It’s not every day that the president of the United States pleads with you to claim what could amount to thousands of dollars.

But if you’re a veteran or the survivor of a service member whose service was involuntarily extended after Sept. 11, 2001, you may be entitled to $500 for every month your service was extended. You must, however, claim it by Oct. 21.

The White House today released a video of President Barack Obama urging those eligible for Stop Loss Pay to claim it before Oct. 21. It’s not a gimmick or a trick to get you back in to the service, Obama said.

"As your commander in chief, I'm here to tell you that this is no gimmick or trick. You worked hard. You earned this money. It doesn't matter whether you were Active or Reserve, whether you're a veteran who experienced "stop loss" or the survivor of a service member who did — if your service was extended, you're eligible."

To watch the video and submit your claim, click here