New GI Bill helpline to be fully staffed

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with questions about the new Post-9/11 GI Bill will again be able to get help by phone five days a week starting today.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki says that GI Bill helpline employees have been tapped since December to help process a backlog in education claims. With claims being processed more efficiently now, Shinseki says those workers are being moved back to the helpline.

The toll-free helpline at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 or 1-888-442-4551 will be staffed Monday through Friday.

The new GI Bill was designed to be the most comprehensive benefit for veterans since World War II.

Shinseki made the announcement in an interview while traveling to a meeting with veterans in Charleston, W.Va.