How to Claim Military Stop Loss Benefits – Deadline Extended!

UPDATE – The Stop Loss Claim Deadline Has Expired. The deadline to claim Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay was extended to October 21, 2012. That deadline has since expired. This article remains live on this website as a historical reference.

Time is running out for servicemembers eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP).  Eligible recipients must submit an application for benefits by October 21, 2011 or miss out on the opportunity to receive benefits.  Established by the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, RSLSP pays $500 per month or partial month that has been served in stop loss status.

Military Stop Loss Benefits Ending Soon

Who is Eligible for Military Stop Loss Benefits?

To be eligible for stop loss benefits you must be a servicemember, veteran or beneficiary of a servicemember who had their service involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 due to Stop Loss.

How to apply for military stop loss benefits

In order to receive Stop Loss benefits, eligible parties must submit a claim.  Benefits will not be automatically distributed, therefore this important step is crucial to ensure you receive this special pay.  The average benefit for eligible servicemembers is $3,700 but your actual claim will be determined by the amount of time you were required to remain on active duty.

When can you submit a claim?

Applications for benefits have been submitted since October 21, 2009 and will end on October 21, 2011.  Applications submitted and received after the December 3 deadline are under no authorization to be paid.

How to Submit a Stop Loss Claim

To submit a claim for Stop Loss benefits, eligible servicemembers must print, complete and sign the Stop Loss claim form Department of Defense Form 2944, Claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Payment and submit it by October 21, 2011. After the application is complete, it will be necessary to select a method of submitting the form as well as supporting documents.  Servicemembers can learn more about  submitting a claim based on service specifications at your service’s Stop Loss website.  You may be required to provide the following documents based on specific status and service.

• Personnel record- Enlistment or reenlistment documents which state the original expiration date of service.
• Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and/or Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
• Orders which establish retirement before the actual date of retirement as stated in DD Form 214 or DD Form 215.
• Approved orders for resignation or transition which establish a separation date earlier than the actual date of separation as stated on DD Form 214 or DD Form 215.
• Documentation from individual’s chain of command corroborating separation or deployment.
• Revocation of separation or retirement orders.

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

If a servicemember served in an area that is combat zone tax excluded during Stop Loss special pay, RSLSP will apply.  Consult the DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, chapter 44, paragraph 440103A for a complete list of combat zones.  This information can also be accessed here. In conclusion, over $127 million in special pay has already been paid out to 30,000 servicemembers from different branches of the military.  It is estimated that there may be thousands of additional servicemembers who are eligible that have not yet submitted a claim.   These individuals are encouraged to submit an application for benefits before the deadline to ensure approval of this special pay.  Please note that stop-lossed servicemembers who voluntarily extended their service or reenlisted and received a bonus already will not be eligible for RSLSP.

Stop-Loss Pay Deadline Extended to October 21, 2012

The government recently extended the deadline for eligible servicemembers, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP).  The original October 21st 2010 deadline has been extended to October 21, 2011, giving eligible veterans more opportunity to apply for the stop loss benefits they earned. About Stop Loss Pay: Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay was established in 2009 by the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act. RSLSP applies to eligible service members who were involuntarily required to extend their military service between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009.  It pays $500 per month or partial month that has been served in stop loss status. How to apply for  Stop Loss Pay Benefits. Eligible servicemembers, veterans, or beneficiaries must submit a claim through their respective branch of the military in order to receive this benefit (information for each branch is listed below).  Applicants must supply evidence to support their claim, including personnel records, orders establishing a retirement date which was later changed due to stop loss, revocation of separation or retirement orders, and their military service record (DD Form 214) if separated from military service. For more information, please visit https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/retrostoploss/.

Apply Now for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay

The following service-specific sites provide more information and allow you to begin the RSLSP claim process.

Air Force

• Phone: 1-800-525-0102
• Web Site
• E-mail (active) – [email protected]
• E-mail (guard/reserve) – [email protected]

Army

• 1-877-736-5554
• Web Site
• E-mail – [email protected]

Marine Corps

• Phone: 1-877-242-2830
• Web Site
• E-mail – [email protected]

Navy

• Phone: 901-874-4427
• Web Site
• E-mail – [email protected]

Please share this. If someone you know may be eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay, then please encourage them to apply as soon as possible.