Vocational Rehabilitation

VA has benefits and services for Veterans who are unemployed, looking for work, or in need of training or education to qualify for a suitable job.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits for Unemployed Veterans

Veterans with a service-connected disability who previously completed a VA vocational rehabilitation program and have exhausted their initial claim for unemployment benefits may qualify for another 12 months of VA vocational rehabilitation benefits.

• You must have previously completed a VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program and been considered "rehabilitated."
• You must apply within six months of using up your initial claim for unemployment benefits. You can still collect extended or emergency unemployment if you qualify for those benefits.
• You can apply now, but cannot start education or training until June 1, 2012.
• You must apply to VA by March 31, 2014.

There are several ways to apply or get more information about whether you qualify:

• Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 and ask to speak with Vocational Rehabilitation
• Visit www.va.gov and fill out an online application (VONAPP) for Vocational Rehabilitation
• Apply by completing VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and submitting it to the nearest VA Regional Office

Special Employer Incentive Program for Veterans

The Special Employer Incentives (SEI) program is for eligible Veterans that face barriers to obtaining employment. Veterans are hired by participating employers at the onset of the SEI program and employment is expected t o continue following successful completion of the SEI program. As a result, the SEI program is beneficial for both employers and Veterans.

• Immediate income and benefits as an employee
• Incentive helps Veterans overcome barriers to employment
• Valuable skills are learned in a practical setting that meet the employers specifications
• Permanent employment following successful completion
• One-on-one support from a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Employment Coordinator to assist with training or work related needs

For Veterans who are currently using VR&E benefits, speak with your case manager about this program. For Veterans not enrolled in VR&E:

• Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 and ask to speak with Vocational Rehabilitation
• Visit www.va.gov and fill out an online application (VONAPP) for Vocational Rehabilitation
• Apply by completing VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and submitting it to the nearest VA Regional Office

Employers seeking more information about this program may contact VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Department of Labor Employment Resources for Unemployed Veterans with Disabilities

America's Service Locator connects people to local offices providing employment and training services. It provides maps and driving directions to the nearest One Stop Career Center. America's Service Locator has information on more than 20,000 offices (i.e. Disabled Veterans Outreach Programs and Disabled Veterans Employment Representatives).

Other Vocational Rehabilitation Resources

Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies - State vocational rehabilitation agencies assist individuals with disabilities who are pursuing meaningful careers. VR assists those individuals to secure gainful employment commensurate with their abilities and capabilities through local job searches and awareness of self-employment and telecommuting opportunities. In addition to VR, some states have separate agencies serving individuals who are blind and visually impaired. The Job Accommodation Network lists agencies which can provide employment options for people with disabilities.