What is the Veteran Readiness and Employment?

Veteran Readiness and Employment is a program for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The intent of the program is to help you become employed. The program provides 48 months of vocational training. You must be in a program that trains you to perform a job. The VA will cover your training and pay you a subsistence allowance. Your family members may also qualify for certain benefits.

Note: If you are also eligible for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, you may choose the higher of the two subsistence allowances (effective August 1, 2011).

Who qualifies?

To qualify while still in the service you must:
 

• Have a service-connected disability rated at twenty (20) percent or more OR
   
• Are participating in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) process or awaiting discharge due to a medical condition resulting from a serious injury or illness that occurred in the line of duty.

To qualify as a veteran you must:

• You must not have received a dishonorable discharge AND
   
• Have a VA disability rating of at least ten (10) percent AND
   
• Apply for VR&E services

Generally, you have a 12-year window to use this program. It begins on your date of separation from active military duty or the date you were first notified of a service-connected disability rating, whichever is later. But if you have a “serious employment handicap,” you may be given longer than 12 years to use your benefits. This will be determined by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).

How do I apply and where can I go for more information?
 

You can apply:
 

• Online by going to the VA's website 
   

• By mail by filling out an Application for Vocational Rehabilitation for Claimants with Service-Connected Disabilities (VA Form 28-1900)
  and sending your completed application to:

  Department of Veterans Affairs
  VR&E Intake Center
  PO Box 5210
  Janesville, WI
  53547-5210
   

• In person by going to your regional VA office found here 

Learn more about the Veteran Readiness and Employment here

Please note: The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed some aspects of the VA educational benefits, particularly if you are currently receiving them. Be sure to review this VA website for any temporary changes due to COVID.