Deadline hits for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay

By G-1 Public AffairsOctober 20, 2011

WASHINGTON (Oct. 20, 2011) -- The final day to submit claims for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is Oct. 21, 2011.

The congressionally-mandated program established to pay claimants $500 for each month held in a stop-loss status began accepting claims Oct. 21, 2009 and has received claims from more than 115,000 Soldiers, veterans and beneficiaries. According to Army officials, in excess of $300 million has been disbursed to those eligible for the special pay.

"We have claims from all 50 states, every U.S. territory and 12 foreign countries," said Maj. Roy Whitley, program manager, RSLSP. "The Army has proactively contacted those we believe are eligible for this pay and Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay has certainly been publicized in print, online and social media."

Initial Army estimates stated about 120,000 Soldiers, veterans and beneficiaries would be eligible for the special pay. However, the 2010 Defense Appropriations Act altered eligibility requirements; in most cases those who served in a stop-loss status and voluntarily re-enlisted or extended their service for a bonus became ineligible.

While Oct. 21, 2011 marks the end of the claims collection period, the Army's Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program Management Office will continue operations through FY 2012.

"The program management office will remain open to process and pay all claims delivered by the 21 October 2011 deadline as well as all claim reconsideration requests," Whitley said.

The Army has gone to great lengths to identify and notify those eligible for the special pay. According to Whitley, outreach efforts included three separate direct mail campaigns, including up-to-date address searches and the use of certified mail. In addition, the Army has worked closely with the Veterans Administration to distribute handouts and posters to Veteran Service Centers.

Please direct any questions to the: RetroStopLossPay@conus.army.mil