The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Offices in Waco and Houston will distribute emergency checks for up to $3,000 to veterans who have applied for educational benefits, and who have not yet received their GI Bill payment from VA. Students can submit an online request for their emergency checks by applying online at www.va.gov, beginning Fri., Oct. 2, 2009. By applying online, students can avoid a trip to Waco or Houston and waiting in line to submit their request at the VA Regional Office. The VA’s intent is to help allow students to focus on their studies. In response to the online application, the emergency GI Bill checks will be mailed from Austin to students by Oct. 9, 2009. The checks should be received by Oct. 15. After this special payment, students can expect to receive education payments on a normal schedule.