Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) was enacted on March 11, 2021, and reached its statutory end date for enrolling new students on December 10, 2022. VRRAP provides an eligible Veteran with up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates, to be used towards training in a covered program of education (high demand occupation, as determined by the Commission of Labor Statistics). VRRAP ends 21 months after the date of enactment and is limited to a maximum of 17,250 participants and up to $386 million. In order to be eligible for VRRAP, a Veteran must meet the following criteria:
• At least 22 years of age and less than 67 years of age
• Unemployed due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Not eligible for GI Bill or Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits
• Not enrolled in a Federal or State jobs program
• Not rated as totally disabled because you cannot work
• Not receiving unemployment compensation including enhanced benefits under the CARES Act, P.L. 116-136
Under VRRAP, schools are paid as follows:
• 50-percent of the total amount payable is paid to the school when the eligible Veteran begins the program of education
• 25-percent of the total amount payable is paid to the school when the eligible Veteran completes the program of education
• 25-percent of the total amount payable is paid to the school when the eligible Veteran finds employment to a field related to the program of education within 180 days after program completion / withdrawal
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Veteran (including dependents)
- Active-Duty Service Person (including dependents)
- Reservist (including dependents)
- Other
All Veterans who served in the active military, naval or air service, and who were discharged or released there from under conditions other than dishonorable, or a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who performs active service for a period of 30 days or longer by reason of a covered public health emergency.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Awards are authorized by the designated VA Regional Processing Office.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 15 to 30 days
- Appeal: > 180 Days
Program details & compliance
Description
The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) was enacted on March 11, 2021, and reached its statutory end date for enrolling new students on December 10, 2022. VRRAP provides an eligible Veteran with up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates, to be used towards training in a covered program of education (high demand occupation, as determined by the Commission of Labor Statistics). VRRAP ends 21 months after the date of enactment and is limited to a maximum of 17,250 participants and up to $386 million. In order to be eligible for VRRAP, a Veteran must meet the following criteria:
• At least 22 years of age and less than 67 years of age
• Unemployed due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Not eligible for GI Bill or Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits
• Not enrolled in a Federal or State jobs program
• Not rated as totally disabled because you cannot work
• Not receiving unemployment compensation including enhanced benefits under the CARES Act, P.L. 116-136
Under VRRAP, schools are paid as follows:
• 50-percent of the total amount payable is paid to the school when the eligible Veteran begins the program of education
• 25-percent of the total amount payable is paid to the school when the eligible Veteran completes the program of education
• 25-percent of the total amount payable is paid to the school when the eligible Veteran finds employment to a field related to the program of education within 180 days after program completion / withdrawal
Mission Categories
Primary: Higher Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Eligible Veterans participating in VRRAP will receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill® rates. Covered education programs must provide training for a high-demand occupation, which is determined by the Commissioner of Labor Statistics. GI Bill® approved programs of education, excluding bachelor’s and graduate degrees, and VET TEC approved training are eligible.
Restrictions
If a Veteran fails to complete his/her program of education, the school will not be paid the full cost of tuition and fees. The school does not have to return the 50% paid at the beginning of the program and will also receive an additional payment, corresponding to the 25% payable at program completion, prorated for the portion of the program pursued. In addition, if the Veteran finds employment in a related field within 180 days of terminating the program, the school will also receive another payment, corresponding to the 25% payable upon employment, prorated for the portion of the program pursued.
Required Documentation
Social Security Number; Bank account direct deposit information; Military Discharge certificate (DD214) is sometimes required; enrollment certification by institution offering training is required.