Hoyer Urges Soldiers Affected by Stop Loss to Collect Retroactive Pay Before Deadline
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) reminded service members whose service was extended under stop loss orders in Iraq and Afghanistan that they have until October 21, 2010 to apply for retroactive pay. Troops eligible for retroactive pay will receive $500 a month for each month their service was extended. The Department of Defense estimates that 145,400 troops are eligible. However, only 58,000 claims have been paid out thus far. "We continue to ask a tremendous amount from our troops and time and again they have delivered for our country. Our service men and women deserve added compensation for all the time we have asked them to serve," stated Congressman Hoyer. "That's why in 2009, we passed legislation to compensate our service members for tours that were involuntarily extended in Iraq and Afghanistan. The deadline for accepting that compensation is October 21, 2010, so I urge all those eligible to submit an application. Especially in these difficult economic times, I want to make sure that all eligible service members here in Maryland receive the benefits they have earned." In 2009, Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R. 2346, the War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which established retroactive stop loss special pay (RSLSP). This allows troops whose service was involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 to file claims in order to receive retroactive pay if eligible. The deadline for submissions is October 21, 2010. The average benefit is $3,800. The Secretary of Defense announced in March 2009 a comprehensive plan to eliminate the current use of Stop Loss by March 2011. This effort is another action the Congress has taken to better fulfill our commitment to our troops and veterans. Congress also enacted the New GI Bill, is making progress in improving veterans' hospitals and facilities, expanded economic opportunities for returning soldiers, improved compensation and support to caregivers of Post-9/11 wounded warriors, and care for those with PTSD. For more information or to submit a claim please visit www.defense.gov/stoploss. ### |