WASHINGTON: The deadline for eligible servicemembers, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay has been extended to Dec. 3.
The change allows personnel more time to apply for the benefits they’ve earned, officials said.
To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to www.defense.gov/stoploss. Soldiers can also go directly to the Army’s website at www.stoplosspay.army.mil.
The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution signed by President Barack Obama yesterday, providing funding for federal government operations through Dec. 3, 2010.
“The … extension is great news for our Soldiers and veterans eligible to receive Stop Loss Special Pay, but have yet to file their claim,” said Maj. Tim Beninato, spokesperson for the Army’s Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. “We encourage those who are eligible or think they might be, to go check out the Army’s website today, and see if you qualify.”
The RSLSP was established to compensate military members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009.
“It’s important that all those eligible for this benefit take the opportunity to apply for what they’ve earned,” said Lernes Hebert, acting director, DOD Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management. “We encourage those eligible to apply as soon as possible, to avoid the last-minute rush, which can increase processing time.”
Eligible members or their beneficiaries are required to submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. The original deadline for claims was Oct. 21 of this year.
When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts throughout the year.
Efforts including direct mail, engaging military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets, will continue throughout the period of eligibility, officials said.
