WASHINGTON -- The government says it has approved $500 million in reimbursements to auto dealers for car sales under the Cash for Clunkers program, according to The Associated Press.

A Transportation official says more than 15 percent of the submissions from dealers have been approved. The car rebate program ended on Aug. 24 and dealers have complained that the government has been slow to reimburse them for the incentives of up to $4,500 per vehicle. The official said that all eligible and completed dealer submissions should be fully paid by Sept. 30.

The car rebates led to 690,114 new sales at a taxpayer cost of $2.88 billion. The government is ramping up staff and 5,000 workers will be reviewing paperwork by the end of next week.