Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) · Chapter 31

VR&E is an employment rehabilitation program for eligible veterans and service members whose service-connected disabilities limit suitable employment—not simply a free college program. A VA vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) evaluates entitlement and develops a rehabilitation plan where appropriate.

Step-by-step

Review VR&E eligibility and services ↗.
Apply online or use VA Form 28-1900 ↗.
Attend orientation and counselor evaluation; discuss how your disability affects work and the employment goal.
If approved, work with your VRC on the training or employment plan, school/training approval and any authorized supplies.
Ask your VRC which subsistence allowance you qualify for and make any required written election.

VR&E subsistence vs. Post-9/11 rate

VA calls this an election of the Post-9/11 GI Bill subsistence allowance rate (P911SA) under VR&E—not a separate payment of GI Bill housing benefits while receiving full Chapter 31 subsistence. VA says you generally need at least one day of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement and to be within its eligibility period; your VRC can help you elect the alternative rate. Amounts vary based on training mode and attendance, including online-only training. VA's terminology is not necessarily the same as military BAH paid to active-duty members.

VA's eligibility and subsistence election rules ↗ · Current standard Chapter 31 and P911SA rate guidance ↗

Interaction with GI Bill entitlement

Using VR&E does not itself subtract months from other VA education entitlements. Prior use of other VA education programs can affect the remaining Chapter 31 entitlement; in some cases VA may retroactively restore certain GI Bill entitlement. Ask your VRC to review your individual history rather than assuming the programs simply stack.

Questions to ask your counselor

What employment goal and training plan are approved?
Can my school, online program, courses, books, computer or required supplies be covered under my plan?
Am I eligible to elect the Post-9/11 subsistence rate, and what would I receive with my course schedule?
Are there restrictions if classes are exclusively online or taken abroad?
What paperwork and school enrollment certification does VR&E require?

Official how-to-apply instructions ↗