Veterans whose post-9/11 G.I. Bill education benefits have been delayed can receive emergency payments starting today at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office, Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced. As of today, veterans also can apply online at www.va.gov.

“These men and women have delivered on their promise, and the VA now must follow through on its commitment,” Castor said.

Thousands of veterans nationwide who applied for educational benefits under the post-9/11 G.I. Bill haven’t yet received their payments due to system delays. To address the issue, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has authorized advance checks of up to $3,000 to veterans who haven’t received their monthly education payment.

Veterans visiting the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office should bring a government-issued photo ID and a course schedule. Veterans in need of transportation to the regional office can request free van service by calling their nearest VA medical center.

Payments applied for online will be issued within three work days of the request. If veterans experience any delays, they are encouraged to call Castor’s office at (813) 871-2817.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and it is our duty to make sure they don’t experience any difficulties receiving their benefits and access to a college education,” Castor said. “I encourage any veterans who have had problems receiving their post-9/11 G.I. benefits to take advantage of the emergency payment opportunity.”

Congress ensured the VA could have sufficient resources to implement this bill. “I hope they take advantage of those resources and are ready in a timely fashion for the next round,” Castor said. “Our veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are counting on that.”

The new G.I. bill, enacted last year, provides full, four-year college scholarships to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Veterans can use their scholarships at the University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, the University of Tampa and other area educational institutions on scholarship. Castor was a co-sponsor of this landmark G.I. bill for the 21^st century.