Ch. 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Vet Success Program.
Any Veteran can tell you what the GI Bill is, but what about VocRehab? If you thought it was just another way to go to school, you’re only partially right. The purpose of VocRehab is simple: Assist service-disabled Veterans to train for, find, and hold down a suitable job, or achieve independence in daily living. VocRehab is for service-connected Veterans who want to take their careers in a direction that previous training and current disabilities make difficult.
Who qualifies?
To apply, you must be at least 10 percent service-connected disabled, hold an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge and apply for the program. You can receive up to 48 months of entitlement and the period of eligibility is 12 years after separation or the notification of a disability rating, whichever came last. But, if you have a serious disability, you can use Voc Rehab services after the 12 years have expired and your entitlement can be extended past 48 months.
When should I sign up?
It takes about 45 days from submitting an application to being approved for benefits, so get started well before you want to take advantage of the program.
What Happens after Eligibility is Established?
The Veteran is scheduled to meet with a VRC for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if he/she is entitled for services. A comprehensive evaluation includes:
- An assessment of the Veteran’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities
- An assessment of whether service connected disabilities impair the Veteran’s ability to find and/or hold a job using the occupational skills he or she has already developed
- Vocational exploration and goal development leading to employment and/or maximum independence in the Veteran’s daily living at home and in the community
How can I get paid the Post-9/11 GI Bill rate for my Vocational Rehabilitation program?
A Veteran participating in the VR&E Program who qualifies for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits can elect to receive the GI Bill rate of pay instead of the regular Chapter 31 subsistence allowance. In most cases, the GI Bill rate is higher than the regular Chapter 31 rate of pay. To elect the GI Bill rate, the Veteran must have remaining eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and must formally choose the GI Bill rate. Your VRC can help you with election. Veterans participating in the VR&E Program who elect the Post-9/11 rate are paid at the 100% rate level for their school and training time, even if their Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility is less than 100%. Additional benefits are also available through the VR&E Program, such as payment of all required books, fees and supplies as well as other supportive services.
How Can I Apply?
- Log in to your eBenefits account
- Select “Additional Benefits” from your Dashboard
- Select “Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program” – be sure to read the program information and to update your contact information – and apply for either the “Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program” or “Education/Career Counseling”
- If it is determined that you are eligible, you will be invited to attend an orientation session, in-person, at the nearest VA Regional Office