The U.S. government failed to send promised college tuition checks to tens of thousands of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars before they returned to school this fall, even after being warned that it was inadequately staffed for the job.
The Veterans Affairs Department blamed a backlog of claims filed for GI Bill education benefits that has left veterans who counted on the money for tuition and books scrambling to make ends meet.
They knew about this a month ago and still couldn't shuffle papers in time? Pathetic.
Not only that, but the new 9/11 GI Bill allows certain vets (myself included) apply their benefits to their children. We couldn't apply for it until August 9th. Most of us are waiting to hear back from the VA as to our status. They said it would take about 45 days to approve. Meaning that this semester is pretty well shot.
ReplyDeleteStill, if they do come back and give my kids that money, it sure will be appreciated. Just wish it was a bit more timely.