Media Center

Today, Congressman Scott praised the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for quickly responding to the needs of our student veterans by providing emergency checks under the new G.I. Bill.  Thousands of veterans who applied for educational benefits under the program have not yet received their payments due to delayed processing and bureaucracy. These emergency checks will help them make payments towards books and housing.

“I’m very glad that the VA has acted swiftly to remedy this problem and to ensure that our brave veterans have the resources they need to take full advantage of the new G.I. Bill college benefits they were promised. I hope that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in the 13th Congressional District will take advantage of this program.”

The checks for up to $3,000 will be distributed to eligible students at VA regional offices across the country. Students can go to one of the 57 regional benefit offices with a photo ID, a course schedule and a certificate of eligibility to request payment of their housing and book allowance. Students can also apply online at https://advancepay.gibill.va.gov/. The distributed money will be deducted from future payments, which are expected to arrive on the normal schedule – the beginning of the month following the period for which they are being reimbursed. Veterans who apply for the emergency benefits online will receive their payments in the mail after processing.