Veteran Support
Our turn to serve
Disability Advocates provide veterans with disabilities and their families with resources, support, and guidance to re-engage in the community and achieve their independent living and employment goals.
Our collaborative, peer approach relies on mutual respect and time to listen and learn, so that together we may develop plans to reduce barriers to employment. Through work assessments and skill development, Disability Advocates establishes a progression of on-the-job training opportunities in community settings. We also help reduce the barriers to employment related to independent living, including transportation resources and ensuring stable housing.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for veterans (VR&E) is an entitlement program that provides job training and related services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. These programs assist with re-employment, rapid access to employment, self-employment, and independent living. The program is administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VR&E Program provides the services and assistance needed to enable Veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve maximum independence in daily living. This program also provides the tools necessary for obtaining and maintaining suitable employment.
Re-Employment
This option is designed for those individuals who wish to return to work with a former employer.
Rapid Access to Employment
This option is designed for those Veterans who already possess the necessary skills to compete for suitable employment opportunities.
Employment through Long-Term Services
For Veterans who require postsecondary or vocational training to reach their employment goals.
Self-Employment
Self-employment is targeted to individuals who need a more accommodating work environment due to their disability.
Independent Living
This program is for veterans who are unable to return to work due to the effects of their disability.
Independent Living Services Track
This track is for Veterans who are unable to return to work due to the effects of their disability and need rehabilitation services to improve their independence in daily living.
The Independent Living Program is to make sure that each eligible veteran is able, to the maximum extent possible, to live independently and participate in family and community life increasing their potential to return to work. Please see the Independent Living Supports page for a more detailed description of the available services.
How are Independent Living Programs Developed?
When a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines that employment goals are not currently feasible, an evaluation of the veteran’s independent living needs will be conducted. The VRC and veteran will work together to identify the veteran’s needs and the services required to address them. An individualized Independent Living Program will be written providing the services necessary to meet the veteran’s identified needs.
Who is Eligible for VR&E Services?
The first step in obtaining VR&E services is establishing eligibility. To be eligible for VR&E services, a veteran must:
- Have received (or will receive) a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable
- Have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater
- Apply for vocational rehabilitation services
Duration of Eligibility
The law generally provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates:
- Date of separation from active military duty
- Date the veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating
Entitlement
Once eligibility is established, an applicant completes a comprehensive evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The evaluation includes:
- An assessment of the veteran’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities
- An assessment of whether service-connected disabilities impair the veteran’s ability to secure and maintain suitable employment
- Identification of services necessary to maintain a career or achieve maximum independence.
Filling out the Application
Applications may be submitted Online or by mail. Online applications are available on the VA website.
Applications filed Online go directly to the appropriate VA office. Forms may also be downloaded from the VA website at www.va.gov/vaforms and then submitted to a local VR&E office or requested by phone and then returned.
Form Number: 28-1900.