Vamc Travel Pay Is Going Direct Deposit

[pacmanx1]

I go to the VAMC a lot but today was the first day I was told that travel pay will have to be direct deposited. They already charge veterans a service charge so I bet the service charge will increase once the travel pay has to be sent direct deposited. I was told that travel pay will be deposited within 48 hours of a veterans’ scheduled appointment. This will be another mess.

[Vync]

Hey Pete,

I'm glad to see them taking this step, but still frustrated about the changes they made to the system.

Did they do everything automatically or require you to take a signed copy of the travel voucher from your clinic and put it in a box at the cashier's office (most likely at the other side of the building)?

[MRRRR5]

i was seen on 8 Aug 2012 and still nothing yet...

[deanbrt]

No fair. I hid that money from my wife.

[Computer Tech]

I was seen the middle of August and when I stopped by travel to file out the form I saw a sign that said that it was taking 8 weeks for deposits. In Feburary it took me ten weeks to get my travel deposit.

Rick

[71M10]

OK riddle me this Batman?

Why direct deposit, why not an ATM style machine that we swipe our card at, and it checks that the clinic confirmed you attended your appointment, and it spits out nice crisp American dollars??

I look deeply into my crystal ball and see the future, when they screw up your travel pay, your inquiry into why it wasn't paid or why it was wrong, will show up in eBenefits as a claim and they will then tell you they expect to have your "claim" resolved in the next 12-18 months. This influx of new claims will be used as the excuse that they can't meet the 159 day processing time they promised for the future.

Am I right or wrong????

Edited August 28, 2012 by 71M10

[JR Reihs]

OK riddle me this Batman?

Why direct deposit, why not an ATM style machine that we swipe are card at, and it checks that the clinic confirmed you attened your appointment, and it spits out nice crisp American dollars??

I look deeply into my crystal ball and see the future, when they screw up your travel pay, your inquiry into why it wasn't paid or why it was wrong, will show up in eBenefits as a claim and they will then tell you they expect to have your "claim" resolved in the next 12-18 months. This influx of new claims will be used as the excuse that they can't meet the 159 day processing time they promised for the future.

Am I right or wrong????

Personally I think you are right..............I also think that this is a stupid move on the VA.

How many Vets need that travel money on that very day.......I would think many, with all things being as they are, money is already tight for most, and for the VA to now make it DD is BS, it will only serve to hurt those that need it the most.