Vocational Benefits

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship / on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Veterans with Individual Unemployable Ratings

Even though Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded you total disability compensation for your service-connected condition because you are currently unemployable, you may still qualify for the training and services in the vocational rehabilitation program. From February 1, 1985, through January 31, 1992, moreover, you may receive two special considerations: You may receive employment services even if you are not eligible for any other assistance under the VA vocational rehabilitation program. In addition, if you obtain a job during the 7-year period, your total disability rating due to individual unemployable will be protected for 12 consecutive months of employment.

This program, originally a 4 year pilot program, was extended for 3 years to January 31, 1992, and is now entirely voluntary. If you are granted a total service-connected disability rating any time prior to February 1, 1992, you may request an evaluation from VA to determine if your ability to work can be restored. If VA determines that vocational rehabilitation services could restore your capability to work, you may take part in a rehabilitation program, but you are not required to do so.

Vocational Training for Pension Recipients

If you have been awarded pension during the period from February 1, 1985, through January 31, 1992, you may be eligible for up to 24 months or more of vocational training to prepare for employment. You may also receive up to 18 months of employment services to help you search for, secure and maintain suitable employment. These employment services may be provided as a total program or in addition to job training. Unlike the vocational rehabilitation program for service-disabled veterans, subsistence allowance and no-interest loans are not available. If your pension award is authorized during this 7 year period and you are under age 45, you are required to participate in an evaluation to determine if employment is a realistic objective for you. You are not, however, required to participate in a program of training or employment assistance.

If your pension was awarded prior to February 1, 1985, you may now participate in the program on a voluntary basis if VA finds that a program of vocational training or employment service will enable you to become employed.

Work Study Program

This program is available to any student receiving VA education benefits who is attending school three-quarter time or more. An individual working under this program may work at the school veterans' office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices. Work study students are paid at either the state or Federal minimum wage, which ever is greater. If you have questions on this program contact our toll-free number 888-442-4551.