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Department of Veterans Affairs announces emergency education benefits
PASADENA, Texas – In an effort to alleviate financial burdens facing many students, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today further outreach to Veteran students eligible for a special emergency payment of their education benefits.
Beginning today, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, Veteran students who have applied for their educational benefits, but have not yet received their GI Bill payment, will be able to apply online for on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000.
To apply, Veteran students should visit www.va.gov beginning Oct. 2. The online application will guide Veteran students through the process to supply needed information, and online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing. Checks will be mailed by Oct. 9 and should be received by Oct. 15. After this special payment, Veteran students can expect to receive education payments on the normal schedule.
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity that was made available for our Veterans,” said Robert Merino, financial aid services director at San Jacinto College. “Since we are almost at the middle of the Fall semester, I was particularly worried that our students would have to rely on student loans until they received their benefits. The $3,000 check is a great gesture of appreciation.”
The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. The VA emphasizes that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many Veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.
“The VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our Veteran students who are on campus,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki. “They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties.”
San Jacinto College serves more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.
For more information about San Jacinto College, visit www.sanjac.edu or call 281-998-6150.
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