Are you looking to transition into the civilian world? This is a really great VA program which has a limited offer for the number of veterans and the dates available to sign up. Take advantage now and look into this program to see if it is right for you!
Congress passed, and the President has 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 VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who:
- Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
- Are unemployed on the date of application
- Received an other than dishonorable discharge
- Are 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)
- Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
- Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program
The program is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012, and 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants must attend full-time in order to receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program ($1,564 effective October 1, 2012). DOL will offer employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of the program.
Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education 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.
This graphic is provided by Veterans Education Long Beach
- The Department of Labor defines “unemployed” as “People who are jobless, looking for jobs, and available for work.” All three criteria must be met to be considered unemployed.
- How And When Does DoL Verify Unemployment Status And Thus Declare Someone Eligible For VRAP? Does A Veteran Have To Remain Unemployed To Be Eligible For VRAP?
o Unemployment status is determined through self-attestation the day the Veteran applies for the program and they do not have to remain unemployed throughout the duration of the program.
2. Is There A Paper Application Anywhere For VRAP? I Don’t Have A Computer – Now What?
- VRAP applications are only accepted electronically. If you need assistance completing and submitting the online application you may visit your Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER)/Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist or One-Stop Career Shop. You may also receive assistance by visiting the nearest VA Regional Office. Click here for a listing of VA Regional Offices.
- Yes, the earlier the better as applications may be received through October 1, 2013, or once we have 99,000 participants, whichever comes first.
- Once an eligibility determination is made, a notification letter will be mailed to you. To obtain the status of your VRAP claim, you may send an electronic inquiry (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) on our website, www.gibill.va.gov by clicking the “Submit a Question” button. You may also call the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 (Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, CST).
- No. VRAP benefits can only be paid for training pursued on a full-time basis.
- 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. Search for an approved program here.
- If you’re receiving the Active Duty or Reserve GI Bill, REAP, or VRAP use the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment(WAVE) or call our toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at 1-877-VA-ECERT (1-877-823-2378) to verify your attendance
- No. The benefit will be paid directly to you and you are responsible for paying your expenses including tuition, fees, and books.
- The Department of Labor will provide employment assistance to every Veteran who participates, upon completion of their program.