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How to Apply for Voc Rehab (VR&E) Step by Step Guide

How to Apply for Voc Rehab (VR&E) Step by Step Guide

Applying for the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program—formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment—can be a pivotal step in securing the support and resources you need for a successful post-military career. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to help you navigate the application process effectively.

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Using VR&E Benefits for Trade School Job Training

Introduction to VR&E Benefits

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) – formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment – is a VA program (Chapter 31) that helps eligible veterans prepare for, find, and maintain suitable careers. VR&E can fund education and job training programs, including trade schools or certification courses, as part of an individualized rehabilitation plan. For example, a veteran pursuing a security personnel training program (such as a security guard certification) may use VR&E benefits to cover tuition and related costs if the program is approved as necessary for their employment goal. Below is a breakdown of eligibility, how to apply, how VR&E handles trade school reimbursement, specific considerations for security training, limitations, and additional support services.

Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, it’s essential to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for VR&E services. Generally, you must:

  • Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
  • Be within 12 years from the date of your initial VA disability rating notification.

Eligibility Criteria for VR&E Benefits

To qualify for VR&E (Chapter 31) benefits, a veteran must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Discharge Status: You must have been discharged under honorable or other-than-dishonorable conditions (e.g. honorable discharge). A dishonorable discharge will make you ineligible.
  • Service-Connected Disability: You need a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10% (or a memorandum rating of 20% or more). VR&E is specifically designed to assist veterans with service-related disabilities in overcoming employment barriers.
  • Employment Handicap: A VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) must determine that your service-connected disability causes a significant barrier to employment, known as an employment handicap. Typically, a rating of 20% or higher with an employment handicap qualifies, but even 10% can qualify if you have a serious employment handicap.
  • Time Limit (Basic Period of Eligibility): Generally, you must apply within 12 years from the latter of (a) your date of separation from active service, or (b) the date you were first notified of your VA disability rating. (This 12-year window can sometimes be extended if you have a serious employment handicap that necessitates more rehabilitation support.)

If you meet these criteria, you may be entitled to VR&E services. It’s important to note that VR&E eligibility is separate from the GI Bill – even if you’ve exhausted GI Bill education benefits, you might still qualify for VR&E if you have a qualifying disability and employment handicap.

For comprehensive details on eligibility, visit the VA’s eligibility page.

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Application and Approval Process

Using VR&E benefits involves several steps, from application to developing an approved training plan. Below is an overview of the application and approval process:

  1. Application Submission: Submit an application for VR&E (VA Form 28-1900). You can apply online through the VA’s eBenefits or VA.gov portal, or by mailing the completed form to your regional VA office. An application should be submitted within the 12-year eligibility period (unless an extension applies).
  2. Initial Evaluation: After applying, the VA will schedule you for an orientation or initial appointment with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The VRC will review your service and medical history and explain the program. You may undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which can include an assessment of your interests, aptitudes, and abilities.
  3. Entitlement Determination: The VRC determines if you have an employment handicap caused by your service-connected condition. This involves evaluating how your disabilities affect your ability to prepare for or maintain employment. If it’s found that your disabilities create a substantial barrier to employment, you are entitled to VR&E services. (If you’re found not entitled, the VA will still provide you with career counseling or referrals to other resources, but not the full VR&E program.)
  4. Developing a Rehabilitation Plan: If you are entitled to VR&E, you will work with the counselor to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan. This plan outlines your employment or educational goal (for example, “training and certification as a security guard”) and the services needed to achieve that goal. The plan could involve college courses, a trade school program, on-the-job training, or other training routes. Both you and the VRC must agree to the plan.
  5. Program Approval and Training: Once the plan is in place, VR&E will formally approve the agreed-upon training program or services. You can then enroll in the trade school or training program, and the VA will coordinate payment. Typically, VR&E pays tuition and required fees directly to the school (or reimburses you if you had pre-approved out-of-pocket costs). You will need to maintain satisfactory progress in the program as per the plan.
  6. Ongoing Case Management: Throughout your training, you’ll work with your VRC for case support. They’ll monitor your progress, assist with any issues (academic or personal support), and adjust the plan if necessary. After training, VR&E continues to help with job placement assistance to secure employment in your trained field.

Approval Tip: It’s crucial to get VR&E approval before starting a program if you want it funded. Don’t pay for a trade school out-of-pocket expecting automatic reimbursement – you should first apply and get your training included in your VR&E plan. Communicate with your VRC about any program you’re interested in (such as a security training academy); the VRC can verify that the program meets VR&E’s requirements and will lead to viable employment.

You can apply for VR&E services through one of the following methods:

  • Online: Utilize the VA’s eBenefits portal to submit your application electronically.
  • By Mail: Complete VA Form 28-1900, “Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation,” and mail it to your nearest VA regional office.
  • In Person: Visit a VA regional office to apply in person. Locate your nearest office using the VA facility locator.

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VR&E Coverage for Trade School Programs

One of the key benefits of VR&E is that it can cover the costs of vocational and trade school programs that are part of your rehabilitation plan. Here’s how reimbursement and coverage typically work for trade programs:

  • Tuition and Fees: VR&E will pay for tuition, program fees, and required educational expenses for your approved training program. This includes trade schools, technical institutes, community college certificate programs, apprenticeships, or other non-degree programs that provide the skills you need for your career goal. For example, if your plan is to become a certified security professional, VR&E can pay the tuition for an accredited security guard training course or academy. The VA often pays the school directly each term.
  • Supplies and Equipment: Necessary books, supplies, uniforms, or equipment required for the program can also be covered. If your security training requires textbooks, safety gear, or a certain uniform, these can be provided through VR&E or reimbursed as part of the program.
  • Monthly Subsistence Allowance: While in training, you’ll typically receive a monthly subsistence allowance (a stipend for living expenses). The amount varies based on factors like your attendance (full-time vs. part-time), number of dependents, and whether you opt for the Post-9/11 GI Bill housing stipend rate or the VR&E standard rate. (VR&E allows some veterans to elect the Post-9/11 GI Bill housing allowance instead of the regular VR&E stipend if that’s more favorable.)
  • Transportation or Special Services: In some cases, VR&E can reimburse certain transportation costs (for example, travel expenses if you must commute far for training) or provide adaptive equipment if you have disabilities requiring accommodation. These are handled on a case-by-case basis as part of your plan.
  • Reimbursement Process: Generally, you won’t need to pay upfront for approved training; VR&E coordinates with the school for payments. If you do incur an out-of-pocket cost that was in your plan (say you paid for a required licensing exam or a certification fee for security work), VR&E can reimburse those expenses. You would submit receipts to your counselor for processing. All expenses must be pre-approved in the rehab plan to be eligible for reimbursement.

VR&E essentially functions similarly to an enhanced GI Bill for disabled veterans, with broader coverage of support services. It ensures you don’t have to pay for tuition or required training costs out-of-pocket when you follow the program. Always coordinate with your VRC so that any trade school or training you pursue is authorized – this way, VR&E will fully cover the costs under your benefits.

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Requirements for Security Personnel Training Programs

If your career goal is to become a security guard or work in security services, VR&E can support that path. Security personnel training programs (such as unarmed/armed security guard courses, law enforcement academies for private security, or state security officer licensing programs) can be included in your VR&E plan, but they must meet certain requirements:

  • Accredited or Approved Program: The training should be from a legitimate, accredited institution or certified trainer. The VA will generally require that the trade school or course is state-approved or recognized for the credential you seek. For example, if your state requires completion of a specific 40-hour security officer training to get licensed, VR&E would look to fund an approved provider of that training.
  • Relates to Your Employment Goal: The program content must directly support your employment goal in the security field. Your rehabilitation plan will specify a goal like “Security Specialist” or “Police/Security Officer at XYZ level,” and the chosen course must provide the skills or certification needed for that role. VR&E wouldn’t fund training that isn’t necessary for your goal. In practice, this means you might need to explain how a particular security training or certification (e.g. armed security license, executive protection course, etc.) is required or will significantly improve your job prospects in that field.
  • State Licensing Requirements: Many security jobs require a state-issued guard card or license. VR&E can cover the training and even associated fees to help you obtain these credentials. For instance, if the state requires passing a background check, training course, and application fee for a security guard license, those steps can be part of the plan. However, you must meet any non-training requirements too (e.g. passing background/drug checks is on you, though VR&E might cover fees).
  • Physical Requirements and Feasibility: Security work can be physically demanding. As part of approval, the VRC will consider whether your service-connected disabilities are compatible with security duties. For example, if you have mobility limitations or PTSD triggers, they’ll ensure the goal is realistic and won’t aggravate your condition. They might request a doctor’s input to ensure the training (and eventual job) is within your capabilities. This is to set you up for success in a role you can sustain.
  • Duration and Cost: Security training programs are often short-term (a few weeks or months). These typically fall well within the VR&E entitlement period. Still, the VA will review the cost reasonableness. If two equivalent security courses exist and one is excessively costly, the VA might approve the more cost-effective option. Your counselor might have suggestions of reputable training providers that previous veterans used.

In summary, VR&E will support security personnel training as long as it’s part of your personalized plan and leads to viable employment. Many veterans have used VR&E for careers in law enforcement, corrections, or private security. Just work closely with your counselor to pick the right program. They may even coordinate with the training provider or a potential employer to tailor an on-the-job training if appropriate (for example, some veterans might get hired by a security company that agrees to train them, with VR&E subsidizing the training portion).

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Limitations and Restrictions to Note

While VR&E is a generous program, there are important limitations or restrictions veterans should be aware of:

  • Entitlement Duration: VR&E typically provides up to 48 months of entitlement (similar to 48 months of schooling) which can be used for training and education. This doesn’t necessarily need to be continuous, and in some cases (like serious employment handicaps) the VA can extend the entitlement beyond 48 months. But veterans should plan their training within this general timeframe. For a short trade program like security training, 48 months is more than enough, but if you were combining multiple trainings or a degree, you’d track the usage.
  • 12-Year Eligibility Window: As noted, the standard rule is that you have a 12-year window after separation/disability rating to use VR&E. If you’re beyond that, you might need to demonstrate a serious employment handicap to get an extension. It’s not an automatic disqualification, but approvals after 12 years are case-by-case and typically for more severe situations.
  • Service Connection Requirement: VR&E is only for those with service-connected disabilities. If you’re an honorably discharged veteran without a service-connected disability, VR&E is not available. (In that case, other programs like the GI Bill or state workforce agencies’ veteran programs would be the route for job training.)
  • Suitable Employment Goal: The program must lead to “suitable employment,” meaning a career that is consistent with your disabilities, interests, and aptitudes. VR&E won’t support training for a job that is considered beyond your ability to perform due to your disability, or for an impractical career goal. The counselor and veteran agree on what is suitable during planning.
  • No Duplication of Benefits: While you can be eligible for multiple VA education benefits, you generally can’t use VR&E and another education benefit for the same training period. For example, you wouldn’t receive both VR&E subsistence and a Post-9/11 GI Bill housing stipend simultaneously – you’d choose one or the other for that enrollment period. Additionally, the combined use of VR&E and GI Bill benefits is capped (often, a max of 48 months of combined usage, although VR&E can be extended separately if needed).
  • Program Restrictions: VR&E will not pay for courses unrelated to your employment goal. You must adhere to the approved curriculum – if you decide to take extra classes outside your plan, those won’t be covered. Also, if you fail or drop courses, it could impact your status; you need to maintain satisfactory progress and communicate any issues to your counselor to adjust the plan as needed.
  • Financial Aid Considerations: If you receive other financial aid (like Pell grants or scholarships), typically those are applied first to reduce tuition cost, and VR&E covers the remainder. VR&E benefits are not counted as income for federal financial aid purposes, but any overlap will be coordinated by the school’s certifying official.

By understanding these limitations, veterans can make the most of VR&E without unexpected surprises. Your VRC will explain all relevant rules before you start, so pay attention during orientation and ask questions if anything is unclear.

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Additional Support Services through VR&E

Beyond paying for education and training, VR&E offers a range of support services to help veterans successfully land a job in their chosen field:

  • Career Counseling and Guidance: VR&E counselors help you identify your strengths, interests, and job goals. They provide career counseling to refine your employment objective and can guide you on the necessary steps (education path, job search strategies, etc.). This counseling is continuous – you’re not left on your own after tuition is paid.
  • Employment Services and Job Placement: VR&E provides job search assistance, including resume development, interview coaching, and referrals to job opportunities. The program maintains partnerships with many employers (including through the VA’s Veteran Employment Services Office and programs like VA’s Non-Paid Work Experience or the Veterans Recruitment Appointment in federal jobs). Near the end of your training, your counselor can help connect you with employers in the security field or whichever field you trained for.
  • Apprenticeships and OJT: In addition to formal schooling, VR&E can arrange On-the-Job Training (OJT) or apprenticeships with employers. In such cases, an employer agrees to hire and train you, and VR&E may subsidize a portion of your wage during the training period. This could be relevant for security work – for example, a security company might hire you as a trainee and VR&E pays part of your salary while you learn the ropes. This gives you real-world experience and often leads to a permanent job.
  • Support for Self-Employment: If your goal is to start a small business (say, your own security firm), VR&E has a self-employment track. They offer guidance on business plans and can provide some funding for required equipment or initial inventory for those with serious employment handicaps pursuing self-employment. This is more involved – you’d need to show that self-employment is the best option for you – but it’s a possible avenue (the homepage of VA’s VR&E even notes support for Veteran-owned small business goals​
    va.gov
  • Independent Living Services: For veterans whose disabilities are so severe that they cannot immediately pursue employment, VR&E has an Independent Living program. This can include services like assistive technology, at-home care training, or other help to improve quality of life with the aim of possibly working in the future. While this may not apply to someone pursuing a security job right now, it’s part of VR&E’s offerings for those who need it.
  • Adaptive Equipment and Accommodations: VR&E can fund specialized equipment or workplace accommodations needed due to your disability. If, for instance, you needed hearing assistive devices during training or a modified computer for coursework, VR&E would handle that. They can also work with your eventual employer to facilitate any needed job accommodations.
  • Follow-Up Support: After you become employed, VR&E may provide post-employment follow-up for a period to ensure you’re adjusting well. If you encounter issues on the job related to your disability, VR&E can intervene with additional counseling or services to help you retain the job.

In short, VR&E is a comprehensive program – not just a tuition payment. From the moment you apply until after you start working, the VA’s goal is to support your career success. Veterans utilizing VR&E for trade school (like security training) will benefit from both the financial coverage and the extensive guidance and resources that come with the program.

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How to Apply for Voc Rehab (VR&E) Step by Step GuideClick Here to Watch

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Conclusion

For an honorably discharged veteran aiming to attend a trade school (such as a security personnel training program), the VR&E program can be an invaluable resource. Eligibility hinges on having a service-connected disability and an employment handicap, but once in the program, veterans receive robust support: tuition coverage, monthly stipends, counseling, and job placement assistance. The key steps are to apply through the VA, work with a counselor to get your training approved in a rehabilitation plan, and then take full advantage of the services offered. Always refer to official VA guidance and work closely with your VR&E counselor – they will ensure you meet any specific requirements (like those for security training) and help navigate any restrictions. With VR&E, eligible veterans can effectively get reimbursed (funded) for trade school programs and move toward a stable, rewarding civilian career.

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Sources:

Additional Resources

For more information on the VR&E program, explore the following resources:

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