The issue of unemployment continues to impact folks across the country, and while there are promising signs that the newest generation of Vets has seen a downward trend in unemployment lately, much work remains to get Vets into meaningful jobs.

To help do that, we’re rolling out the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. The program is designed to help provide training and education that will lead to high-demand jobs. Beginning on May 15, you can apply if you meet the following criteria:

  • Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
  • Are unemployed
  • Received an other than dishonorable discharge
  • Are not 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

VRAP will offer 12 months of training, with up to 12 months of assistance at the rate of the Montgomery GI Bill payment (currently at $1473 a month).

Participants will enroll in VA approved education programs at community colleges and technical schools that lead to an associate’s degree, non-college degree, or a certificate that will lead to employment. The Department of Labor will assist with job placement once Vets finish the 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.

Come back to this site on May 15 to submit an application if you meet the qualifications.

We know many Veterans are still out of work. VRAP is not a silver bullet, but it’s a step in the right direction to help folks get back into a career.

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5 Comments

  1. Robert Lindgren May 18, 2012 at 20:13

    What a piece of crap this program is. They throw scraps like they are trying to help long term unemployed veterans. The fact of the matter is this bill is being run by a bunch of pencil pushers that have no intention of anyone even using the benefits. And they have veterans fighting each other as if this bill is a real benefit. You do not believe me?

    Consider these contradictions in the bill. I have less than one year in schooling left to obtain a BS to either teach or Nursing. I could use those benefits to finish school yet VRAP will not pay out and I do not qualify. Yet if I go take acting or singing classes the VRAP pays out. I have been given advanced standing at a Paramedic school but they told me to enter I must get my EMT and that way I can skip their 1 year EMT program (1 year) which is worthless to get a job. But if I get my EMT certification I am allowed into [their] one year certified Paramedic program which would be easy to find employment with this certification as a paramedic. But DOL says if I use the program to do a 3 week online certification to get into the paramedic program they will not pay any more and will not allow me to use the other 11 months I have left to get the Paramedic certification. What a bunch of jokers these DOL pencil pushers are. And what a piece of crap legislation Obama put his name on. You know I have called in about 35 times, each time on hold and each time a counselor gives me different answers. I always thought they were incompetent, didn’t get the correct information. I now understand why they did not get the correct information out. The program is so bad there is actually no intention of helping veterans. It is a political program that picks and chooses who they are going to help just like the Equal Opportunity Program that is only equal opportunity for those that are in the right groups. Did you get that? It is being managed by the same EEOC pencil pushers that discriminate on skin color. If someone wants to be an actor, a singer or dancer the program pays out but if you have only a few courses to become a certified RN or Teacher of middle school the program doesn’t pay out because that is a four year degree, that is a Bachelor degree. So what if your a certified teacher or certified RN, these do not count. But a certified two year RN but not a 4 year RN will qualify. What planet do these goofballs come from? Do they have any kind of reality when they write this legislation? I assure you their intention is not to help veterans but to pat themselves on their own backs on this one. The idea to to have…

  2. Annette May 15, 2012 at 12:49

    The VRAP program is supposed to be available today, May 15, 2012 according to the e-mail that I received, however it is not available. Please advise!

  3. Rick Hall May 15, 2012 at 10:36

    What about Vets that are underemployed. I take any work that I can get. I would like to have a better life for my family .

  4. Danny St.Cin May 11, 2012 at 20:41

    If you are currently recieving unemployment and a PELL Grant are you still eligible for the VRAP. I am in my second semester of a PELL Grant in college right now. I am enrolled in Southwestern Michigan College pursuing a degree in Business Management and Personal Financial advisor.

  5. Ms. Dale L. White May 11, 2012 at 15:38

    What Programs do you have available for Veterans between the ages of 60-65, who is still functional, in good health with education and experience? I’m a Female Veteran and would like to re-enter he Job Market.

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