If you are a service member or veteran whose service was involuntarily extended after Sept. 11, 2001, you may be eligible for retroactive pay of $500 for each month served. The average payment is $3,700, but many eligible veterans are unaware of the program.

To receive this benefit, those who served under stop loss must submit a claim by Oct. 21, 2010.

The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act established Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP), providing $500 for each month/partial month served in stop loss status. Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of service members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 are eligible for RSLSP.

Throughout the year, the services have been reaching out to service members, veterans and their families through direct mail, veteran service organizations and the media. But there is still money left to be claimed, and the deadline is approaching fast.

To learn more or apply, click here