VA Secretary Shinseki: "We're reaching out to Veterans so they can get the money they need to stay in school."

NOTE from Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org ... A heads-up to all "new vets" on this VA outreach.  Expect a call from the VA.

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VA Contacting Veteran-Students about New GI Bill

October 19, 2009

Calls Part of Systematic Outreach to Improve Service

WASHINGTON -- Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be telephoning Veterans across the country to explain their education benefits under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill and ensure beneficiaries are able to receive payments due them.

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of our highest priorities,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Instead of making people wait to hear from us, we’re reaching out to Veterans, so they can get the money they need to stay in school.”

The Department is conducting this outreach as part of VA’s ongoing efforts to ensure delivery of this historic, earned benefit for our Nation’s Veterans. VA is ensuring the large number of Veterans who are attending classes during the fall 2009 semester have received the education benefits they have earned. The calls are scheduled to go to Veterans who have applied for benefits under the new educational assistance program. Those who registered for advanced payments will be called as well, to ensure they received their benefits.

To protect the personal identity of Veterans, VA representatives will not ask for any personal information. Information such as birthdates, bank account or social security numbers will not be requested.

“Our procedures and policies to provide advanced payments remain in effect,” Shinseki said. “Meanwhile, we’re completing the on-time development of our automated processing system that will ensure timely delivery of checks in the future.”

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TOPICS: veterans, veterans' benefits, VA, Department of Veterans' Affairs, G.I. Bill, outreach