the VA. I already left a comment at whitehouse.gov and suggest everyone else do the same. Maybe if enough of us voice our concerns in a reasonable manner we will be heard!
What gets me is if some of us that didn't get paid for august in the first place, why should we pay it back, it's money that should rightfully be ours, what the heck is going on. Can't win for losing, haven't even been paid for the past couple months what's going to happen next month, I highly doubt I'll be getting paid on time again.
I am sorry for all of your who are having problems. Please don't disregard the VA completely, not all VA centers are the same. I am proud of the VA center that I am treated at (Bath VA Medical Center). They have done everything possible for me, including helping me get the benefits I deserve. I signed up for the Post 9/11 GI Bill last summer and like many of you it took many months for me to receive my benefits but I must say I did receive my benefits and haven't had a problem since. I get my BAH every month on time and a stipend for books at the beginning of the semester. As far as people having trouble with your schools, you should look into only military "friendly" schools. The school I go to is very understandable about waiting for the payment for my tuition from the VA and I don't get hit with late fees or anything, and they don't even ask me to pay my tuition out of pocket. As far as not getting through to the GI Bill phones it may be frustrating and annoying but hang up and call back! Don't let them say on an automated machine "I am sorry all of our representatives are busy at this time" this is NOT acceptable. I agree if you aren't getting what you deserve go to a congressmen, that is what they are there for! Good luck to you all!
YOU GUYS ARE A BUNCH OF CRY BABIES… YOUR EDUCATION IS GETTING PAID FOR!! THE FIRST PAYMENT TAKES SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT YOU GET BACK PAID FOR IT! AFTER MY INITIAL PAYMENT, MY OTHER PAYMENTS HAVE ALL COME ON TIME. JUST BE PATIENT… YOU'LL GET BACK PAID! AND THEY PAY YOU FOR YOUR WHOLE TIME IN SCHOOL. THE ADVANCED payment of 3000 DOLLARS WAS EXTRA ON TOP OF YOUR ENROLlMENT TIME WHICH IS WHY YOU HAVE TO PAY IT BACK. SUCK IT UP. WE GOT IT MADE!
You may think that we are cry babies but let me tell you something, I took the $3000 advance just in case and glad I did because I'd be paying my school out of pocket right now. My paperwork has been processing since Aug.24th and I have not received a freakin penny of my college money other than the advance. And by my calculations they still owe me some money so consider yourself one of the very few lucky ones without any issues.
Do you speak for everyone like this all the time John J.? Way to put everyone in the same box! Just because you may have had a good experience does not mean everyone else has. I guess schooling can't help ignorance.
I do not believe the Obama cares one way or the other. Some gov't agencies have very faulty programs and I bet the "screw ups" are only following procedures they they are told to follow which are faulty to begin with.
JNOB
Be patient guys we will get our entitlements it takes a while because this program just kicked in last fall. How many veterans out there are entitle to these benefits,? lots and lots of them. Be thankful that we have the VA to support us in earning our higher education. I am a combat wounded Veteran so far VA has been good to me. So Im not complaining yet, I just got out 3 days ago and my claims for compensation already rolling. Now, I just have to wait. Take care guys and don't forget to breath we dealt with these while we were in active duty.
Well said.
many of you are not understanding the advance pay process. let me see if i could explain it. the new gi bill "post 911" will pay you the equivalent of an E5 bah with dependents for the area of the school you are attending. my area for an E5 with depends is 1,472 monthly, i've been in school since sep 09, which means that i'm entitled to 5,888. those of you that are in an area that adds up to less than your advance will have to pay the remaining balance. VA will subtract it from your future entitlements. in my case VA will pay me the difference in future entitlements. Be patient, get involved with your local VA, there are work study program that you can do for extra cash. i started of by volunteerig at the VA to ride around in golfcarrts and drop off patients from the parking lot to the front door……..network, network, network ,….visit the va often, check their human resources bulletin.
r/
retired sailor
Ok I think everyone needs to take a big breath and try to relax a bit. Even if your GI Bill is taking it's sweet ass time to get to you. It will be retro-active from when you initially signed up for it. I was in the same boat as most of the people here, didn't receive any benefits until about 2 and a half months into school and when I started classes I quit my job so I could go to school full time. Taking out loans and asking people for money is never a fun thing to do. It was rough on me as I know how it must be on everyone else. If you signed up for the post 9-11 Bill you will receive the 1,200 that you put into it after you use up all of your benefits. Now on paying back the Advance payment. I'm pretty sure none of us here really knows how this will work out. We are all reading the quick little blurb that military.com has released to us. You can either get worked up with all of the might be and what if scenarios, but in the end that just makes us all bitter and angry. Let us all see how this plays out before we start screaming for the heads of the senior staff at the VA. And to some people that are upset about (non-related to GIBill) disability claims talk to the DAV. They will help you out immensely. Good luck to all of you and I hope this issue get resolved quickly and in a timely matter.
What happened to the VA taking care of its veterans ?? I can go to the bank and borrow money for tuition, and they don't expect me to pay it back until I get placed in a job that I went to school for !! At least they're a little bit understanding about it, and give you some le-way. When the government wants their money – you can rest assure – they'll get it. But when you owe me, you take your sweet a^^ time. I hope you read all of these comments on this article; you well to do, overpaid politicians, that think you know what's best for everybody in this country. You don't have a clue – most of you- as to what it's like to leave your family and go fight for freedom for this country!!! And then come home to get screwed by YOU !! You get to go home and be with your family every night while we sleep in the dirt !!!! You're a bunch of political war-pigs that hide behind me and my brothers in arms that fight for this country !!
Ewwhonter twhoext right here!
who thinks that the V.A dont care or helping a vet is one that dednot give a 100% back ,Wants something for nothing .Do some thing for your self so the V.A.can help you if you ask for it. My dealings with theV.A. in the past twenty nine years of my E T.S.. from the army has been good to me. All my schooling and my hearth from the V.A. has been the best that i could every ask for. what you put into is what you get out of it. . All you have to do is go to the V.A. center and tell what you need. Get up your butt and do the leg work ,so you can get what you need.
I don't know why everyone is complaining because I was fully aware when I took the LOAN that it would have to be paid back. We're all suppose to be adults and do this thing called budgeting. I'm sure that if you can show proof that you still haven't received any payments then they can't make you pay back something that you can't afford. Some of the people are being ridiculous with all of the complaining. I don't see why anyone would want to be in charge of anything in this country because it took Bush 8yrs to bring on all this mess so don't expect everything to be done or changed in a year. Seriously, grow up and take responsibility for yourselves. I don't put all my faith in anything because the only person I can count on is myself.
Oh yea. Budgeting without a job while going to school is cake you are right lol. I guess you forgot we are in a recession, and the hiring right now isn't happening much. They were supposed to take it out of the future monthly benefits and they should have done that. Don't believe all the hype about the unemployment percentage going down either because it isn't. The majority of people that were on unemployment just ran out of funds and didn't find jobs.
The underlying factor here is that veterans shouldn't have to 'settle' for mediocre service from the VA at all. I guarantee that veterans' officers and NCO's didn't tolerate half-ass work for the years that they served. Now that it's time for vets to get what's coming to them, all of a sudden we're supposed to just accept it 'as is' without complaining? That's a piss poor attitude. We expect the system to work as hard as we did. As for me, I'm about to 'lose' my MGIB benefits because I've been deployed to Iraq as an Army contractor and DA civilian for the past 7 years. I guess I'm not a veteran anymore. My Drill Instructors in San Diego failed to mention that 10 year clause when I agreed to pay $100 a month for a year…
Do you have a GS rating?
So think of that advanced payment as a loan from the bank cause that's what it is but only from the VA. This money did not come out of your gi bill fund, it came out of the VA's pocket. So now it's time to pay it back like you would any other loan. their plan for paying it back isn't one check that you send them but small monthly payments for the length of your remaining school time.
I hope this help draw a clear picture for you:
Let's say you got the $3000 and you have three years left in school. Well then your gonna pay $1000 a year which comes out to $89 a month. But this is only true if you stay in school, if you drop out before it's paid off then your gonna have to pay it all back at once. And please remember that the advanced payment was never money entitled to you but only loaned out to help you out until you got your payments
The way I understand it is like this. If you received 3,000 and you are owed 4,000, they take the entire 3,000. They don't prorate, the VA never has.
In the greatest nation in the world, is there ANY way to make something of my MGIB before it 'expires' in March? I've been overseas working full time supporting OIF for the Army for the past 7 years. Does this count for anything? Has anyone heard of the VA making an exception or extending anyone?
You need to call the VA, I heard they were extending the Montgomery Gi Bill to 15 years. I know they extended the Post 9/11 to 15.
It took the VA 3 months to pay me the first bit of educational benefits, Iv started a new semester, about a month in now, I'm assuming it will take another 3 months to get paid this time around too. I never did receive the book stipe. Going to school as an adult is hard, the VA makes it harder by offering false promises of financial security. I was better off just working. The advanced pay really helped me, Im hopping its not going to bite me in the ass.
I only rate 60% of the benefit because apparently two activations and a tour in Iraq with a Marine infantry battalion, Wpns Co; 3/25, was not enough to rate a full education benefit. Only a penny-pinching bureaucrat would do such a thing. The great majority of citizens in this country fully support their tax dollars going towards this endeavor, it is a shame bureaucrats have messed it up. I am trying to be thankful for what I do get, instead of focusing on the MANY problems that are present. I know it's a hard thing to do, but they are not worth the stress that it entails. I just received my first payment last week. It only took them five months. I wish you all the best, and if the government is not going to care about us, we must care for each other.
Semper Fidelis
Minimum of 6 years Active Duty. Nothing less. A lot of veterans weren't aware of that little point.
I was injured in 1955 and taken to the hosp in witchta kansa and after the drs got done with me they sent me back to my base an I got dischsrged and sent home I was pretty po but after geting home with my mom an dad they couldnt figure out what was happing to me when I blacked and when i came around the said I would grab my hair and scream and sometime go in to a deep sleep there for 14 years i went to outside hosp and had to pay my own bills because they said it was prexiting and I couldnt get ins to cover my head injury until 1969 congressman adair told me to get out to the va and I did znd they have been taken care of me ever since well mel billdle and don myers from the hosp and dr reddy the nero suro told me to go over an file for my disability which i did in 1976 and in 2002 they finally started paying me but only back until 1995 an only 40% and i went to the VA ofc after i got out oof the hosp an they said oh ya you should have been getting 100% but for some reason mr draves keeps turning me down even after five mixups on their end thank for listing you I wondering when the VA is gonna find A way to start makein me pay them back DDDaugherty 2027 olympia ct ft wayne In 46808
Thank god I cashed out my Montgomery GI Bill when I got out.. I'd hate to have to deal with what you all are going through.
HOw did you cash out your GI Bill when you got out????
I just wrote what i went throgh getting my claim through and i just thought maybe if there was enough vet out there explaining the long wainting they have to go through and the mistake the goverment makes getting the veterns claims filed in a timly matter but if the people dont let them tell their story then how is the other people going to know just what these veterans are going i know because i was treated as a NSC until they finally found my records now its a whole new world
If you all really want to get heard, start flooding your news stations with emails.
They love busting on the Goverment.
Sounds like a good idea, but I cannot even find the original letter on the gi bill website they got this from.
Thank goodness I never ever used The VA for my College Education…This Government of ours treats Non-US Citizens better than its own!!!
Amen Brother !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When our current excuse for a president started pressing for national health care, my response to my senators was "if you want to know how it will work, look at the VA." I never received a response.
Dealing with the VA is more of a hassle than boot. At least in boot, I could get responses in a reasonable amount of time.
My education benefits were a joke. Only tuition was paid, not books, not housing, not anything else. I got a piddly stipend for other expenses that did not even begin to cover any of those extra items. Of course, who needs books for college, right? Then, I missed semester due to illness, but I was not permitted to make it up. At the end of four years, the VA cut off my benefits. I now have all this education, but no degree.
thank all i yes i agree with all of you i'm yet receive all my benefit from either
i am confused
How many of you voted for these Democratic idiots? You had better check your ballot in Nov and get it right this time.
It's been 16 weeks and I still haven't seen a dime. I had to pay my school thousands up front if I wanted to graduate on time, with the promise that the VA would reimburse me 6 weeks later. Still haven't seen the money, and we are struggling to pay our mortgage, this is ridiculous. If I had known this was going to happen, I would've waited to pay the school when I received my money. Stupidity at the highest level. I think it's about time we get qualified people to fill these positions.
I find it interesting that some schools have not received payment from the VA on behalf of the students. I signed up for the spring semster (my first semster) on November 16,2009. I received my book stipend on December 4, 2009. The school received tuition payment on January 14,2010, just 4 days after the semester started. Based on the previous 2 payments I am convinced that BAH will be paid in February. I think that veterans need to contact the certifying official at his or school to ensure the proper paper work has been submitted to the VA because based on my experience they are now processing claims in 8 weeks or less. However, I don't feel that Vets who received advance payment after all the beginning woes of the new GI Bill should have to pay it back. Insted it should be deducted from future payments. Again, contact your school if you have not been paid to make sure they have done their part.
Sure they should have to pay it back. But not until they get their pay. They will get back pay retro from their enrollment date in school. It will have the money in it they took for a loan. No need for anyone to be paid twice.
I have applied for VA for 2 years and I haven't received any benefits from the VA since Jan 2008. I called like a hundred times since then, I can never get through to them and when I email them, they never get back to me thru emails. A couple of months ago, i get a letter saying I owe them over $2000 dollars i never received. I called the VA and its still busy. VA doesn't want to deal w/ me becuz they think i am not paying them back for $2000 i never got in the first place. I called a lawyer and the VA is giving him the run around too. I graduate from school in 8 weeks w/ a Bachelors Degree and the VA didn't help me once and when I joined the service in March 1997, i paid like $100/month for like a year and no benefits yet. What am i going to do now? Is the VA suppose to pay me back for 2 years that i tried to get my free education? Now they want to suck me dry when my income tax comes in? Maybe this is how Vets get homeless in the first place by the VA?
If you got your Bachelors degree in 8 weeks, I doubt it's any good.
You can only receive Gi Bill benefits if you are enrolled in school and you must maintain a satisfactory GPA. The fact that you have a Bachelors degree, so you state, would disqualify you for benefits. If you have a Bachelors degree you will not receive Chapter 30 Gi Bill.
At least Obama voted "yea" for the bill. McCain chose not to even show up for the vote.
Additionally, this bill never would have passed if GWB had his way. The dems had to attach it to Iraq war funding. As a stand alone bill it would have ZERO gop support. Is the system perfect? far from it but this benefit is much better than the previous one.
I personally met GEN (ret) Shinseki while on active duty. He does truly care about soldiers. To bad they smeared him the way they did for telling the truth!
Randy, get off the kool aid. McCain was the one that wrote the ammendment for the ability to transfer the Post 9/11 Gi Bill to spouses.
Secondly, GWB had no problems signing the bill. Where do you get your information from? Huffington post?
When the Post 9/11 GI bill started in August I was pre-approved and everything was great. The VA was paying for school and books. Shortly after the New Year, I received a check from the VA and did not know what it was for. I did not apply for anything in advance…that I know of. Did I receive an advance payment that I did not ask for? Is this the money I will have to pay back? I wish the VA would send me a letter explaining what's what.
No, all service connected disabilities and retirees were slotted to receive a small stipend (part of the stimilus bill.) Just like those that filed income taxes.
I'm sorry to hear al the woos about how bad the VA has been to the majority. I am among the fortunate ones who actually got my request for benifits processed and actually overpaid at one point.
There have been a few suggestion on this site to petition the VA on the many discrepencies noted. That is a good place to start, another is to contact your schools finacial aide departments and advise them of your situations and allow thems to work on behalf in getting you just due VA benefits.
Lastly, The VA is like the Military Services without the bullets, "Over tasked and undermanned."
There are approxiamately 25.5 million Vets, the employes about 224,000 people. Of those 224,000 employees, 204,000 work for the Vet Health Admistration (VHA).
Only 12, 000 of the remaining 20,000 employees work for the Veterans Benefits Administration. So you have about 10,000 folks may be that are actually processing the claims of verterans.
The bottom line of the above math is that there are bound to be some that fall through the cracks with a 2350:1 ratio.
As we all learned in the military, be diligent and patience and eventually things will work themselves out.
I know this won't help with the incoming bills but may be it will help some of us to refocus our energy on fixing the bigger issue with the VA, such as our disabiled Vets and homeless vets.
Too all I wish you much success in recieving your just due and hard earned rewards and benefits.
The Chief, USN RET
I havent even started using my GI bill yet. But my biggest concearn is do I use the old or the "new" GI bill?? I wont be going to a campus, I will be going all online. So I wont be using and of the BAH they are giving out. But to the discussion about the payments. I believe with BOSS MANN. The VA needs to make sure it is FULLY caught up on its payments to the VETS before they start trying to take money back!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are going to go online, use your Chapter 30 benefit, Montgomery Gi Bill, it pays better. If you go full time and you were on active duty for at least 4 years, it pays you $1,388.00 a month
Why does everyone alwasy want something for nothing, then complain about it when they figure out it was not free. Are we all forgetting we are dealing with the U.S Government? Taking out an advance on your GI bill is just not a good idea anyway. That money should be for education, not bills. Why are you guys paying for your own tuition anyway? The army paid for mine and i recieved the GI Bill every monty untill i got called to Iraq.
Did any of the retirees get an "advance?"
Yes, you should have received around 250.00
I was told by the VA here in Albuquerque that I could take the full advance. I asked if I did not qualify for all of it will I have to pay it back. The VA official said NO. They would short the next month’s checks for the difference.
So now, I don't know whom I need to ask for straight answers?
Of course this is a terrible idea! Repaying the benefit while you're still receiving (or needing but NOT receiving) it thoroughly defeats the purpose. Why not take the advance payment off the back end, or defer repayment until after benefits end?
Do as hunter0325 says and write the White House, or better yet, write your Congressman. They stand to lose a lot more than the White House if they don't do right by their constituents!
You guys are misunderstanding what they are saying. they only want the money back from all the idiots that applied and recieved the 3000 check that werent enrolled in school or receiving gi bill benefits. A bunch of soldiers went on the web portal & applied for the advance even though they werent even enrolled in school. They all recieved that money because the va wasnt even checking into it. they just approved all of the applications. like 10 guys here applied & recieved a check & they werent even enrolled in school. They got the checks in 3-5 days. so if you've been waiting 10-12 weeeks and your actually in school thats messed up. But if you recieved the money & you qualified you wont have to pay it back.
The press release is a little confusing in its wording (imagine that!) but here are the key phrases:
As part of that process, a web portal was established to allow electronic submission for advance payment. Advance payments were also made on-site at VA offices around the country. ==> At that time student Veterans were told that advance payments would be deducted from future benefit payments. (Which we weren't.) <==
In collaboration with the Department of Defense, VA will ==>ALSO (my emphasis added) <== notify active duty service members who may have mistakenly applied for the advance payment of their options for returning un-cashed checks or reimbursing deposited funds.
I had to pay for my 2 year degree out of pocket for over 1 year before they even decided to send me a check for my benefits. I decided to sign up for the Post 911 GI bill to finish my undergrad and I still don't have any info on when it will start. They conveniently sent a letter stating that it will take longer then expected to process my claim. How come I'm not surprised. The VA sucks. I'd love to sign some sort of petition.
What if they owed you more than the cash advance was for….How do you pay them back, especially when they still owe you!!!!
Who came up with this ate up payback plan.. this thing is a joke. I feel for my brothers and sisters out there who are getting screwed by this "successful" plan.
I am a Marine Corps Veteran and receive my VA payments on time every month (direct deposit). Getting through to a representative on the phone has been challenging and time consuming.
wow, glad i was blessed not to ever have to use the so called benifits. Hold your ground fellow Veterans, help is on the way. Im praying for all those who served.
What are they going to do for those of us who have already paid it back? I recieved my loan, then when I received the rest of my settlement the amount of the loan had been taken out. I forsee paying it again and then having to fight the VA again to get it right. Heck they can't even get my disability right and they've been paying it for over 5 yrs now.
To show exactly where their heads are, my school requires a letter of entitlement to start my gi bill back up for this semester but the VA doesn't routinely provide these, said they had no idea I needed one ( but they are the ones requiring my school to provide it) so I had to submit a request for a letter of entitlement. All of you save yourself some delay and call the VA today and request one. Maybe you won't have to wait months ( a second time) like I"m having to do to be able to recieve the benefits we have fought and bled for.
Look, I know that all of you can read hence your posts on here. When you joined the service I am sure you didn't read everything that you signed. I know I didn't. But now that I am older and wiser I now do ALL the reading required when it comes to the military and the VA. The VA told you when you accepted the advance payment that you would eventually have to pay it back. If you are still in school you will have the amount (in parts over a period of time designated by the VA) taken from your monthly allotted benefit check. If you were reading the letter that was sent out, you would know that if you dropped out of school no matter what the VA is going to get their money back.
Now don't get me wrong, the government is not very kind to its veterans. I know this, I have been to a VA hospital that wasn't in the greatest parts of a town. But then again I have been to a good one as well. Don't give us a bad name by being ignorant. Do your research and make sure that you understand everything that you read that they send you.
Give money back now ha ha! Give money now! In these times, no jobs, no benefits, no nothing, it'll be wise to stay in the service if you have the opportunity. 100% Tuition while in the US Army. Stay in, it's horrible out here!
Why cant the VA be ran by veterans, we as veterans understand whats going on a hell of a lot better than some dumb ass citizen that is just there to collect a paycheck. I have had nothing but HUGE problems with the VA and Tri-Care and guess what, when you call you're not talking to someone who cares. Just someone who cares when they get their next paycheck..
So, before they get the payments on track, they are gonna have there staff start retrieving money owed back to them. Fix one problem and then work on the next. Don't complain about being understaffed and then reallocate your staff to another project. If you have extra people for retrieval, then use them to proces enrollments faster, streamline the application process and THEN start to retrieve the advanced payments.
It also goes up every Oct 1. If you have any other questions about the diferences, msg my profile on Military.com. My Profile name is L0A1
Make sure you use a ZERO, not an O
When did you get out? The only reason that would be the case is if you did not get an honorable discharge or you got out over 10 years ago.
Honestly, I cannot believe some of you actually served in the military. Majority of you are not even thankful we were given these benefits. Yes, we all served our country and we definitely deserve these benefits. This is an entirely new program and the VA is working deligently to correct he problems. I think people handling this program should be commended. I've always talked to a real person (don't get the wrong I had to wait quite a while) and they were always helpful. The advance was loan…it's no wonder the employees working at the VA treat us like crap, it's because of ungrateful people like the majority of you. As a 100% disabled vet myself I can only say "why can't you count your blessings".
As a Veteran of the US Navy, after being in three wars, suffered disabilities and others, I think the VA is wrong! We as veterans deserve better from this country and slowly it is all dissipating, Already, my Retirement has been lowered from last year due to more taxes, the VA center here in Florida is terrible, they don't take care of us, and what is next? I am very disappointed with the current staff of the White House. Stop shelling money out for other countries and focus on US! We as citizens need jobs, health care, and now I guess we need money to pay back the VA after they granted us it! I am VERY upset at this!
Guys, you have to understand that you are dealing with humans beings just like us. Employees that got their jobs through family or friends connections, not experience or education. When you work at a place that is run more politically, rather than efficiently, you will be facing these kinds of problems and more. If Washington who is the "head" can't get it right, what can you expect from the VA a little branch from the "body". Say a little prayer and may be things will get better with God's help. As long as you keep God out of government, nothing will work to people's satisfaction.
I still haven't been to able to find this actual posting on the VA website. I guess I will wait and deal with it when the time comes.
FYI TO ALL READING…..YOU CANNOT RECIEVE FULL BENIFITS UNLESS YOUR IN A COLLEGE OR INSTITUTION! NO TECH SCHOOL OR FLIGHT TRAINING. ITS in the print but like me I didnt see it and everytime i actually get someone on the phone (which is once in a blue moon) they WILL NOT TELL YOU THIS. They pretend and give you false hopes. I had one guy who was the honest one and said "man I have no clue when your going to get paid". The rest say ooo its been worked on and it will be soon. sorry for the wait"
If you call in the morning it seems to be the best time and do it over and over at least 5 times. Call the number and hit 1 1 0 real fast. I have not recieved any payments either and I emailed my Governor which did not help because they are state and va is federal. Right your state rep. thats in the white house……
The school you are attending should have informed you of this. It's not the VA responsibility
wasn't that part of the benefit deal, besides if they want their money back they can just take it out of the 49,000 they say we get
An option for veterans that need help is to get in touch with an organization such as SVA. See below.
Student Veterans of America was formed in January 2008 and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. SVA was created when several young veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan traded their helmets and rifles for backpacks and notebooks, but found the resources available on campus were severely in adequate. They realized the problem was systemic rather than particular to their campuses, and decided something needed to be done to help young veterans realize their goal of a successful college education after honorable military service.
http://www.studentveterans.org/
Seal76 run that by me again, he had to repay his severence pay…why..there is one he&^ of a story there, not with the VA stuff, but the fact that you are a father and son SEAL…wow, thats FANTASTIC…oohrah…go NAVY ..from a MARINE..Semper Fi fellas
WOW, lets give an advance pay of $3,000, then turn around and only give you a check for $75. The advance sounded like a good idea until you realize that the repayment of it will be like 90% of what you should be recieving monthly. Don't get me wrong, i'm very thankful for the advancement and any payments I recieve, I just think there should be a better system/process in place.
The KEY word in the whole equation was…ADVANCE*. That didn't mean free money, it meant money that a person is intitled to, and all the bugs weren't worked out yet. It was simply put, and interest free loan, backed by money that the veteran SHOULD recieve in the future. Hopefully most students actually spent theirs on their education and not Christmas gifts or a LCD TV!!
(*This is why I didn't take it)
T B
The Title of this article is misleading. Nowhere in the letter from the VA does it mention the word "payback".
It says: "At that time student Veterans were told that advance payments would be deducted from future benefit payments."
This has been the Standard Operating Procedure for advance payments on the GI Bill for over 40 years. The VA gives you and advance on your school benefit you will use in the future. This was available every first term a student enrolled at a school under the Viet Nam-era and Montgomery GI Bills.
I got overpaid for three months due to a clerical error on the part of my school's certifying official and the VA reduced my next six months of benefits by half until the overpayment was made up.
If you received 3,000 and you are only suppose to receive 2,000, they will take it all and bill you the 1,000 you still owe.
It sounds like a bunch of cry babies on here. If you would take the time to read the fine print and pay attention to detail you would know you had topay it back and get your paments on time. My two friends and I are all using the GI bill. No issues.
Let me tell you something, I called and spoke to a rep and they told me that I would only have to pay something back if I was over paid and that I would not get another payment until the advance was used up. Well I used up my advance in November and as of right now my fall semester paperwork is still being processed, been that way since Aug.24th so where's my monthly "on time" payments there smart guy???????
2 different Gi Bills, he is using Chapter 30 you are applying for Chapter 33.
Montgomery Gi Bill is Chapter 30
I feel that the money should be paid back in a more timely manner. Give the student a chance to get things together with the school after receiving their ongoing benefits. You still have students that are not certified yet and you are requesting money back. The VA needs to develop a better system on pay backs. A statement saying the you will have to pay the money back with no time frames or information on how time frames will be set up was not a good Idea. To tell some one they are not going to receive their monthly benefits til the money is paid back is not good practice. VA did not think this program through and the Vet's should not be vitims of miss management.
I THINK SENDING COMMENTS TO THE WHITE HOUSE WEVB SITE IS A WONDERFUL IDEA! MAYBE OUR PRESIDENT MIGHT GET WIND OF WHAT'S GOING ON……IM PRETTY DARN SURE HE DOESNT KNOW WHATS GOING ON YET……………..
The real problem here is that the goverment dosen't know how to deploy troops and they really don't know how to take care of the troops. I see this all the time in the world we live in today. The president himself sits down and says one thing but, nothing ever changes for us the veterens or the people of the united states of america. I love how the troops go and fight for the cause of oil but, when they get back there faced with someone getting fired or losing there job because they put an american flag up. Well i thought that this country represented the flag. In some countries they burn our flag well not being able to fly that flag is the same as putting a flame to it. Let me tell you what they should do is fire every person in congress and the presidents seat and start all over with people that have served there country. How can you put alot of dam* politicians in office that are taking all the tax payers money which is us the people but keep us in captivity and take care of all these other fuckin* countries but we cant even take care of our troops or the americans for that case.
I think it needs to be another Martin Luther King that should stand up for the american people and open the world eyes to what is going on in this country and we need to quit sleeping on all these issues before all our freedoms are gone before our eyes please dont be silent open your mouths and open your minds dont just settled for what the government tells you they are a bunch of liers
Well unfortunately if all us vets bond together we will be fine. I served with the marine corp. I have $48,000 to spend for sefore they actually got swampedchool I will not pay the va back for my advancement because they cannot do there jobs correctly. they knew they were going to be swamp with applications for shool before the school year. take the money from my education benefits. I needed the money because the va was so far behind on paying and school was barking at me for money they way i see it i payed the va enough over the 4 years they can hold up there end of the deal now
It doesn't make sense for the VA to say the advances need to be paid back if the Veteran that received the advance is NOT finished with undergad/grad school. If the Veteran still plans to continue their education and taking more than 6 credit hours like myself, wouldn't it make sense for the VA to take the advance I received out of my BAH that would come to me monthly while in school? This is what I thought was going to happen; I'm surprised to see notification that Vets now have to pay it back. Oh well, I guess I will just take my BAH received for the semeaster and use it to pay back the advance.
Also, after I took the advance, I did not expect to continue receiving BAH for that semeaster (Fall 09). I thought the three BAH payments I had left would be applied to the advance but I kept receiving BAH monthly. I'm thankful that a rescue effort was put in place to help VETs regarding education benefits but at the same time I wish the plan would have been thought out in its entirety as well.
I love the fact that I have been recieving the GI Bill for 2years before I switched schools and had no problems. Then come August 09 I apply and wait and wait and wait and now they tell me its the schools fault when I personally watched my VA rep at the school mail and fax the papers to the number the VA Center gave me. So I emailed them again, and this time it was my fault for some reason. HA. 12-13 weeks my hind haunches, Its going on its 5th month. I thought it was just me till I checked with the rest of the guys at my unit and not one of them have received payments.
Post 9/11 GiBill backed both Chapters up. The crappy thing is, the "Advance" everyone is talking about is only for the Post 9/11 Gi Bill, not us Chapter 30 users.
Are you sending the paperwork to the correct Region? That will make a difference.
Yes I am under the same region as before. It's great though aint it, as a Marine the only help for school we get is that $340 a month but yet it is too hard for them to write a simple little check to our servicemen and women. Even better is we are sending all this aid to Haiti??? When our own people need help? I dont see them sending us aid?
Well, be happy if you just got out. Active Duty payraise from President Obama is only going to be 1.5% The lowest payraise in HISTORY.
im getting out in 6 months and this is scary.
Welcome to the meat grinder
What a bunch of crap. My buddy had gotten out about 8 months after i did. He got out and went right to school in Aug. Well like many other vets he was on unemployment and didn't have a job. The VA at his school neglected to tell him about this Advance Payment. Which offered 3,000 dollars to the vet, and help him/her get on there feet. If it wasn't for me he would have been shit out of luck. Luckily he lives an hour from Muskogee, OK and drove there to get his check. Now the VA is demanding there collection of the 3,000 given to the Vets. Hell no! Why don't they just take it out of the whole dollar amount of the BAH that will be given out while enrolled in school. Not ask for it back write after they gave it out. Needless to say the VA is the VA and will continue to run like crap as long as we have these SUITS run the show. How about you get a VET in there and run it like it is suppose to run. Smooth and Fast!
Wow….I have a couple of questions while everyone in here can't seem to do anything, but gripe and moan about not getting paid though you eventually WILL get paid and you STILL get to go to school FREE! And if you don't have money to eat get a part time job like EVERY OTHER WORKING ADULT that doesn't have the opportunity to get 100% tuition PLUS BAH which by the way did not have to be an option for us! I think if each one of us will give a second to think of what we DO have and the BENEFITS that yes may take a while to receive you may be a lil more appreciative! STOP B*TCHING! P.S I still haven't received my GRANT either….key word GOVERNMENT GRANT!
Yep, Government Grant, Government Takes.
The only problem I have are the students not getting their Montgomery Gi Bill, we pay into that. The Post 9/11 is free, so that is not a priority to them.
Maybe you get tuition assistance but until you know eveyones situation dont talk trash. Marines dont get it. Some people are outa work for various reasons like I dunno…no jobs in your area. I had to move half ways across the state just to find work. Others are unable to find work due to injuries or illness. So before you jump on your soap box and tell everyone else what to do, try putting yourself in their shoes.
Or better yet, I think the VA should simply deduct the advance I received from the total amount of the education benefit I'm entitled to. If I'm entitled to over $47k (example amount), subtract the advance from that and lets be done with it. Just a thought!
It's amazing that one of my civilian friends said to me "if it's an advance from a benefit that you are entitled to, why all the hoop-la from VA about "paying it back". You served our country and THAT ALONE should be enough for the advance to be forgotten about. You served our country and if you needed to take advantage of the VA offering the advance in order to have a roof over your head, food to eat, books, the ability to sustain life, etc. why on earth wouldn't YOUR SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY be enough to have the advance forgotten about!"
Now that's food for thought…
In 1976, I used my GI bill to attend Community College after my service in Vietnam. I didn't finish the semester after the birth of our first child so I could get a job. Out of the blue, six years later in 1982, under President Reagan, when there were record deficits at that time, I got a letter from the VA demanding repayment of my tuition payment (approx $300) or they would begin collection proceedings. I was so mad that I went to the bank and got the money to repay all in pennies, nickles and dimes. When I went to the VA to pay back, they pointed out on the letter it said in fine print that they wouldn't take payment in US coins. I guess I wasn't the first person to act this way. I sent them a check. Reagan gave my repayment to the wealthy in a tax break for them and still left a deficit!
I was discharged on a medical and they lied about the money they paid me.
First it was $6,723.00 for severence pay. I signed on the dotted line. Then they send a letter cutting it in half as I was a Reservist on active duty when they crippled me. So then they sent half and spent like 5 years recouping( a word they invented which is not in any dictionary) my disabilty on taxes for pay I never recieved on active duty or at my lousy reserve unit who never once paid me for duty lugging heavy equipment up 8 flight of stair with a destroyed knee. It took like seven years before I even saw a $50 dollar payment towards my disability.
HELLO ALL! I HAVE SERVED 10 YEARS SO FAR IN THE THE ARMY AS A MENTALHEALTH SPECIALIST AND MEDICAL ADMINISTRATOR. I AM ALSO ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE POST 9-11 GI BILL FUNDS. INSPIRED BY A BLOG, I PUT TOGETHER A SURVEY ABOUT WHETHER THE POST 9-11 GI BILL EMERGENCY FUNDS HAVE WORKED AS A BAIL OUT OR WERE TOO LITTLE TO LATE. ALSO TO ASSESS HOW MUCH VETERANS ARE OR ARE NOT SUFFERING DUE TO THE DELAYS. PLEASECOMPLETE THE SURVEY BELOW FOR ME. IT IS SHORT AND I AM USING IT FOR A SCHOOL RESEARCH PROJECT AS WELL. I WILL SHARE THE RESULTS WHEN I GET
THEM. COPY AND PASTE THE LINK BELOW INTO YOUR BROWSER. THANKS!!!!!! FORWARD TO FRIENDS!!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=J1HMXOndZO…
when are all the vets going to get together and demand what they are due we can not get descent medical care .i have been having spell were i pass out and have ben sick at my stomach for days and have call the va doctors for help and have not resieved a call back what good is the va
The Post 911 GI Bill process is still very chaotic after being on it for 4 months. I understand VA having to recoup the advance loan. What I do not understand is why there is this large disconnect between VA and the authorized learning institute of your choice. I took 3 course my first semester and the fund covered down. I'm taking 4 course this current semester and now I'm being told I have to pay $1000.00 because VA, the State of Virginia and the Learning institute does not cover a full 16 hours semester. The financial calculation the school uses sets the price above what everyone is willing to pay. I asked him why this was not relayed to me and I have not been able to get a good answer from the man. My Financial advisor is out to lunch and now I'm out $1000.00. Just be warned do not take too many classes.
VA only covers a 12 hour full time semester.
People. Remember, even if you are being asked to pay back an Advance you receieved, when you get your benefits, BACK PAY is included.
Have applied 3 times to have entiltlement of benefits transferred to my daughter. She has been in school Aug 2009. Have received 2 denials that the DoD will not release entitlement due to form not filed for release of entitlement. It is viscious circle, I file form. They say I didn't. Get denial. Refile. Told didn't file. Get denial. When does it stop and who has the answers. No one as of yet has been able to resolve this situation. Out thousands of dollars. Out of all this the one and only thing I have managed to get is the guaranteed HEADACHE!!!
When ever you submit ANY form, do it both electronically if it offers and snail mail.
I meant the Gi Bill
Brenda T., it is an entitlement program. Therefore, the people who qualify are "entitled." Some of us had to "pay" to be part of the program. As for appreciating the benefits, they are appreciated. What is not appreciated is taking out loans and paying interest because the V.A. is not capable of processing claims for EARNED benefits in a timely manner.
Not everyone has had a great experience with the V.A. based on your attitude, I expect that you have not had a need for any other V.A. service. I am really sorry that you find fault in fellow vets who actually feel that the V.A. system is not fast enough when meeting its obligations. How would your Chain-of-command responded if you were given an order and your response was that they would have to wait… indefinately? I expect your discharge would have prevented you from obtaining any V.A. services had you responded in such a manner.
i'm wonder why theyre gonna take my money back when it was 3 months in when i got the advance…by my estimate that advance was less than i would have made receiving my monthly gi bill…so technically they just get away with stealing 3 month of my gi bill
When you finally get your Gi Bill, all the Back pay will be included.
To all veterans, File to run in the 2010 election in your state under whatever party you are in now. Veterans need to return to elected office and thern we can help out fellow veterans and all American citizens before the corporations told control. You do not need any established party permission.
Go online to you Sect of State website, downlaod the forms, fill them out, and file as a candidate. We veterans have a much better understanding of defending and upholding the constutution, the corporation financed officails only use it for themselves.
Get involved and help correct these issues from within. Respectfully, Lovenguth – Florida 2010 U.S. Senator Candidate TEA …USMC (H) VN
Remember, when you finally do get paid, you will receive BACK PAY retro to the day you started classes FOLKS.
line in the sand right here.
I am in the same boat as Charlie,
I applied for 9/11 benefits in May '09. Middle of June '09 school verification was sent out. Early July '09 I got my cert of eligibility and my summer class began. The letter stated that as of August 2, 2009 funds will be applied to my school. I did not get a payment for my summer class, fall class (began middle September '09), or stipend until DECEMBER 2009! I did apply for the advance payment in November (got these funds in a week) because I was tired to owing money to my school and I was notified that I couldn't take any more classes until the balance was paid for. I know that we ALL were notified upon receipt via website that we would have to pay back the advance, but now I will not get any VA benefits for 2 more classes?!?!?!?! I assumed it was going to be a staggered payment plan. I tried to call the VA and all #'s are busy, they are only open on Mon-Wednesday and I can't contact any regional offices. I am thankful for the funds I did receive from the advance payment but when a service member pays into the GI BILL and then switches over to the 9/11 for the "so-called flexibility" I feel I shouldn't have to pay anyone back! I can't even switch back over as I am "locked" in. The VA has spun this Bill and deceived many service members.
Isn't it enough that we make very little income and it is at or below poverty level? What about risking our lives and families for the lives and families of those who run the VA? What about many of us who are sacrificing our time to attend classes with the hopes that it will takes us out of debt? I will sign any petition that is generated, but we need to act FAST
I signed up for school in fall of 2009. The school didn't charge me for classes, but in stead put a hold on the charge until VA paid for it. I got my advance pay right away and have been receiving monthly direct deposits ever since. No problems on my end and this is the first time I have ever used the G.I. Bill. I have since enrolled and am going to classes for winter / spring 2010 and am still getting direct deposits. I would have to say if anyone is having difficulties, you might want to check for operator error on your part.
I for one did get the advanced pay and i think its only fair that i pay it back since they later paid me for that time. Sure theres beena few snaggs along the way but overall i think there doing what they can when they can. I got a ? i filed my information on MAY 1st 2009 (thats when they started accepting aplications) How many of you out there are having trouble and filed your papers back in may VS hwo many of you filed around Aug or so. i think theones that filed back in may arnt having to many problems.
LOOK PEOPLE, FOR POST 9-11 GI BILL USERS, THERE WAS FOREWARNING OF THIS THAT YOU HAD TO AGREE TO BEFORE APPLYING FOR THAT MONEY IN THE FIRST PLACE. IT SAID PLAIN AS DAY THAT THEY WOULD REDUCE FUTURE PAYMENTS TO RECOUP THAT MONEY. C'MON, IT'S THE VA….WE ALL KNOW THEY'RE PROFESSIONALS AT GETTING YOU SO FRUSTRATED THAT YOU GIVE UP, BUT THAT ADVANCE WAS AN ADMISSION OF BEING WAY BEHIND ON THEIR PART. THEY DID WHAT THEY COULD, AND EVERY VETERAN AT MY SCHOOL IS GETTING THEIR MONTHLY PAYMENT AS PROMISED. YES, THE VA SUCKS, BUT FOCUS ON THE VA LIASON AT YOUR SCHOOL…
i have a wife a new baby and a new house i cut back my hours so i can better myself for my family now ive been holding my own since aug 1 which is when i started school and i have got nothing yet the va does suck and i think it should be an investigation. i want my money that i deserve if they cant get the post 911 bill right give me the dam Montgomery gi bill i just need money and i think there gonna kick me out of school cause they haven't received any money.
I have to be honest and say that I have had very little problems with the VA. Yes, they are hard to get a hold of, and yes it takes forever to get things done, but I have had not problems with my Montgomery GI Bill and am now receiving payments under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I applied for the 9/11 GI Bill back in June of last year, and finally rec'd my first BAH and book payments a few days ago. I am sure that I'll be receiving the payments every month now that I am attending full time once again. I did take the advance payment and am not sure how this will be paid back, but as long as I continue to receive my monthly payments I guess I'll be paying them back over the next couple of months. I understand everyone's frustrations, but hang in there. Get all your documentation straight and follow up once in a while and you should be good to go. I personally called the VA rep at my school at least a dozen times to make sure everything was good to go on their end.
I agree with everyone to an extent. The Va tries, but I think that we as veterans need to get involved more at the va. Yes, we look to be rewarded whats ours, but what about helping those that work at the va. We have the experience, maybe we should apply and work with the va instead of righting against them.
Guys if you're having problems with the VA contact your Rep in Congress. I to had a problem getting my tuition paid for and once I had my Congressman look into it, I had my money within a week. Most only require you to fillout a privacy act form for them to help you.
Why take it back, just tack it onto the next semester of school. The reinvention of the wheel!!
Ive already applied and waiting acceptance into my school, once I apply and enroll can I apply for the GI BILL right then in there to try and beat the delays? I will have around 10k when I get out saved up so i dont need any advances and I only have 30 days to live before school starts. I opted for the Post 9/11 GI BILL which will give me BAH (Hopefully) and I will be able to live fine with that and a part time job while I am in school. Any advice on how to beat all these delays and problems? Just starting in advance as far out as I can? I'm also claiming for disability through VA and i started my claim 6 months out from my ETS and I've already processed the claim and I'm going for my physical in a few weeks. Does anyone know if they will accept it before I get out so I can get paid in a timely manner when I get out?
Yea, go to the VONAPP site and complete the application, just do not submit it until you know which school you are enrolling in.
You can't beat the delays, those occur at the approval and certification levels. In other words, once you submit your VA form 22-1990 you have to wait until you get your notice of elligibility. Once you get that, you enroll in school, then after you post attendence in school, the school will have to certify it and then submit it back to the VA which then will notify you that your benefit is waiting on verification. Then at the end of each month, you verify you are enrolled and the money gets paid to the school and if you are receiving a BAH stipend, it will be direct deposited into your bank account.
All of that requires the VA to process the paperwork and that is what is backlogged.
What I'm worried about is any amount that I got what is going to happen when i file my taxes?
until VA employ real disable vets. I mean really employ disable vets. not just one here and one there. I saying those who run the admin!!! vets will not: until then get the bennies they desire….. P.S. and earned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those in the know this!!!!!!!! UKNOW THE DEAL U HAVE TO BE ONE TO KNOW ONE
Hi guys join the club there are less than 10,000 Merchant Marines of WWII we have only waited 65 years to go to School, so don't hold your breath. They came up a little short, so who pays?? not them the Congress gets 80 percent of their pay when they retire, about $16,000 a month if they still have their wife. So we get crubms.
Hi, I am a 100% disabled Marine from 1950. It has been proven that my disability is service connected. The VA would only go back to 1999 for compensation benefits. I would like to recieve a settlement of some kind in regards to all the money I spent for Doctors and Meds. over 50 years.
Any ideas or help would be appreciated. I am 78 yrs. old now and still suffering with my disability. Semper-Fi.
I have yet to complain about my Chapter 30 benefits. I retired from the Navy with 2 classes remaining for a Bachelor's Degree and now working on a Master's Degree. I am 3 classes into a Master's Degree and still have 30 months remaining on my GI Bill. After all my tuition is paid, I get $500 extra per month for taking 1 class every 2 months! I certify, they pay! No problems! Life is good!
hello hi
As a former combat veteran (OEF), I got tired of hearing follow vets complain about the VA. Feeling a bit worthless for not being able to help, I decided to look into it Now that I'm out, I am in school majoring in psychology to help with PTSD. I have created a survey to get the combat veteran's ratings on the VA.. I figured that if I could get the numbers to prove how unhappy we are, I could make a difference, but so far preliminary findings are showing, vets don't have a problem with the VA, however PTSD and depression are very prominent. I have managed to get 56 veterans to fill out the survey for me, however, in order to get any real recognition, or have my findings go anywhere, I need at least 100 vets to fill this out. I would love to come speak (if you would let me) or have you guys forward this to everyone on your list. Even though PTSD is something psychology WANTS to talk about, most civilians are scared of coming out with findings that may portray anyone in a bad light…I just want to get the truth out there but numbers in this case speak louder.
If you can forward this, the site to visit is
http://survey.socccd.edu/Survey/TakeSurvey.aspx?S…
Thank you in advanced!
i think we should all be thankful that we are well and live in acountry where we can speak free! Even though the va is going through alot of changes we will get taken care of look at the other countries they force their chidren to fight and they have no benefits or pay or anything they are forced! Big difference we have alot to be thankful for! God bless our country and all the brave men and women who serve and served willingly!
This reminds me of the "seperation" pay the give you when you discharge. Then they take it back after you recive your VA disibility payments. "IN a LUMP SUM", I think the VA should be made up of Vet's who actually give a S*$t about Vets. Who the heck hires these people to make up these rules that they don't care to share with you. I also LOVE this one………. The night you are out of the service at MIDNIGHT your family doesn't have health care!!!!!!!!! WTF?
Hooray for Emily and Frenchy's wife. I said it in an earlier posting and will repeat what the two ladies above said, call, write or go see in person your congressperson and senators. The heck with staying on the phone hours at a time and not getting an answer. The elected officals get paid big bucks so make them and their staffs earn it.
And all you people with or without issues, register to vote and go this year and try to run these non-veteran, anti-military people out of office. You saw what the people of the state Mass. just did. We the Vets are not the only people that are tired of all this mis-management and bungling by the high rollers.
I have to admit I am a little confused. I received notification that this letter would be coming but still have not got it. I was under the impression when we took the advance that it would have to be paid back out of future benefits but would be taken in payments for a period of time. Meaning if we would normally get 1000 a month then instead we may get 750 a month for a year. Is this what the letter is explaining?
As someone who processes these claims, the reason the number of completed claims have gone up is the initial claims took time to set up in a new system. Once the initial claim is set up, the next pay out takes half the time. We are now on the second semester of claims under the new GI Bill, and the claims are going much faster. __We are under a microscope at VA and rightly so. I have seen some of the new hires let go because of lack of production. They are not playing around at VA.____
The VA is under manned and staffed. I applied ahead of time and have not had any problems with them. I know the students attending school where I am attending, created most of their own problems; waiting for the last minute to register which took longer for the VA to pay because the school sat on the information, gave the VA wrong banking information for payments.
You can talk about all the stimulas money for the banks and everyone else, but that has nothing to do with this problem. I did'nt vote for this president, and if you did live with it. What is wrong with America today. No one wants to be held responsible for their actions or lack of. Along with being down right lazy want money, but don't want to work and you wonder why there is so many illegal immigrants and people on work visa's. Because of the concept of you owe me, Give me money for free.
The VA gave you $3,000.00 loan with the stipulation of being paid back and you accepted it, so pay it back and quit whining. MCPO USN RETIRED
I don't even know what advanced payment is to be honest, I dn't think I could live off from VA-Loans alone, I work 32 hours and take at least 12 SEM-Hrs each semester, it's slower than the pace I could go, but when i first spoke with VA-Rep at my campus and she said it would be 10-12Wks+ to received payments, that I could not quit my job or lower my lower my hours to part time because I would not have any money. so yeah, it's tough working and having school, i usually sleep 5-6 hours a day during school days and maybe 7 on fridays. I can see this is difficult, the $100 a month payment for
a "guaranteed" education benefits is a bit weary to me. I still have to received even 1 payment, and to be honest, i could pay the school if I have to, but I'll wait to see how this semester turns out. my Oppinion of the VA is that, they don't really give two F*cks about their jobs and responsibility. waiting 3 months so you can eat or have some money to spend does not make sence in a rational mind.
maybe some of you dods are studying political science and get a chance to take charge of this program instead of letting a bunch of "civilians" make the decisions which they have no idea about. all they see is free money. but I know I contributed money to that fund. and the payback the gov. gets from my taxes after I graduate makes more than enough for the state and federal government to keep this program going.
Of course, I do have to say that dealing with the GI Bill side of the VA House always sucked – delays, lost papers, lies, getting hung up on. This happened both for me and for when I was trying to get my partner's GI Bill fixed. (She hates dealing with bureaucracies; I tend to bulldoze through them…)
It would be smarter if they just didn't pay me for the next 1.5 months instead of however they're going to do this. Whatever, it'll probably be like $100 a month, which means 30 months and it's over. NJ BAH is $2,000 so $100 really isn't a big deal.
I took the advance option in early December…got the $3000 in 2 days. I deposited it in my Money Market account and it sits there drawing interest. About 3 weeks later, I did however receive the money the VA owed me from Oct through the end of my second term, which ended Dec 13 for one school and Dec 20 for another. I was taking 3 classes and transferring 2 of them to my main school.
I think they have finally gotten their act together with this program in regard to issuing payments. If you're not getting paid regularly soon, the issue may not be with the VA, as it could be the problem with your school and their submission of your paperwork to the VA in a timely manner. This was one of my key issues.
Bottom line, the VA (although not without its problem and political BS) has many people that really want to help us Vets that are qualified for these programs. Treat them they way you would want, expect or demand to be treated.
Don't get me wrong, I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE VA TOO, but I stayed on top of things and track every penny that they I am eligible for and the money they owe me. I suggest that a lot of you out there stop your whining and crying and get on top of your issues too! These people there work hard and they are doing a service to us. Quit beating the cows that feed you, grow up, take some responsibility for your actions or you're going to get $h*T on…maybe even worse that they way you feel now. If I worked there and some of you called and whines and screamed and cussed at me about trying to help you, the way I can only imagine some people out there do…I'd damn sure push your stuff top the bottom of my list. SECRET: Overwhelm the individuals you talk to with KINDNESS and CONSIDERATION for what they do for you and they will bend over backwards for you. Befriend one of them, get and know their name, become their friend. You never know, you may just get a direct line phone number, or an email or even a personal cell number to call when you really have an issue and need to talk to someone.
Anyone who elected ADVANCE PAY was informed that it had to be paid back! Have you forgotten your active duty days? Maybe they will just forfeit a percentage of your normal payment until they are repaid. Nobody here has said you have to write them a check for $3000 and pay it back tomorrow!
I was not taking classes from Dec 20 to Jan 11th. Classes resume on Jan 11th. On Jan 26th, The VA paid me for what they still owed me from Dec 14 to the 20th. In addition, like I said before, as long as you're 3/4 time or better and qualify for the monthly BAH check, you get paid non-stop. SO, I was paid from Dec 14th through Dec 31st, and in this check (Jan 26th) the VA paid me for the whole month of JAN. Although shocked, this is PROOF that the VA is getting their act together and they have started fixing the issues. Like all new programs, they have basically worked out the kinks in this one and it took less than 6 months in my case to do it. Quite a feat I would say based on the volume of activity and the number of us that they have to deal with, not to mention the restructuring and hiring of countless individuals to maintain this new program, just one of the many things that they do.
People, this post is about VA Educational 9/11 benefits and advance payment checks issued. How hard is it to stick to this topic? This is not an open and venting forum for all others issues and problems you've had or have with the VA and military. Does anyone recall that this program just started processing to make payments last August, only 5 months ago?
I go to school on a full time basis and use this 911 bill. I get 90%, that’s great, but what sucks is I'm 2 days short of 100%. But I'm thankful for what I do have. Like most everyone, this program started off wrong and the payments were SLOW. 2 1/2 months before I received my first check. Maybe I’m one of the lucky ones. I had already completed my first school term and was starting the second term in early October before ever getting paid. You DO GET PAID (including Back Pay) and as long as you are at least 3/4 time, you GET PAID FOR EVERY DAY from that point on…even during the breaks or “days off” between terms.
THE VA WANTS ME TO PAY BACK MY MONEY? WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? I JUST RECIEVED MY MONEY AFTER NEARLY GETTING KICKED OUT OF SCHOOL AND MY APARTMENT. NOW THEY WANT TO TAKE THE MONEY BACK SO I CAN STRUGGLE AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 3-4 MONTHS. THIS ADVANCED PAYMENT SHOULD BE A GIFT FOR THE ABSOLUTE RIDICULOUS SERVICE AND TREATMENT MY VETERANS AND I RECIEVED.
The little I received for my education from the VA Benefits has not nearly helped my situation. I graduated 12 years ago and now my student loan balance has increased to 27K. 6k increase in interest while paying the monthly premium. Why get education? So you can pay for the rest of your life. They don't exactly try to assist you to correct the problem they created.
I just started the spring semester under the post 911 gi bill. I recieved my payment on time and recieved a advance payment check. If you can read correctly the website states that they will recoup from future payments
Man im sooo disappointed in this chat so many have been very much helped by the va and when erred you as tho your r perfect stop whinning please they are human. Be thankful fine a country thats better and go there.
i applied for the post 9/11 bill and i have not received any information pertaining to it. I am a fulltime student and i live on campus…what number am i permitted to call to ask questions concerning this?
I can't understand why here in America veterans are treated like second class citizens. Overseas, they are treated like Rock Stars. Education for Veterans should be free hands downs. You shouldn't have to play games to get some where in life. Please fix the system so all veterans can benefit from the program.
Contact your Senator's and Congressmen. Right now they will listen. It is an election year. We have found success going this route.
I served in the Army and Coast Guard for a total of 29 years (21 1/2 active) including humping the Mekong Delta. It was our generation who made it possible for our children to reap the benefits that we had to fight for.
Although I would like to go back for some courses, I had my time and that time is over. Don't turn these great new Vets into what we had to fight for. They deserve a chance that you chose to pass up.
I too as a Viet Nam era vet had little difficulty with the VA on matters concerning disability and education benefits which in those days were collect as you go. I feel the burearacy has overwhelmed the VA's ability to provide service and as usual has resulted in the Government making promises they are not prepared to back up.
I just enrolled in school this Spring, before I did this I made sure all my paper work was in line and yes, my tuition was paid prior to the start of the semester. I did get my partial BAH payment. Since I only went to school for a little over ten days I am guessing it was only for the days I attended school. The thing that most of you are or were lacking in this attempt to better yourselves is lack of planning for the most part. I.E. money to support yourself and your famlies and payment of tuition and books out of pocket, because come on, when have our monies ever been in order when it comes to processing of paper work. I was lucky but I also had money in an account to take care of it all before issues ever came up. I would suggest for all in the future to plan for the worst case scenerio….and it all will work out in the end after all that is kind of what then tell us to do at TAP class. Have six months of emergency living expences in an account.
Instead, I recieve a VA disability payment of $660, but the VA garnishes this to pay back the severance pay I recieved. I was told to look at the severance pay as an advance on my disability pay. After doing alot of research, I found out that a legislation was passed in 2006 stating that a service member would not have to pay back his/her severance payment if they recieved their injury while serving in combat or combat related activities. Because I was rated a year before this I was screwed in getting any relief from repayment, however the positive thing in this is that military members should not have to pay back severance pay that were wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan after 2006.
If you know someone that is, please by all means, inform them about their rights. I am still in a lot of pain myself and looking at another surgery. I am currently on very addictive pain medications that make me very drousy. I too, tried getting my VA percentage increased and it was shot down. Got to love it! However, I would do it all over again because I truly loved defending my country and getting to see everything that I saw. But the best was the feeling I got when I wore my dress blues or class A's in front of my family and the seeing their faces and knowing how proud they were of me. The comraderie I experienced was also the best. Hope this tid-bit helps someone! God Bless
What is with everyone in this country wanting something for nothing all the time! Get over it we knew we had to pay the benefit back and if you didn't then you need to learn to read the fine print. They arent taking it all at once they are spliting it up through future payments so stop your complaining and suck it up, they didn't have to offer the advanced payment at all.
Oh yeah almost forgot…………But if your illegal it's everything for free!
Shut up and quit trying to have an answer for everything. It said the repayment would come from future benefits…this is not future benefits if you have to pay it back out of pocket. What's the point of having close to $50,000 in education benefits if you have to pay them back all the time.
I have had no problems whatsoever. Maybe it's your regional VA office working your payments. I work with the one from Muskogee OK, and they have been great. Not a problem so far!
After reading the inquiries, it is my opinion that the process is not working because too many people do not know the full detail of what is expected in processing these payments and eligibility process. It is also apparent that the workers are not sure how to properly process the paperwork and chooses to ignor callers or e-mails or internet inquires. A meeting should be held and each person should explain what their job is and how they are going about doing it. Good communication and correct information makes things flow better. Veterans have given up a lot for the safety of all, so respect and concern should be at the top. Is there an organization chart of who and what is being done in processing these requests for monies and answers? Are there records of payments and dates that can be readily seen?? I am a veteran and a long time office worker that knows without office organization, nothing is properly done. Talk is not productive…Action is….. Mary Lawler, 1974 active Marine..mlawler@nas.edu… I am in school and I need help but I want someone that is willing to help… From my readings, it appears your department need help….Do the organization chart.. put everyone in a team and have weekly meetings to see the progress
My husband passed away after 20 ys, I am 52 and going back to college with his VA benefits under the Chapter 35. I got my 1st check before school started, so was able to pay for school & books. Nothing much left at all, about 30 dollars. Not even enuf for a bus pass. But I hope I dont have to pay it back, I was left $150,000 in debt! But the VA did process everything in a fashion of good timelessness for me. Covered my out of poccket expenses for the funeral, too, which was great. They are trying to get this better, but I sure cant pay them back. I may be under a different program. But the FAFSA would be easier. Good luck….
Has anyone thought about this?…..the VA didn't even have to give the Vets a Post 9/11 GI Bill. Be thankful for what you are getting and stop being so greedy!! As far as the ADVANCE goes…..thats exactly what it is….didn't any of you as Active Duty ever get an advance on your TDY money etc.? Same principle….the military didn't let you keep that advance PLUS get your regular TDY payment as well! Same thing here….its an ADVANCE!!!
i joint the payment of loan of 5000,00000dollar.
now i have receive none. My emmnanuel etifit
i need as soon as receive the messege.
This GI bill has so many things that need to be worked out. This is my second semester and even though i have received my payment for the first semester they need to resubmit all my paperwork to be processed all over again! REALLY? What sense does this make? So every single semester i have to wait an additional 12-16 weeks. In which that number keeps growing 4-6 weeks…then 6-8 weeks….then 8-10..now there telling me 14-16. Can the Va figure out a system that continues benefits throughout the school year to prevent resubmission and processing of benefits every single semester? Whats the point i don't ever receive the money until the semester is over. I hope some one tries to pay attention to these things and the frustration that our countries Veterans including myself are feeling. PAYMENTS NEED TO BE PROCESSED QUICKER!!!!!!!!!! Also come up with a system for students going to school for several semesters that allows the benefits to continue rather than waiting 14-16 weeks for processing every semester! PLEASE HELP……PLEASE,,,,,,,
My husband lost his job after a year of being on disability. Because of injuries to his arms and surgeries, he really couldn't return to mechanic work any way. Then the Post 911 GI Bill happened. It meant he could go back to school and retrain for a job that wouldn't cause further injuries.
He applied and everything looked good — in early August. By October when the "Advances" were issued we were spread pretty thin. We made the 3 hour trek to Oakland and received the advance within an hour of getting there. When his benefits did kick in (November), from my calculations, the money from the advance was deducted. They don't want it back now, too do they?
My husband was registered for spring and December came through as a full payment, but January was short (He returned to school on 1/19). February's payment, however, included part of Jan, book stipend and all of Feb, so I'm hoping all is well for the rest of the semester. Wish there was some way of checking, online or by phone, status and expected payments.
This program has been a godsend to us, but it's been a bumpy ride…
Same exact issue on my end. I would really like to know if I am going to recieve a bill as I am attempting to pay for a child over here and a 3000 loss would cause me more than a few problems. Not good system as far as informing people what they owe, if anything.
When i recived the cash advance it was a no payback thing. If we do pay it back weres the money for the months of class tooken. Were do the money advance cover till, for classes.
I thought we were to pay the VA near the end before the GI Bill exhausts?
Deja vu with the VA again? I enlisted in USAF June 1965 and was honorably discharged Dec. 1969 and in 1971 started community college as an evening student since I was working full-time. Since the big thing at that time was promotion of the minorities.. I am white and didn't qualify for any program except the VA. I applied for VA education benefits before I started school. I had to come up with entire semester's tuition in cash before I could be officially a student. I paid almost 2 years tuition from my own pocket but no VA money! Minority students presented a gov't. issued voucher and everything was paid for. I ran out of money after that. 23 month waiting for the VA to issue a tuition check. 30 months after starting school they over paid me and demanded the money back before I could re-enroll in school. So I had to work to pay back the VA with interest. I never had a chance to finish my degree but when I left college with a 3.41 GPA on 59 credits would mean something to the VA, that I wasn't a risk. The VA couldn't care less. VA was worse than Shylocks in threats to get "their money". Never wanted to deal with the VA again. The VA is still a cluster f**k.
I was diagnosed with a 10% hearing disability plus arthritis in the spine. To get medical treatment I can't go to the VA center within 20 miles of my home in NJ , I had to go to a facility 100 miles away ,round trip.
Later,I went to California, the SF VA computers and LA VA computers couldn't interconnect. So you have to apply when you moved in state. My SF VA id card doesn't work in LA! It is a shame the way veterans are treated after giving 6 years of my life during the worst time of the Vietnam WAR(not "conflict"). When troops die by the thousand , it is war. A conflict sounds like 2 kids angry with each other. The VA Secretary doesn't run the VA, they come and go according to political appointments. No one in civil service is accountable for any screw-up. More than likely they will get promotions. I am ashamed with the way VA treats the Veterans in worse shape than me.
Ok, so heres my question. I applied for the Post 911 Gi bill in July. Recieved my letter but recieved no funds until november. I applied for the advance and recieved it…no problem. I was under the impression that it would be recouped from future payments, which is fine, but now its starting to look like im gonna have to pay back 3000 dollars at once. I did not recieve a housing allowance for the first two and 1/2 months so by my math, i should be square with the va. i did not recieve a housing allowance for january either but i assume that is because i was not taking a "in class" course during the last half of dec and the first half of jan. Is anyone else in this situation. i have no problem with the recoup, because i did read that it was an advance, but i was also told that it would be taken from future payments…I.E. the august, sept, october housing allowance i did not recieve. So thanks India, but I did budget according to the email and phone call I recieved. Anyone else in this situation?
Not sure I understand I got a payment and used it towards my school like i was suppose to. How I'm getting my monthly payments.I was under impression the money was being giving to me because they where behind and so we we be able to stay in school. The only income I have is my retirement pay. So it looks to me as the used this as a tax write off.
The VA is Government ran…All that were in the military should know how the Government likes to screw military and vet personnel over day after day….if the VA is supposed to help Vets tell me why there are so many Vets homeless, needing help that they arent getting, and having door after door shut in there face. And for us that are fortunate to not be homeless and able to further our education are getting shafted like the homeless Vets that need help just as bad as we do. Thought the GI Bill was supposed to cover school and didnt have to get students loans as long as you didnt over step the amount of benefits you are goin to receive. All i know is i spent 9 years gettin shafted by the Government and now its the Va. Well God Bless America home of the Brave the Free and the SHAFTED.
I believe what they are saying is, that those of us who received the advanced payment in Oct. and then turned around and received the monthly payment, were doubled payed and have to repay what we were over paid. That is completely understandable. While I am extremely greatful for the benefit, I feel if they were going to open the flood gate, offer the benefit to dependants (we have both, I am using my mine and my husband turned his over to our daughter) . We were put into a financial crunch, under the impression our dauthers room and board would be covered by the BAH. and then not receiving it until the semester was over. I was basically using the benefit I received for myself to cover her expenses….I am really nervous for this semester because I have to repay and wont get any and lord knows when she will get hers…..stressful! My point is before they opened the flood gate ….ANTICIPATE IT hire more people, train them and get your ducks in row. Again I am very greatful for the program!
I am sorry to hear about all the problems that people are having. That being said, I have been using my GI Bill for going on three years now and the only inconsistencies I have experienced were an under-payment for 2 weeks of a semester, and the big delay between the Ch. 30 and Ch. 33. Otherwise I have been consistently shocked how well the system has worked for me.
I do know that I have been in the VA office at my school on two occasions and listened to idiots talk to the staff like they had their education benefits in a box in the back and they where withholding it from them. Where you or where you not in the military??…Did you talk like that to everybody who didn't tell you what you wanted to hear in the military??…I doubt it….Here's the reality for many of those who are having trouble getting their money: You are screwing up the process some how….How do I know?…Because I have been and I am continuing to deal with them a well as the VA hospital for 2.5+ years now, and for the most part everything goes alright. Be patient and don't act like a pariah. Your bad attitude will not help you.
Hello Everyone
I am a post 9/11 recipient I waited a long time to recieve this benifit but you need to consider or recolect your actions like i had. Are you a VET using this to pay bills and you dont care about your education LIKE MANY OF THE VETS AT MY SCHOOL ARE and are just venting due to the economy and look at this as a way out for the time being? Have you resigned from your job to do this without remembering this a government run program (which we all worked for and aware of these delays)
I mean seriously the VA is paying us BAH and books they are trying to help us and you spit in there face? WTF is your problem….we are the VETS, the stand up citizens who pay taxes and suypport millions of illegals lol were better than that. PLease be patient!! and remember you were born in the best country in the world in the most powerful military the world has ever seen that alone should be an honor…. you could be in Haiti right now trapped under a building. I waited soooo long but im paid, I took the loan because i wanted to pay off some debt in the mean time, come on guys it not fine brint its in bold print practically highlighted it must be payed back. Good luck everyone i will keep you all in my prayers. Thank you for your service MK3 Emmott
This is a serious "ripe off" by the VA Department. I thought that money was to be used to help with our school needs, now we have to pay it back!!!! This has got to be so unfair, that i am lost of words!!
the va is just terrible…………. they suppose to have there SH*T in order and regulate this…….
here us vets sacrifice everything on our behave to serve our country to get this benefit that was promise….. i bet they dont even have a exact count on how man used this advance ment thing.. the VA just now over paid me and now i knwo i gotta pay em pay em back
and i dont even knwo how……. or why they just dont keep things in order
the VA… i tell you……… bunch of disorganize organization when it comes to education or benifits ….. for us VETs out there if u in school get that Associates or bachlors or what ever … to make it out here or life better…… thats why were in school in the first place …. dont give up to all u struggling Vets or reservist…
god bless………
By the way, that Amen went to Brenda's comment…don't want to confuse anyone!!!
I have received 35 months and 11 days of my 36 months of benefits under the chapter 30 GI Bill. this adds up to about $49,000 dollars that I didn't have to borrow or skip studying to go to work and earn by the hour at some lame student job. There have been times when the VA messed up but when I got it worked out they always straightened the issue out. Every person on this forum who is complaining about how hard it is the get their FREE MONEY from the benefit they were graciously given in appreciation for their military service – is OUT OF LINE. Shut up, stop complaining about being on hold for a couple hours to straighten out a payment for $1500 – you are offended to be on hold for $500 per hour?? The money doesn't always show up the minute you need it, tough luck and welcome to civilian life people. Learn to budget your money, and get a part time job like everyone else in school to fill in the gaps when the GI Bill doesn't stretch that far. Ever heard of VA work study programs? Your success is up to you, not up to the VA. Take charge of your own life, it's the greatest thing about being a civilian, a contributing member of or great society, a CITIZEN of our great country.
Erica, you may be blessed for now, but a few years down the road, you may not receive your benefits. You may not know why, and when you call to find out, you may not get an answer, or you may get the run around like so many VETS do. I've seen my Mom go thru so much B.S. with them that it is heart wrenching. Heart wrenching to see my 66 year old mother wonder how she is going to pay her Mortgage when her check didn't come and the VA, gave her some lame ass excuse about they over paid her from 5 years ago. They didn't give a flying Duck! how she paid her bills or if she was able to eat for the month. You are in serious denial of what's going on in the system. I am a AF Spouse, and I know, I won't be falling prey to the VA antics. The system is not dependable. So you just enjoy your bliss, Lady Bug because the VA will be calling on you soon. I think they run out of money each month and randomly pick people to F**** with, and take their income,and give some lame excuse about they over paying you. They are worse then Defense Finance. * If I were you, I'd start a pay back fund, cause it's coming. Believe me, it's coming!!
It would of been easier to just increase Chapter 30 rates and provide it to all Vets, like it should've been. It used to be pay $1,200 or get nothing. Now, we got a mess with Chapter 33 starting up. The only plus side for me is that after I use all my Ch. 30, I get another 12 mnths of Ch. 33. YipeeSkipeeDooDahDay!
I fought for 25 years to get my disability pay but you have to stop and look at who is really the blame after all washington dc gets your claim and whats there just what your commanding ofc and your squad unit sends out so if they dont have the facts to begin with then thats where all hell breaks loose because your turned down amd then you blame it on the va and you have to start lookin form the begining and thats what i had to do It took me 25 years but I kept fightin until i found my records and i finally won now im receiving my 100% and its at the rating board to see how many years they are going to pay me back pay so stay n there and keep fighting for what you believe in YOUR COUNTRY .
DDDAUGHERTY@comcast@net
FOR THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR IT, FREEDOM HAS A TASTE, THE PROTECTED, WILL NEVER KNOW……MARINE.VIET- NAM VET.