Tag Archives: post 9/11 gi bill

I’ve written a lot about the Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill. Most of it has been positive. I hailed the legislation as it worked itself from a campaign promise to reality under President Bush. But, then I read stuff like this:

Under the old bill, Chapter 30, the student must call a hot line on the last day of the month to certify that their status has not changed since the previous month. The payment is then sent to the student in seven to ten days. It has become a ritual for veteran students, a promise to see that beautiful deposit in a week’s time. But today, some who have submitted paperwork for Chapter 33 might find the certification for Chapter 30 a bit of a challenge. My school’s VA counselor assured a seamless transition – he told me those who were switching over would get paid for the months they already paid tuition for. Once again, someone forgot to forward the memo. Since my claim for Chapter 33 is still being processed, I’m locked out of Chapter 30. Even though I paid for the summer semester, I am not getting paid for August. My case is in limbo, familiar territory for the VA. My bills, on the other hand, are very clearly defined. They pile up as fast as the VA’s backlogs.

The VA counselors at my school buy salt in bulk to pour into the wounds of the students they are purported to serve. One in particular lambasts me whenever I call with a legitimate question regarding veteran benefits. With his trademark condescending tone, he sharply rebuked my questions about a delay in payments, suggesting that I should have been following the news of backlogged certifications, despite his assurance that the transition would not allow a payment disparity. Oh, to be tongue-lashed for not doing his job for him! He heartily laughed at my question of when to expect my next payment. In that brief moment, he acknowledged the absurdity of my situation – he didn’t know, and there is no way to find out. He could not even venture a guess but did not rule out weeks or even a month. The check is in the mail, I am told. That old line doesn’t work for my landlord, and it wouldn’t get past my utility company. But for the government agency responsible for the benefits going out to the men and women who have served this country in a time of war, with the basic sustenance of thousands of veterans in the balance, it’s business as usual.

Is this what we were promised? A lot of politicians patted themselves on the back when this was passed. We were told that this bill will recruit more quality troops. Secretary Shinseki said it will educate the next generation of problem solvers. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Webb (D-VA) called it an “historic victory” and said he was “confident” that the Pentagon and VA would work out any kinks. That was 13 months ago!

Now, our veterans are finding themselves having to decide whether they eat or pay their utility bill. They are facing eviction while sitting in limbo trying to figure out how to pay their huge tuition bill they were promised they wouldn’t have to worry about.

Where are the Military Officers Association of America, Partnership for Veterans Education, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American, Iraq Veterans Against War, Student Veterans of America – all organizations that championed this bill – now that our vets are being hung out to dry?