VA Work Study Program
Overview
The VA Work Study Program provides part-time employment opportunities for veterans and dependents using VA education benefits. It allows students to earn extra income while maintaining their studies at an approved institution.
Pro Tip: VA Work-Study pays you to work at VA facilities while you're going to school. Double-dipping on benefits is the most veteran thing you can do. Tax-free income on top of your GI Bill? Yes please.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy ALL of the following criteria:
- Enrollment status of at least 3/4 time in an accredited institution
- Sufficient remaining VA education benefit eligibility to complete the work study contract
- Active use of an approved VA education program
Approved Education Programs
The following VA education benefits qualify for Work Study:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Veterans and Dependents)
- Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Program Details
Compensation
Participants receive minimum wage for their state, unless working for a school that pays higher rates.
Work Hours
Maximum allowable hours = 25 × number of weeks in your semester/program
Example: 10-week program = 250 maximum hours
When You Can Work
- During education enrollment periods
- During semester breaks
- Cannot exceed maximum hours per contract period
Types of Work Available
VA Facilities
- VA medical centers
- Regional offices
- National cemeteries
Educational Institutions
- School certifying official offices
- Veterans resource centers
- Financial aid offices
Other Approved Locations
- State veteran programs
- Veteran service organizations (VSOs)
- Outreach activities
Types of Tasks
Work study positions typically involve:
- Processing VA paperwork
- Preparing/maintaining VA records
- Providing outreach services to veterans
- Hospital/domiciliary care activities
- Cemetery activities
- Other VA-approved work
Application Process
- Complete VA Form 22-8691 (Application for Work-Study Allowance)
- Submit to your Regional Processing Office
- Find your regional office at VA.gov
Tips for Applying
- Apply early - positions are competitive
- Indicate preferred work locations
- Explain relevant experience
- Be flexible with schedule availability
Payment
How You're Paid
- Payments made in advance for hours to be worked
- Usually covers 50 hours at a time
- Additional payments as hours are completed
Tax Implications
VA Work-Study income is TAX-FREE. This is a significant benefit—earnings from the VA Work-Study program are not considered taxable income by the IRS and do not need to be reported on your federal tax return.
This tax-free status applies to all VA Work-Study payments, regardless of which education program you're using (Post-9/11 GI Bill, MGIB, VR&E, etc.).
Benefits of the Program
For Students
- Extra income while in school
- Flexible work hours around class schedule
- Resume-building experience
- Networking opportunities
- Helping fellow veterans
For the VA
- Additional staffing support
- Veteran-to-veteran assistance
- Community building
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can I work per week? There's no weekly limit, but total hours are capped based on your program length.
Can I do Work Study during summer break? Yes, if you have an active contract and remaining hours.
What if I drop below 3/4 time enrollment? You become ineligible and must stop working under the program.
Can I have multiple Work Study contracts? You can have one contract at a time, but can renew for subsequent terms.
Does Work Study affect my GI Bill payments? No, Work Study is separate from your education benefit payments.