October 23, 2009

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today announced that special payments are now available for service members who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that service members can now receive $500 for every month they were held under stop loss orders between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009.

Earlier this year, Congressman Altmire voted for the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which established this new initiative.

“It is impossible to put a price on the burdens that extended deployments have placed on our service members and military families,” Altmire said. “However, I hope that these payments will show service members that America is grateful for the additional sacrifices they made. I encourage anyone who has questions about how to apply for these payments to call my office for assistance.”

More than 185,000 service members have been held under stop loss orders since 2001. This includes more than 131,000 soldiers, who on average will receive $4,000 in compensation. Approximately 5,565 Navy personnel were also held under stop loss orders.

Service members from all branches of the military can submit claims for retroactive stop loss pay until October 21, 2010. Each service member will be required to submit documented proof that they were stop lossed. Family members of deceased service members may also apply for payments. Those with questions about the application process are encouraged to call Congressman Altmire’s Natrona Height’s office at (724) 226-1304.