Stop Loss Pay Available Until October

Earlier this week, the Pentagon announced that special pay for veterans who served under the stop loss policy is still available. Department of Defense officials are trying to reach as many eligible veterans as possible before Oct. 21, 2010, when all applications for the benefit must be submitted.

If you are a veteran who was involuntarily extended under the stop loss policy between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009, you are eligible for the benefit, which on average amounts to more than $3,700.

To view the application for, Click Here. To apply for the benefit, veterans can print out the form, DD-2944, sign it and send it to the appropriate service address, which is included in the form.

For more information on the benefit from DoD, Click Here. Service-specific telephone numbers are also available on the Web site for veterans with questions about the process.

The benefit, known as Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay, or RSLSP, is a $500-per-month benefit for each month or partial month of involuntary extension.

AMVETS leaders encourage anyone who is eligible for the benefit to apply as soon as possible, since Congress has not indicated that it will extend the application deadline.