Representative Promotes Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits In Public Service Announcement

Press Release

Representative Promotes Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits In Public Service Announcement

Today Representative Courtney released the following Public Service Announcement to promote the educational and housing benefits provided in the Post 9/11 GI Bill and assist Veterans and their families through the process of receiving these benefits.

On August 1, 2009, the Post 9/11 GI Bill went into effect as an extension of the landmark 1944 GI Bill, and will include individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. In addition to providing expanded tuition assistance, the program includes stipends for day-to-day needs, such as housing and books.

Since the Veterans Administration began accepting application for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, approximately 277,000 applications have been received. Over 61,000 payments totaling over $50 million to schools and students have been issued since August 1, 2009.

Over the last few weeks, however, the increase in applications has caused some participants to experience a delay in receiving their GI Bill payments. To ensure that veterans get the resources they need for the new school year, last week VA Secretary Eric Shinseki issued an order authorizing checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their payment.

Click here for information on how veterans can access this assistance

Representative Courtney has been closely monitoring the implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill and remains committed to working with the VA, colleges and university in eastern Connecticut, and veterans to resolve this issue.

A full copy of Representative Courtney's statement is below:

Hello, my name is Congressman Joe Courtney. In August, the Post 9/11 GI Bill went into effect, expanding the educational opportunities of returning U.S. troops. The GI Bill provides financial support to send our servicemembers back to college and prepare them for a life after the military.

I believe that the men and women who have courageously put their lives on hold to serve in the Armed Forces deserve this updated GI Bill. This initiative builds upon the promise our nation makes to all volunteers in our military.

As thousands continue to enroll in this new program, I want to ensure that Connecticut veterans have the most up-to-date information to make the best possible decision about their futures.

If you are a veteran with questions or concerns about their benefits, please call the Hartford Regional Veterans Affairs Office at 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.GIBILL.VA.gov.

Veterans with additional questions should always feel free to call my office at (860) 886-0139. Thank you.

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