GI Bill Payments Offered Online

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki announced that starting on Friday veterans who have not yet received their GI bill payments for school tuition and housing will be able to apply online off the VA's Web site, which also has further details on the emergency payment program.

Shinseki said on Sept. 25 that vets could receive emergency payments up to $3,000 by going in person to one of VA's 57 regional offices.

The secretary said he decided to add the online option to better serve veterans who would need to travel long distances to an office to receive an emergency payment.

Veterans strapped for funds will get cash in hand quicker by going to the nearest VA office, because checks from online applications for will be mailed, and who wants to believe "the check is in the mail" bit?

Student veterans without cars who want to pick up checks at an office can request a ride from volunteers who work in VA medical centers. Veterans should call the closest medical center to ask for the volunteer transportation coordinator to schedule a ride. The rides are available on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis, VA said.

Shinseki has demonstrated the kind of top-level leadership rarely seen in Washington. I believe this reflects the fact that as a wounded Vietnam veteran he truly understands the demands on troops the nation sends into combat.

"Our veterans went the extra mile for their country," Shinseki said in announcing the online emergency payment option. "One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for veterans."