June 16, 2011
By Lt. Col. Tim Beninato, Army G-1 Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2011 — The deadline to submit claims for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay was recently extended to October 21, 2011. This marks the sixth time the deadline has been extended by Congress.
According to Army officials, more than 100,000 claims from Soldiers, veterans and beneficiaries have been adjudicated and about $300 million has been disbursed. Currently, there are about 6,000 claims pending review in the Army’s system.
“The Army has made multiple attempts to directly contact those we believe are eligible,” said Maj. Roy Whitley, program manager. “We have claims from all 50 states and every U.S. Territory. Claims have been submitted from 12 foreign countries.”
Still, Army officials are hoping remaining candidates for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay take action and apply. The Army estimates a total of 120,000 Soldiers, veterans and beneficiaries may be eligible for the pay.
“We have not received a claim from everyone who may qualify for this pay,” Whitley said. “The Army has developed and implemented innovative strategies to identify and notify those eligible. These efforts have been very successful. However, we have not heard from our entire target population.”
The deadline extension, passed April 15, 2011, gives potential claimants about six additional months to apply for the pay. Army officials stated outreach efforts will continue though veteran service organizations and social media outlets. By law, those eligible for the pay must submit a claim.
Those eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay receive $500 for each month held a stop-loss status.
For more information on eligibility criteria and to submit a claim, visit https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil or www.defense.gov/stoploss.