Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) applications accepted by the VA starting May 15th 2012
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Retraining Assistance Program
Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). VRAP offers up to 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012.
Eligibility:
To qualify, a Veteran must:
- Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
- Be unemployed
- Have an other than dishonorable discharge
- Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
- Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
- Not be enrolled in a Federal or state job training program
Participants limits and payments:
The program is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). DOL will provide employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of the program. VA will begin accepting applications by May 15, 2012.
Eligible Programs:
Participants must be enrolled in a program of education approved for VA benefits that is offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)
Question: How much does the VRAP pay?
Answer: You may receive up to 12 months of payments at the full-time Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty rate (currently $1,473 per month).
Question: Will the payments under this program be sent directly to the school like payments under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill?
Answer: No. The benefit will be paid directly to you and you are responsible for paying your expenses including tuition, fees, and books.
Question: What will happen when I finish my program?
Answer: The DOL will provide employment assistance to every Veteran who participates, upon completion of their program.
Question: What do I do if I need a job now?
Answer: There are extensive employment resources available for Veterans. Veteran Owned Business has collected many for our members through our Veterans Hire Veterans initiative on our veterans employment links section.
Question: What occupations are considered “high demand”?
Answer: VRAP High Demand PDF
How to obtain more information:
Contact your local veterans service office, Call the VA Benefits line, or Visit your local VA’s website!
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