Veteran Readiness and Employment

The program offers the services and assistance necessary for an individual to increase their level of independence in daily living, or obtain and retain suitable employment. This is employment that matches the individual's aptitudes, interests, and abilities and does not worsen the individual's disabilities. An individual may reach an employment goal directly by receiving job seeking and job placement services. If direct placement is not possible, the program provides education or training to qualify the individual for employment. If the individual requires education or training, the program provides for direct payment to service providers for the entire cost of tuition, books, fees, supplies, and other services. As part or all of a rehabilitation program, individuals may receive services and training designed to help them increase their level of independence in their homes and communities. Counseling services are provided to the individual throughout his or her participation in the program. In addition to disability compensation, the veteran receives a monthly subsistence allowance when participating in training at least half-time. Advances of up to $1,580 may be made to veterans to meet unexpected financial difficulties. These advances do not bear interest and are repaid out of future VA benefit payments. Although no set repayment period is established, the monthly rate of repayment may not generally be less than 10 percent. In general, a new advance may not be made until a previous advance has been fully repaid. Usually, the training phase of the rehabilitation program may not exceed the equivalent of 48 months of full-time benefits nor may training be provided more than 12 years after the individual becomes eligible to apply for the program. Following training, or sometimes as the whole of a rehabilitation program, the veteran may also receive up to 18 months of counseling, job placement and post-placement services. The veteran may receive an employment adjustment allowance equal to 2 months of subsistence during this period of services, but only if employability was achieved as a result of services received in a program which included training. Veterans who meet certain requirements may receive assistance to become self-employed.