Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) joined his House colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Fair Access to Benefits for Student Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation will make it easier for veterans to access the education and training benefits they have earned.
“We owe it to our veterans to help them successfully transition back into civilian life after their service to our nation, said Rep. McNerney. “The Fair Access to Benefits for Student Veterans Act honors that commitment by allowing student veterans to get the benefits they’ve earned right when they are getting started on their education.”
The bill allows veterans to take advantage of their education and training benefits before classes start, to buy school books and other supplies. The change would apply to veterans who are starting in school for the first time or who have been away from classes for more than a semester.
Under current law, these advanced payments come out of their benefit in the following month, which could leave veterans without necessary funds just as their studies begin. The Fair Access to Benefits for Student Veterans Act would specify that the advance payments granted to student veterans will be charged against the final month of education assistance that the veteran is eligible for.
