VA Tech Glitch Disrupts GI Bill Payments for Thousands of Families

A technical issue at the Department of Veterans Affairs has left thousands of GI Bill recipients without essential payments for education and housing. The disruption follows the rollout of a new processing system and has primarily affected the spouses and children of veterans who are deceased, missing, or have a permanent and total service-connected disability. Estimates suggest that up to 75,000 claims may remain unpaid.

Advocates are urging the VA to reactivate its GI Bill hotline to assist those impacted. According to Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann, director of Government and Legislative Affairs for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the failure of the VA’s infrastructure is a significant factor in this situation. “The shutdown is not the cause of this,” Haycock-Lohmann stated. “It needs to be very clear that the reason that this happened is because the VA chose not to tell us until after the shutdown started.”

The delays coincided with the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2023. VA officials have attributed the payment delays to this shutdown, claiming that it impeded their ability to address payment issues. Peter Kasperowicz, a spokesperson for the VA, explained that the new benefit delivery system deployed in August was meant to streamline operations. However, the shutdown curtailed the resources available for staff and automation solutions that were intended to facilitate timely processing.

Senators and representatives have expressed serious concerns regarding the missed payments. In a letter dated October 9, 2023, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Mark Takano, both prominent members of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees, demanded an explanation from the VA. They highlighted that these payments are crucial for veterans and their families, who rely on them for basic needs like food and housing.

Despite assurances that the issue would be resolved by late November or early December, there is skepticism regarding the VA’s timeline. Haycock-Lohmann criticized the lack of communication to affected parties, noting that many veterans were left in the dark about the ongoing situation. Affected veterans were not adequately informed about the problem due to a breakdown in the VA’s communications strategy following staff furloughs during the shutdown.

Additionally, Will Hubbard, vice president for Veterans and Military Policy at Veterans Education Success, has been closely monitoring the nonpayment issue. He pointed out that the VA has not implemented a comprehensive communications plan regarding the problem. Hubbard emphasized the need for the VA to commit to better preparation for future technology rollouts, particularly during critical enrollment periods.

The ramifications of these payment disruptions extend beyond administrative delays. Hubbard expressed concern about the potential for significant financial instability among families reliant on these payments. “What I’m most worried about are the housing payment elements of this issue,” he noted. “A school might be flexible, but landlords’ patience may eventually run thin.”

TAPS is advocating for the restoration of the GI Bill hotline and the immediate hiring of more claims processors to expedite resolutions. Haycock-Lohmann urged the VA to prioritize the hotline as an essential service. “Bring back the call center, find a way to fund it, and restore every processor right now,” she stated.

For those affected, TAPS has noted that schools are legally prohibited from dropping students over missed GI Bill payments. They encourage individuals facing difficulties to seek assistance by contacting TAPS at [email protected].

As the situation develops, the VA faces mounting pressure to rectify the issues surrounding the GI Bill payments and to ensure that veterans and their families receive the support they need in a timely manner.