Veterans with a service connected rating usually reach for the GI Bill by reflex and never look at Chapter 31. For many, VR&E is the stronger benefit: it can pay tuition, fees, books, tools, and a monthly subsistence allowance while pairing the veteran with a vocational counselor, and a rating as low as 10 percent can open the door.
What VR&E is
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), also called Chapter 31, helps veterans with a service connected disability prepare for, find, and keep suitable work, or achieve greater independence at home. For many veterans it is more generous than the GI Bill because it can pay tuition, required fees, books, supplies, tools, and a monthly subsistence allowance while you train.
The five tracks
VR&E is organized into five tracks, and a counselor helps you pick one:
- Reemployment with your prior employer.
- Rapid Access to Employment if you are largely job-ready.
- Self-Employment for veterans pursuing a small business.
- Employment Through Long-Term Services, including school or vocational training.
- Independent Living for veterans whose disabilities make employment not currently feasible, focused on living more independently.
Who is eligible
In general, you are eligible if you have a VA service connected disability rating and VA finds you have an employment handicap. Veterans with a rating of at least 10 percent may qualify, and the basic period of eligibility commonly runs 12 years from the later of your date of separation or the date VA first notified you of a service connected rating, though that period can be extended in some cases (for example, a serious employment handicap or the Independent Living track).
Why many veterans miss VR&E
Many veterans default to the GI Bill and never apply to VR&E, even though VR&E can cover costs the GI Bill does not (tools, certain supplies, longer support) and pairs you with a vocational counselor. You may be able to coordinate VR&E and education benefits depending on your situation.
How to apply
- Apply online through VA.gov (the careers and employment section) or with help from a VA accredited representative.
- You will meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who evaluates your goals and assigns a track.
Sources
- VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) program page
Related articles
- Permanent and Total status: the rating designations that affect VR&E timelines.
- Combined rating calculator: the rating that drives VR&E eligibility.
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Common questions
What is VR&E (Chapter 31)?
Veteran Readiness and Employment helps veterans with a service connected disability prepare for, find, and keep suitable work, or live more independently. It can pay tuition, required fees, books, supplies, tools, and a monthly subsistence allowance while you train, which for many veterans makes it more generous than the GI Bill.
Who is eligible for VR&E?
In general, a veteran with a service connected rating of at least 10 percent whom VA finds to have an employment handicap. The basic eligibility period commonly runs 12 years from separation or from the date VA first notified you of a rating, whichever is later, and it can be extended for a serious employment handicap or the Independent Living track.
What are the five VR&E tracks?
Reemployment with your prior employer; Rapid Access to Employment for veterans who are largely job ready; Self-Employment for veterans starting a small business; Employment Through Long-Term Services, which includes school and vocational training; and Independent Living for veterans whose disabilities make employment not currently feasible.
Why do veterans choose VR&E over the GI Bill?
VR&E can cover costs the GI Bill does not, including tools, certain supplies, and longer support, and it pairs you with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who helps pick a track and a goal. Depending on your situation you may also be able to coordinate VR&E with your education benefits. Apply through the careers and employment section of VA.gov.