JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – East Tennessee State University’s Military and Veterans Services has confronted delays in G.I. Bill funding due to the government shutdown. This has impacted veteran recipients on the campus.

Over 600 students utilize G.I. benefits at the university, and many have faced hurdles since the shutdown began on Oct. 1st, stated Dan Bishop, the Director of Military and Veteran Services.

“We’ve encountered some delays recently with distributing various chapters of G.I. benefits to students, causing a slight delay beyond the usual timeframe,” Bishop informed News Channel 11.

John Adcox, the Coordinator for Military and Veteran Services, highlighted that at least 300 students, particularly those under Chapter 35 benefits, have faced the most significant delays.

“The hardest hit seem to be dependents using Chapter 35 benefits,” Adcox mentioned to News Channel 11. “With the VA education hotline down, officials can’t call to obtain information.”

Officials say this has caused a setback in communication, hindering efforts to resolve these delays.

“When you try to speak to someone directly at the VA via the G.I. bill helpline, which we often do for student issues, you’ll find that this helpline is currently unavailable,” stated Bishop.

Although student recipients have experienced delays over the past week, Bishop assures that they will still receive benefits, as they are protected under a deferment that extends their benefits until the end of the semester.

“The good news is that their G.I. Bill benefits will continue to be paid over the course of the government shutdown,” Bishop said. “You never wish for a government shutdown, but that deferment protects those students until the last day of the semester so that ideally this government will be cleared—so if there are any delays that deferment protects them here at the university.”

Student recipients can reach out to Dan Bishop with the Department of Military and Veteran Services if they encounter any problems or have questions.

Dan Bishop: P: (423) 439-7161 E: bishopds@etsu.edu