Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) / Chapter 31

Overview

VR&E is "a VA program that helps Veterans, Servicemembers, and certain eligible dependents attain employment." It's primarily focused on employment outcomes rather than education alone.

Pro Tip: VR&E (Chapter 31) is the GI Bill's cooler older sibling that nobody talks about. If your disabilities make your old career impossible, VR&E will retrain you AND pay you while doing it. Underutilized goldmine.

Eligibility

Three Eligibility Groups

Veterans - Service-connected disability rating of at least 10% (serious employment handicap required), OR - Combined service-connected disabilities totaling 20%+ (employment handicap required) - Dishonorable discharge disqualifies applicants

Important deadline: Those separating before January 1, 2013 must apply within 12 years of separation or first service-connection award. Extensions possible for medical conditions or serious employment handicaps.

Servicemembers - 20%+ pre-discharge disability rating, OR - Participating in Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) process

Children of Vietnam Veterans/Korean Service Veterans - See specific eligibility requirements elsewhere in documentation

Program Duration

• Maximum 48 months of benefits
• Prior GI Bill usage counts toward this limit (though retroactive induction may restore eligibility)
• Certain children of Vietnam/Korea veterans limited to 24 months

Five Rehabilitation Tracks

1. Reemployment Assists returning to former employer positions with workplace accommodations.

2. Rapid Access to Employment For those with existing skills needing job placement support: resume assistance, interview prep, career counseling.

3. Self-Employment Develops viable business plans with training in operations, marketing, finances, and startup funding.

4. Employment Through Long-Term Services Provides vocational training, apprenticeships, education (undergraduate/graduate), and job placement support.

5. Independent Living For those unable to work immediately due to disabilities affecting daily living activities. Requires serious employment handicap documentation.

Application Process

Online: Visit VA.gov vocational rehabilitation application portal

Mail: Complete VA Form 28-1900, send to:

Department of Veterans Affairs VR&E Intake Center P.O. Box 5210 Janesville, WI 53547-5210

Form 28-1902W: Complete after initial approval to establish rehabilitation plan

Key Benefits

Subsistence Allowance - Post-9/11 GI Bill holders receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at E-5 dependent rate - Others receive standard Chapter 31 subsistence rates - Up to 2 additional months available for employment search after completion

Healthcare Coverage - Dental care available when deemed necessary for rehabilitation plan

Supplies & Equipment - Pre-approved computers, books, software, tools, protective clothing - Generally provided once; replacement covered if lost/damaged through no fault of veteran

Adaptive Vehicle Allowance - Available for qualifying modifications

Critical Notes

• "VR&E is primarily an employment program, NOT just a means to get a graduate level degree"
• Applicants must sign and submit approved rehabilitation plans for processing
• Serious employment handicap defined as "significant impairment of a veteran's ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with such veteran's abilities, aptitudes, and interest"