"Acknowledging that an administrative snafu has caused financial distress for thousands of veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced over the weekend that this Friday it will begin providing up to $3,000 in immediate educational assistance to those waiting to receive G.I. Bill benefits for the fall semester," Forbes reports. "Under the new program, veterans who bring a printed copy of their course schedule and photo identification to one of the V.A.'s 57 regional offices can request what amounts to an advance payment of their educational benefits. 'This is an extraordinary action we're taking,' Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said in a statement. 'But it's necessary because we recognize the hardships some of our veterans face.' The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that at least 25,000 students are still waiting to receive G.I. Bill benefits. Veterans rely on the payments to cover tuition, rent and school supplies such as computers and textbooks."