Congressman Andrews announces DoD’s plan to provide retroactive special pay to Stop Loss soldiers

Earlier this week, the Department of Defense announced its plans to provide Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay to service members who had their enlistment involuntarily extended beyond their initial end of service date. In a process known as Stop Loss, the military may extend a service member's enlistment period in order to quickly retain and generate forces when deployment is critical.  While the Department of Defense aims to cut the number of Stop Loss soldiers in half by next summer and eliminate the regular use Stop Loss by early 2011, Congressman Andrews has recognized the need to extend increased benefits to those who have served beyond their initial call of duty.  As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Andrews has demonstrated his strong support for those affected by Stop Loss, voting to increase the Department of Defense’s payroll by $734 million to fund this special retroactive pay increase for affected soldiers.

As a result, eligible personnel will now receive a payment of $500 per month for each month (or any portion of a month) that the member was retained on active duty due to Stop Loss. Service members, including members of the Reserve components, former and retired members, are eligible if they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009, while their enlistment was extended, or whose retirement was suspended due to Stop Loss. Service members who were discharged or released from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions are not permitted to receive Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay.  

Service members may begin submitting their claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay on Oct. 21, 2009.  In accordance with the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act, all applications must be submitted to the respective services no later than Oct. 21, 2010.  Applicants must provide documented proof they were Stop Lossed with their claim.  Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.

Congressman Andrews continues to work with the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that our men and women in uniform receive the support they have earned through their courageous service to our country.

For more information, feel free to contact Congressman Andrews’ District Office or visit the below sources:

Army:    https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil
Navy:  send email to – NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
Marine Corps:  https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss
Air Force:  http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss

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