Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)

Introduction

The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 has been passed by Congress and signed by the President. Within the new law is the, 'Veterans Retraining Assistance Program,' or, 'VRAP,' which offers up to a year of training assistance to veterans who are unemployed.

Main Digest

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in conjunction with the Department of Labor (DOL), are working to begin the VRAP program. Veterans who are unemployed, as well as meeting the age requirement, might be eligible for VRAP. The program is one meant to assist veterans who are unemployed to obtain the skills they need in order to obtain a job that is in high demand. The DOL defines, 'unemployed,' as, 'People who are jobless, looking for jobs, and available for work.' After completing the VRAP program, the DOL will also offer veterans assistance with employment. The VRAP program offers up to a year's worth of training assistance to veterans who are:

• Between the ages of 35 and 60
• Not enrolled in a federal or state job training program
• Not receiving VA compensation due to unemployability
• Unemployed on the date they apply for the VRAP program

Veterans must have received an other than dishonorable discharge. They must also not be eligible for other VA educational benefit programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Employment Assistance, or Vocational Rehabilitation.

The VRAP program has a limited number of places available during certain months of the year. Those who participate might receive up to a year's worth of assistance equivalent to the monthly full-time pay rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program currently at $1,473 a month.

The Department of Labor (DOL) will offer employment assistance to each participating veteran after they complete the VRAP program. Veterans who do participate have to be enrolled in a VA approved program of education, one that is offered by a technical school or a community college. The program has to result in a Certificate, Non-College, or Associate Degree as well as training the veteran for a high-demand occupation as determined by the Department of Labor.

Veterans who are Unemployed and Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

Not eligible for the VRAP program? Veterans with a service-connected disability who have already completed a VA vocational rehabilitation program, having exhausted their initial claim for unemployment benefits, might qualify for an additional year of VA vocational benefits! To be considered, a veteran must have previously completed a VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program and be considered, 'rehabilitated,' by the VA. A veteran has to apply within 6 months of using their initial claim for unemployment benefits, although they can still collect extended or emergency unemployment if they qualify for the benefits.

A number of ways exist for veterans to apply or find out more information concerning whether they qualify or not. The first and perhaps easiest way is to simply call the VA at: 1-800-827-1000 and ask to talk with Vocational Rehabilitation. You can also go to: www.va.gov and fill out the VA's online application for Vocational Rehabilitation, or apply by filling out VA Form 28-1900 the, 'Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation,' and then submit it to your closest VA Regional Office.

The VA's, 'Special Employer Incentive,' Program for Veterans

The, 'Special Employer Incentives (SEI),' program is one for veterans who are eligible and face obstacles related to obtaining a job. Through the SEI program, participating employers hire veterans who are expected to follow through and successfully complete the SEI program. Due to this approach, the SEI program benefits not only the veterans, but the employers.

Veterans gain immediate income and benefits from their status as an employee, while overcoming their barrier to employment. They learn valuable skills in a practical setting while meeting the employer's specifications. Permanent employment follows the successful completion of the SEI program, and the veteran's Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Employment Coordinator is there along the way to help with work-related needs and training.

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

Related Publications▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Weiss, T. C. (2012, June 19 - Last revised: 2021, September 2). Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). Disabled World. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/news/veterans/vrap-vr.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/news/veterans/vrap-vr.php">Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)</a>: Veterans Retraining Assistance Program or VRAP offers up to a year of training assistance to veterans who are unemployed.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.