DoD announced this week that it is again extending the deadline for submitting claims for retroactive stop loss pay (RSLSP) to December 18, 2010.  The original deadline was October 21, but that had been extended to Dec. 3 in October.  The second extension was necessary because a large number of eligible recipients have not yet submitted claims.  DoD has engaged in a vigorous effort to contact eligible personnel through direct mail, veteran’s organizations, social networks, and the media.  Eligible recipients are servicemembers (including those who have separated from the military) whose length of service was involuntarily extended between 2001 and 2009 under the “Stop Loss” program.  To receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month that was served while in Stop Loss status, members or their beneficiaries must submit a claim to the appropriate military service.