More than 55,000 retroactive stop-loss claims paid
Published: August 27, 2010
The total number of retroactive stop-loss claims paid has rocketed from about 30,000 to more than 55,000 in the past month, officials said.
Troops who stop-lossed can receive $500 for every month they were kept beyond their initial separation date. About 145,000 people are eligible for the money, but finding them has been a challenge.
“These guys go to college and get jobs and it is really hard to track them down, so quite often we actually contact their parents based on the last best address,” Maj. Roy Whitley, who is in charge of the Army’s compensation program, said last month.
With the program coming to an end in less than two months, the Defense Department is ramping up its efforts to let veterans know they are eligible for the compensation.
The recent increase in number of claims paid is due to a number of factors including direct mailings to veterans, support from veterans groups and servicemembers telling their friends about the program, said Defense Department spokeswoman Eileen Lainez.
“We remind those who think they are eligible to apply as soon as possible – if the military department needs more information they will contact you, but at least your application will be submitted before the Oct. 21 deadline,” Lainez said in an e-mail.
To apply online, go to:
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