Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal program that provides assistance services to people with disabilities to help them find and secure a job. Under the VR program, beneficiaries are entitled to financial support and educational assistance that make it easier for them to find long-term employment opportunities.
The average cost of Vocational Rehabilitation services in the United States is $2,500 per person. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of a vocational rehab pay chart to help you determine how much you may qualify for. Read the article below to learn more.
Overview Of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation program, also known as Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) or Chapter 31, is established to help veterans with service-connected disabilities obtain employment. The primary mission of the program is to ensure that veterans can transition seamlessly to civilian life and make a living for themselves after their military service.
This is done by providing several avenues for assistance, including free education and job training, monthly rent allowance, financial aid, and vocational counseling.
Pay Chart For Vocational Rehabilitation
Generally, a pay chart for vocational rehabilitation is provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to help veterans determine the amount of sustenance allowance they may receive. Additionally, the vocational rehab pay chart also indicates the various types of training available to VR&E beneficiaries.
Monthly Rates
Veterans and Service members who are eligible for the vocational rehabilitation program currently have the option of receiving a monthly allowance either from the Vocational Rehab Subsistence or the Post 9/11 Bill.
It is crucial to remember that the monthly rates for any type of payment may differ depending on a variety of factors. Below is a 2022 Vocational Rehab pay chart adjusted using a 7.87% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI):
| Training Type | Attendance Type | With No dependents | With One dependent | With Two dependents | For Each Additional Dependent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional; Nonpay or nominal pay work experience in a facility of a Federal, State, local, or federally recognized Indian tribe agency; Improvement of Rehabilitation Potential: | Full-Time ¾ Time ½ Time ¼ Time | $723.56 $543.68 $363.77 $181.86 | $897.51 $674.11 $450.71 $225.39 | $1,057.65 $790.75 $529.79 $264.90 | $77.07 $59.30 $39.55 $19.73 |
| Nonpay or nominal pay on-job training in a facility of a Federal, State, local, or federally recognized Indian tribe agency; Training in the home; Vocational course in a rehabilitation facility or sheltered workshop; Independent instructor: | Full-Time Only | $723.56 | $897.51 | $1,057.65 | $77.07 |
| Farm Cooperative, Apprenticeship or other On-Job Training 2: | Full-Time Only | $632.61 | $765.04 | $881.69 | $57.33 |
| Combination of Institutional and On-Job Training (Institutional Greater than ½);Non-farm Cooperative Institutional Training and Non-farm Cooperative On-Job Training (FT Non-Farm Coop/Institutional): | Full-Time Only | $723.56 | $897.51 | $1,057.65 | $77.07 |
| Combination of Institutional and On-Job Training (On-the-Job Greater than ½); Non-farm Cooperative Institutional Training and Non-farm Cooperative On-Job Training (FT Non-Farm Coop/On-the-Job): | Full-Time Only | $632.61 | $765.04 | $881.69 | $57.33 |
Training Program Types And Maximum Rates
The VA offers five (5) different program types for veterans who wish to undergo job training. A variety of industries and career paths are covered by these types of programs. Moreover, the maximum rate also varies depending on your chosen type of training program.
Rate Of Attendance And Payment Amounts
The rate of attendance is classified into four categories: full-time, half-time, ¾ time, and quarter-time. Payments are generally higher for full-time programs, while payments are reduced for lower attendance rates.
Subsistence Allowance Rates
The maximum monthly amount for subsistence allowance under the Chapter 31 program is $3,061.47 as of October 1, 2022. The amount of subsistence allowance provided to eligible veterans may vary depending on the type of attendance and the number of their dependents.
Eligibility Requirements For Veterans
There are several different assistance programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities, each with its own eligibility requirements.
Disabled Veteran Requirements For Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
To qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits, you must meet at least one of these requirements:
- Served a minimum of 90 days on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 (all at once or intermittently); or
- Awarded with the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged after September 11, 2001; or
- Continuously served for 30 days following September 11, 2001, and was honorably discharged due to a service-related disability; or
- An eligible dependent child of qualified Veteran or Service Member.
Eligible Veterans For Program In Preparation For Employment Services
To be eligible for the VR&E (Chapter 33) services and benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
- You were honorably discharged after your military service
- You sustained a service-related disability during your active duty
- You received a minimum of 10% VA disability rating
- The date of your discharge is still within the 12-year basic period of eligibility.
Indian Tribe Agency Eligibility Requirements
To receive benefits from the Office of Tribal Government Relations under the Indian Tribe Agency program, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Was honorably discharged
- Served across Indian Country
- A military veteran who is a member of any state-recognized tribes in the U.S.
Conclusion
Veterans in need of vocational rehabilitation can take advantage of the VR&E (Chapter 31) program as it offers free training and educational assistance that can help veterans find better employment opportunities. Determine the monthly payment amount you are qualified for with a vocational rehab pay chart.
If you are a current recipient of VA disability benefits, visit this article from Disability Help on 2023 VA Disability Increase to learn about the current compensation rates.
