U.S. Representative Kathy Castor urged local veterans, military personnel and beneficiaries of service members who were involuntarily extended on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 to apply for retroactive supplemental pay by October 21, 2010. Thousands of veterans are eligible for these payments nationwide but many benefits have gone unclaimed. Castor called on the community to spread the word to ensure that military personnel and veterans receive the benefits they are due.

“The Tampa Bay community values the service and sacrifice of our veterans, military and their families,” Castor said. “For many, the involuntary extension known as ‘stop-loss’ was a significant disruption in their lives. They are due a $500 per month extra payment, but many have not applied. Family members, churches, veterans organizations and neighbors should proactively inquire on behalf of veterans and service members they know.”

Stop loss refers to the practice of the military forcing troops to serve beyond their separation date.

Those who served under stop loss must submit a claim. The deadline for veterans to apply for these benefits is Oct. 21.

“Unfortunately, many service members and veterans have missed letters informing them of retroactive pay or think it is a scam,” Castor said. “The retroactive pay is not a scam. Please seek more information about the benefits you are rightfully entitled to.”

More information about eligibility can be found at the Department of Defense website, www.defense.gov/stoploss. If veterans have any questions or need help sorting through the process, Castor encourages them to call her office at 813-871-2817.