For Release: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO WELCOMES SPECIAL PAYMENTS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS WHO SERVED UNDER STOP LOSS ORDERS

WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) welcomed the announcement by the Department of Defense that beginning today special payments are available to over 185,000 service members who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001, providing $500 for every month they were held under Stop Loss orders. Congress established this payment in the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted this summer.

“Our veterans have earned this compensation by serving beyond their stated commitment in very trying conditions,” said Costello. “This $500 per month payment will help these service members who have literally served above and beyond the call of duty and recognizes the hardship placed on these troops and their families by being forced to remain on active duty longer than planned.”

The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is available to service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. Service members from every branch of the military will receive compensation.

Service members may begin submitting their claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay today. All applications must be submitted to the respective services no later than Oct. 21, 2010. Service members must provide documented proof they were Stop Lossed with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.

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