Veterans - World War I - Disabled veteran, Digital ID 1686049, New York Public LibraryThe Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, provides seamless transition for Servicemembers, expands education and training opportunities for Veterans and provides tax credits for employers who hire Veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) which offers up to 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012.

Eligibility

The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who:

• Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
• Are unemployed on the date of application
• 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
• Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program

Participants Limits and Payments

The program is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). DOL will provide employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of the program. VRAP is accepting applications now. Please visit eBenefits to apply. Remember, to complete the application, you will need to know your direct deposit information (bank routing number and account number), the name and location of your school, the program you wish to pursue, and the applicable high demand occupation.

Eligible Programs

Participants must be enrolled in a program of education approved for VA benefits that is offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation. Search for an approved program here.

How to obtain more information

Read frequently asked questions about VRAP. Call VRAP at 1-800-827-1000 to learn more information about the VOW to Hire Heroes act of 2011, or visit benefits.va.gov/vow.

The above information is from Veterans Retraining Assistance Program Fact Sheet, United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information on Veterans' employment and training service, please visit Job Search Central online or in person at 188 Madison Avenue and 34th Street.