Press Releases

Milwaukee, WI – Today, Representative Gwen Moore urged servicemembers and veterans to apply for benefits they have earned in the face of a fast approaching deadline for filing claims.  

Servicemembers, veterans and beneficiaries of servicemembers who were involuntarily extended under the military’s stop loss policy between September 11, 2001 and September 30^th, 2009 are eligible for retroactive stop loss special pay of $500 for every month or partial month served in stop loss status.  According to the Defense Department, over 82,000 claims have been paid for a total payout of $308 million. Payments have averaged $3,739.  

“Our men and women have been asked to sacrifice so much.  We all have a duty to ensure that they receive the benefits they have earned,” said Rep. Moore.

In 2008, Congresswoman Moore was an original cosponsor of legislation to provide stop loss compensation payments.  Congress approved these payments in 2009 and has since extended the deadline for applications to ensure that all servicemembers who are eligible have the opportunity to receive the payments that they have earned.   The claims deadline is October 21, 2011.  According to the Defense Department, despite outreach efforts, some 120,000 servicemembers may be eligible but have still not submitted claims. 

Those who served in the Army and believe they are eligible can call 877-736-5554 for more information.  For the Marine Corps, the phone number is 877-242-2830. For the Navy, 901-874-4427.  For the Air Force, 800-525-0102.  Additional information about eligible and how to complete applications can also be found online (please click here.)  

“Time is running out. If you even think you could qualify, I urge you to take action today."