ANNOUNCEMENT

EMERGENCY EDUCATION PAYMENTS
On Friday, September 25, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki authorized advanced education payments up to $3,000 for veterans who have applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payment as of October 2, 2009.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. How do I obtain an advance payment and what do I need to provide?
   
   Option #1 - Starting October 2, you may go to one of the VA's 57 regional offices (the closest offices are listed below) with a government-issued photo ID (Driver's License, Military ID, etc.) and proof that you are enrolled in school (class schedule, admission letter, enrollment verification letter, etc.). You will be required to sign for the payment upon receipt.
   
   Roanoke, VA: 210 Franklin Road, SW, Roanoke, VA 24011
   Washington, DC: 1722 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20421
   Baltimore, MD: 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201
   
   Option #2 - Beginning Friday, October 2, you may apply online for the Special Emergency Payment at www.va.gov. Please note that if you choose this option your check will be MAILED to you after processing by the VA.
   
   
2. I don't have transportation. Will transportation be provided to the Regional Offices?
   
   Students without their own transportation can also request a free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, veterans would have to call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the "Volunteer Transportation Coordinator."
   
   Hampton: Hampton VA Medical Center, (757) 722-9961
   Richmond: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, (804) 675-5000
   Salem: Salem VA Medical Center, (540) 982-2463
   
   
3. Can I receive more than one advance payment?
   
   This is a one-time advance payment, which will be recouped from future education payments. Only one payment is authorized per veteran, up to $3,000.
   
4. When is the last day I can request this Special Emergency Payment?
   
   Currently there is no end date on this Emergency Payment. October 2 will not be the last day you can request this payment.
   
   
5. I am a veteran, am I eligible for an advance payment?
   
   Yes, if you are currently enrolled in school under a VA education program and you are NOT Active Duty or a Dependent.
   
   VA Education Programs:
   Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill
   Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill
   Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
   Chapter 1607 - Reserve Education Assistance Program
   
   
6. If I received my education payment on October 1, am I still eligible for a $3,000 advance payment?
   
   No. Advance payments are only authorized for veterans who did NOT receive a payment on October 1.
   
   
7. Will I have to pay this advance payment back to the VA?
   
   This payment will be recouped from future VA payments. However, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by the VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment.
   
   
8. What if I want less than $3,000?
   
   Veterans may choose to receive a payment less than $3,000; however, only ONE advance payment is authorized r
   regardless of the amount.

FUTURE PAYMENTS

1. When can I expect future payments?
   
   After the advance payment is recouped, you can expect future payments at the beginning of each month, which will likely start in November.
   
   
2. How does this emergency payment affect my future education payments?
   
   This payment will be recouped from future VA payments; however, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by the VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment. The exact recoupment amount will be determined once your education claim is processed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, please visit the VA Education website at www.gibill.va.gov.