Griffith Announces Emergency Veterans Benefits

Press Release

Congressman Parker Griffith today announced further outreach to Alabama veterans eligible for an advance payment of their Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits. Vets seeking benefits can now apply online beginning October 2nd or request courtesy transportation to regional VA benefits offices to apply in person.

"We have experienced significant lag time in the delivery and distribution of these benefits and that is unacceptable," Griffith said. "Our men and women in uniform should not have to postpone the pursuit of higher education because of red tape or bureaucratic inefficiency. This comes not a moment too soon."

Friday, 57 regional VA offices will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment. Online application will guide veterans through the process to supply needed information. The online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing.

"As we approach Veterans Day and celebrate the constant sacrifice our soldiers endure, it is essential that they have access to quality education upon their return to American soil. Our soldiers will become scholars and continue to give back to our country through intellectual pursuits both in civilian and military capacities."

Students without their own transportation can also request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, veterans should call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the "Volunteer Transportation Coordinator." Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis.

Whether traveling by personal vehicle or volunteer van, VA officials suggest students check their mail boxes and banking accounts before leaving home, since some veterans will find their checks have already arrived.

The emergency checks are an advance on each student's education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. A $3,000 payment is the maximum in emergency education benefits, with many veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.

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