Trust (the VA? the State?)

The VA is adapting. When the Post-9/11 GI Bill got fucked, the VA cared enough to improvise and implement a new plan; an inefficient and inaccessible emergency cash advance via check.

FRAGO! (3?)

Just this afternoon, the VA released another new statement. It seems my companions in the milblogosphere had some complaints. That some veterans would be required to travel upwards of 400 miles to receive their emergency fund checks seemed a bit defeating in nature. Today’s statement is to announce that veterans can submit for the emergency checks via the VA’s website, starting Friday.

Of course, normal delays are to be expected: a few days to process, and a few days for standard USPS delivery.

Naturally, I’m wondering why this method wasn’t introduced in the first place*. IF it works as it should, I’ll get paid. But that was the point of the original Bill, as well. I’m not claiming to know what goes on at the VA, or how the internal application and payout process works. In fact, I shouldn’t be questioning any of this, but studying Wordsworth’s Preface to Lyrical Ballads. However, I am worrying because my shit became fucked, like most of the others who had come to rely, too much I might add, on a handout that was promised to us months ago. And, now, with some issues arrising with Mrs. 13’s unemployment insurance, we too are left in the hole, after budgeting for and even expecting to be left in the hole. That reserve is gone, and bills are due tomorrow.

So, in whom do I place my trust? Will the State of California mail us our check before I am able to receive my VA emergency advance? Also, what happens after I receive my advance? That would seemingly entail more paperwork, and more notes, for corrections, and deductions of the BAH when it does commence. Will that continue to burden a system, which is already overburdened? Do I trust the VA enough to have my regular payments corrected (as a result of the $3000 advance, if I qualify for that much), and started for 1 November?

As always, I don’t have an answer. I have many questions, and I hope my observation about the VA’s adapting is accurate. Let’s hope the hiccups are sputtering to an end.

* Edit: when I ask why this wasn't introduced in the first place, I didn't mean the emergency check. I meant, that if as Joe Blow veteran, I can go online, fill out a form, and be assured of receiving a check in 6 working days, then why doesn't the post-9/11 GI Bill work as simple as this? I know there are certifications and procedures and school officials getting involved, but that runs on the tuition side of things. It's the BAH and living money I am concerned about. And, since WAVE and monthly certs are no longer necessary... shouldn't BAH side of things happen this easily, online?