Airmen affected by Stop Loss eligible for compensation

  • Published
  • By by Tech. Sgt. Stacy Simon
  • Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs
DENVER --  Airmen who were involuntarily extended on active duty because of Stop Loss may be eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay compensation.

The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriation Act set aside $534.4 million to compensate people who had to stay beyond an approved separation or retirement date because of the Stop Loss program between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. The Air Force used Stop Loss during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001-2002 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

People who qualify will receive $500 per month for each month or portion of month they were retained past an established separation or retirement date and served on active duty because of Stop Loss. Reservists must have served on active duty during that period.

"Most point- or pay-gaining activities qualify for active-duty time, including annual training and Reserve training tours," said Steve Hannan, director of personnel program management at Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center.

The stop loss affected about 3,400 Airmen in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Some of them are no longer in the military.

"We will do everything we can to ensure every eligible servicemember receives this entitlement," Mr. Hannan said. "That includes spreading the word to veterans groups and the many informal military communities."

Compensation is also payable to legally designated beneficiaries of deceased or incapacitated Airmen.

The deadline to file a claim is Oct. 21, 2010. ARPC officials will evaluate claims based upon historical records as well as any supporting documentation submitted by the applicant.

If ARPC rejects a claim by an Airman or qualifying family member, the center will return the application and write letter giving details on how to appeal the decision.

Reservists who were affected by the stop loss or their legally designated beneficiaries, may download and submit a stop loss claim application from the Air Reserve Personnel Center's virtual Personnel Center - Guard and Reserve Web site at https://arpc.afrc.af.mil/vPC-GR  

Information is also available by calling the Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)