Service members, Veterans: Deadline for retroactive stop loss pay is October 21

Washington, DC — Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan is reminding service members, whose tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan was extended under stop loss orders, that they have until October 21, 2010 to apply for retroactive pay. Eligible troops will receive $500 a month for each month their service was extended. The average benefit is $3,700.

“Our brave men and women have made great sacrifices serving our country.  They have earned this pay,” Congressman Sablan said.

“I urge all eligible active duty, reservists, veterans and beneficiaries of service members to submit a claim.”

In 2009, Congress passed H.R. 2346, the War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which established the retroactive stop loss special pay. This benefit allows those whose service was involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 to file a claim to receive the retroactive pay. They must meet all other eligibility requirements, such as honorable discharge.

The Defense Department estimates that over 145,000 troops are eligible; but only 58,000 claims have been paid out so far.

The October  21 deadline is set by statute and cannot be extended. 

For more information or to submit a claim please visit www.defense.gov/stoploss .