WARRENSVILLE  HEIGHTS,OH: Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) would like to make service members aware of an important deadline.  Members of the military whose service was extended under stop loss orders in Iraq and Afghanistan 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 have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Congresswoman Fudge. “Many have been called upon to serve three, even four tours of duty.  Their lengthy absence extended the hardships endured by their families. In 2009, I voted in support of  legislation to compensate our service members for tours that were involuntarily 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."   

Congresswoman Fudge stated she will continue to work with local veterans organizations to ensure that all eligible service members here in Ohio receive their retroactive pay.   

In 2009, The War Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR 2346) established 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.