Service members and veterans whose military service was involuntarily extended under the “Stop Loss” program between the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Sept. 30, 2009, are eligible for special retroactive pay, and they have until Oct. 21 to apply for it.
Eligible members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service to receive $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. The average benefit is $3,700. While the services have reached out to service members, veterans and their families, not everyone who is eligible has applied.
To apply for the pay, or for more information on submission requirements and service-specific links, go to www.defense.gov/stoploss.