WASHINGTON- Today, Rep. Capps (D-Calif) encouraged Central and South Coast service members whose service was extended under stop loss orders in Iraq and Afghanistan to apply for retroactive pay. Service members have until October 21, 2010 to apply for retroactive pay. Troops eligible for retroactive pay will receive $500 a month for each month their service was extended. The Defense Department estimates that while 145,400 troops are eligible only 58,000 claims have been paid out so far.

“Our brave men and women in uniform have made tremendous sacrifices for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have done everything that we have asked of them,” said Capps. “In 2009, we passed legislation to compensate our service members for tours that were extended in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the deadline fast approaching, I urge all eligible troops to submit their claims so that they can receive the retroactive pay they earned through their dedicated service. I would urge any service members with questions about how to submit their claim to contact my office,” said Capps.

In 2009, Capps voted for legislation to establish retroactive stop loss special pay (RSLSP). This allows troops whose service was involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 to file claims in order to receive retroactive pay if eligible. The deadline for submissions is October 21, 2010. The average benefit is $3,800.

For more information or to submit a claim please visit www.defense.gov/stoploss.
For questions, contact Capps’ office http://capps.house.gov/contact/my-offices.shtml.

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