Over 50% of Eligible Servicemembers Yet to Claim Stop Loss Retroactive Pay

In 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) implemented a new program to compensate servicemembers, both former and current, for each month they were required to serve involuntarily under Stop Loss between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009. Funded through the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, eligible servicemembers can now receive up to $500 of retroactive Stop Loss special pay for every month or partial month they served while in Stop Loss status.

The deadline to apply for benefits is October 21, 2010. However, the Department of Defense notes that less than half of the more than 145,000 eligible recipients have yet to submit a claim. The lack of applications has led to the DoD spearheading an effort to raise awareness of the program and ensure eligible servicemembers receive payment for their Stop Loss service.

Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay: This Is Not a Scam

In an episode of the NBC series The Office, a coworker asks Michael Scott, "Didn't you lose a lot of money on that other investment? The email." To which, Michael replies, "You know what Toby, when the son of the deposed king of Nigeria emails you directly, asking you for help, you help! His father ran the freakin' country!"

Unlike the famous Nigerian email scam, the retroactive Stop Loss payment program is not a scam. In a public service announcement recently released through the Department of Defense, President Obama urges servicemembers to apply, "I know there's been some confusion and skepticism out there. Some veterans think this is some sort of gimmick or scam, or that it's a way for the government to call you back to service. Nothing could be further from the truth."

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, echoes the President's sentiments, "It's not a scam. And it's not a joke. It's YOUR money, so come get it."

Getting the Word Out About Stop Loss Retroactive Pay

Although the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act set aside $534.4 million for Stop Loss payments, only $219 million in claims has been paid to date. According to the DoD, only 58,000 claims have been paid. The average servicemember pay for Stop Loss retroactive pay is $3,700 per claim. With the October deadline quickly approaching, getting the word out about the program is important.

Admiral Mullen continues, "We've used all kinds of different ways to reach out to people and let them know, including letters to homes and help from Veteran/Military Service Organizations. But there are still those who have yet to apply."

However, servicemembers who extended their service or voluntarily reenlisted and received a bonus for that enlistment or extension of service are no longer eligible to receive retroactive Stop Loss payments.

Stop Loss: A Challenging Topic Makes Spreading the Word Important

Stop Loss is a challenging topic for servicemembers and their families. When the program was announced in 2009, Sam Retherford, director for the DoD's officer and enlisted personnel management office commented on the challenges of Stop Loss.

"Stop Loss is very difficult," notes Retherford, "Members have obligations and have intended periods of service, then they have plans for themselves afterward. So we're doing everything we can to...compensate our members."

That's why getting the message out about the deadline is vital. The reminder continues to quickly spread across the Internet, from the President's public service announcement to Twitter, veteran organization emails to Facebook.

For example, the “#stoploss” tag on Twitter has been abuzz during the past couple of weeks. Recent Twitter posts include:

• "Help get out this news about eligibility for RETROACTIVE STOP LOSS PAY"
• "Deadline approaches for stoploss pay - don't miss out: White House gives address encouraging vets to submit claims"
• "Video: @President Obama speaks about retroactive #stoploss pay"
• "Troops called in wake of 9-11, are eligible for back pay of $500 per mo. of involuntary serv."

Applying For Stop Loss Retroactive Special Pay

Benefits are provided by branch of service. Stop Loss websites by branch are:

• Army
• Navy
• Marine Corps
• Air Force

Eligible servicemembers, veterans, and their beneficiaries are urged to complete and sign Department of Defense Form 2944, Claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Payment. Each branch has its own supporting documents that must be submitted based on the specifications of the servicemember’s service.

According to the Department of Defense, common source documents include:

• DoD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
• Personnel record or reenlistment document recording original expiration of service date
• Approved retirement/transfer to the Fleet Reserve
• Approved resignation memorandum or transition orders
• Signed documentation from the chain of command acknowledging separation/deployment, etc.
• Revocation of retirement or separation orders

"You worked hard. You earned this money," continued President Obama in his video address. "It doesn't matter whether you were Active or Reserve, whether you're a veteran who experienced 'Stop Loss' or the survivor of a servicemember who did. If your service was extended, you're eligible."

The deadline is October 21, 2010. Apply today.

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