The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, previously known as Vocational Rehabilitation or “Voc Rehab,” offers vital assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities and select active duty service members.
The program is designed to help veterans transition into meaningful employment or pursue educational opportunities tailored to their abilities, especially when a disability hinders their ability to work.
Through VR&E, veterans receive personalized career counseling, job training, educational support, and other critical resources to aid in their professional development.
The program provides tailored guidance and financial assistance to ensure veterans and service members can succeed in their post-service careers.
In this article, we’ll break down the 2025 vocational rehabilitation pay chart, explain how the VR&E program works, who qualifies for benefits, how to apply, and what steps to expect.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking to advance your career or need guidance on eligibility, we’ll cover everything you need to navigate this valuable program.
Table of Contents
2025 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Pay Chart
The 2025 VA Vocational Rehabilitation pay chart is effective from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
These updated rates reflect a 3.2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase to help veterans meet living expenses while participating in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) program.
The subsistence allowance is determined based on training type and dependency status.
Veterans enrolled in full-time, ¾-time, ½-time, or ¼-time training or participating in on-the-job training can expect increased monthly payments based on their status and number of dependents.
| Type of Training | Training Time | No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents | Each Additional Dependent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional; Nonpay or nominal pay work experience in a facility of a federal, state, local, or federally recognized Indian tribe agency; Improvement of Rehabilitation Potential | Full-Time | $793.01 | $983.65 | $1,159.17 | $84.47 |
| ¾ Time | $595.86 | $738.81 | $866.65 | $64.98 | |
| ½ Time | $398.69 | $493.97 | $580.64 | $43.34 | |
| ¼ Time¹ | $199.32 | $247.02 | $290.33 | $21.62 | |
| Nonpay or nominal pay on-job training in a facility of a federal, state, local, or federally recognized Indian tribe agency; training in the home; vocational course in a rehabilitation facility or sheltered workshop; Independent instructor | Full-Time Only | $793.01 | $983.65 | $1,159.17 | $84.47 |
| Farm Cooperative, Apprenticeship or other On-Job Training² | Full-Time Only | $693.34 | $838.47 | $966.31 | $62.84 |
| Combination of institutional and on-job training (institutional greater than ½); Non-farm Cooperative Institutional Training and Non-farm Cooperative On-Job Training (FT Non-Farm Coop/Institutional) | Full-Time Only | $793.01 | $983.65 | $1,159.17 | $84.47 |
| Combination of Institutional and On-Job Training (On-the-Job greater than ½); Non-farm Cooperative Institutional Training and Non-farm Cooperative On-Job Training (FT Non-Farm Coop/On-the-Job) | Full-Time Only | $693.34 | $838.47 | $966.31 | $62.84 |
Important Notes:
- Effective October 1, 2024, the maximum monthly rate for Chapter 31 VR&E Subsistence Allowance is $3,355.39.
- The quarter-time rate may be paid only during Extended Evaluation.
- For On-Job Training, training wage plus subsistence allowance cannot exceed the journeyman wage.
- This maximum rate was calculated based upon full-time enrollment for a Veteran with the following dependents: spouse, mother, father and 25 children.
What is the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program?
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program, formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (“Voc Rehab”), helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment.
Whether you’re learning new skills, returning to your former job, starting a business, or pursuing further education, VR&E offers multiple tracks to meet your career goals.
What Services and Support Can I Get Through the VA VR&E Program?
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program offers 5 key tracks to help veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities that affect their ability to work.
Each track is designed to support specific needs related to employment, education, or independent living.
Here’s a simple breakdown of each track:
#1. Reemployment Track
This track helps veterans who want to return to their previous jobs after acquiring a service-connected disability. The Reemployment track offers services to support both you and your employer in making any necessary accommodations to get you back to work.
Example: If you worked at a company before your disability and now need adjustments, such as modified hours or tasks, this track can help you and your employer make those changes.
#2. Rapid Access to Employment Track
The Rapid Access to Employment track focuses on helping veterans who are ready to quickly reenter the workforce. It provides job search assistance for veterans who want to use their current skill sets to find new employment.
Example: If you’re skilled in a certain profession but need help finding a job, this track connects you with job search resources and employment counseling.
#3. Self-Employment Track
If you’re a veteran with a service-connected disability and an employment barrier but have an entrepreneurial spirit, the Self-Employment track helps you start your own business. This track offers training and resources to set you up for success in launching and managing your own venture.
Example: If you’re interested in becoming self-employed, the VA can help you create a business plan, obtain financing, and get the necessary training to launch your business.
#4. Employment Through Long-Term Services Track
For veterans who need to change careers or pursue additional education due to a disability, the Employment Through Long-Term Services track provides access to education and job training. This track is ideal if you need new skills to enter a different field of work.
Example: If you can no longer perform your previous job due to your disability, this track offers education and training in a new field that aligns with your abilities.
#5. Independent Living Track
For veterans who aren’t able to return to work right away due to the severity of their disabilities, the Independent Living track provides services to help improve quality of life and ensure that you can live as independently as possible. This may include medical care coordination, adaptive technologies, and other resources to help you manage your daily life.
Example: If your disability prevents you from working, this track focuses on helping you live independently by providing tools and resources to improve your living conditions.
To learn more about the VR&E program, visit the VA’s official VR&E page.
Who is Eligible for VR&E Benefits?
Veterans and active duty service members may be eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits if they meet specific eligibility requirements.
#1. VR&E Eligibility for Veterans:
If you’re a veteran, you can apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits if you meet the following two conditions:
- You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
- You have a service-connected disability rated at least 10% by the VA.
Once you apply, the VA will set up an evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), who will determine whether you are entitled to VR&E services.
Eligibility Time Limits for Veterans:
- If you were discharged before January 1, 2013, you have 12 years from either the date of your separation from active duty or the date you received your first VA disability rating—whichever is later—to apply. This period can be extended if you have a serious employment handicap (SEH), meaning your disability severely limits your ability to work.
- If you were discharged on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit for you to apply for VR&E benefits.
#2. VR&E Eligibility for Active Duty Service Members:
You may also qualify for VR&E while still on active duty if:
- You have a 20% or higher pre-discharge disability rating and are close to leaving the military.
- You are waiting to be discharged due to a serious illness or injury.
Notes for Active Duty Service Members:
- Severely injured active-duty service members can qualify for VR&E benefits automatically, even before receiving a formal VA disability rating. This provision is outlined in Section 1631(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (PL 110-181).
- Additionally, through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, active-duty service members with illnesses or injuries that they believe were caused or worsened by their military service can file a claim for disability benefits. This can be done 180 to 90 days before leaving active duty, potentially speeding up the claim process so that benefits can start sooner.
How to Apply for VA VR&E Benefits Online
If you think you qualify for VR&E, the new online application process is super easy.
Follow these steps to get started and submit your VR&E application online:
- Complete the VA Form 28-1900: This is the official application for VR&E benefits. You can apply online here through VA.gov. It takes about 15 minutes to complete the online application.
- Prepare for Follow-Up: Once your application is submitted, the VA may contact you for additional information or clarifications, so keep your contact details up to date and check your email regularly.
- Schedule a Meeting with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC): After applying, the VA will schedule a meeting with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to assess your eligibility and determine if your service-connected disability affects your ability to work. Be prepared to discuss your career goals and how your disability impacts your job prospects during this meeting.
- Be Ready for Your Initial Evaluation: If you’re deemed eligible, the VRC will help create a personalized rehabilitation plan that outlines the specific services and support you’ll receive from the VR&E program.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up: Maximizing Your VR&E Benefits in 2025
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program is a vital resource for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as certain active-duty service members, offering critical support and tools to help you succeed in your post-military career.
Whether you’re pursuing employment, education, or independent living, VR&E provides the personalized guidance and assistance necessary to achieve your career goals after service.
To maximize the benefits available, it’s important to take a proactive approach.
Be prepared, explore the different VR&E tracks that align with your goals, and communicate openly with your counselor to build a plan that sets you up for long-term success.
By leveraging the full range of services offered through VR&E, you’ll be well on your way to building a brighter future.
Remember, the earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to make the most of this incredible program.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
