A guide to vocational rehabilitation

As legislated in the famous G.I. Bill, vocational rehabilitation, or ‘vocational rehab’, refers to the work-based programs and support which helps war veterans successfully reintegrate into society, especially those who are disabled. The G.I bill promotes wider war veteran’s rights. In this article, I detail the bill, particularly the vocational rehabilitation described within.

Vocational rehabilitation

Chapter 31 of the Montgomery GI Bill seeks to get eligible active duty service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities into suitable, gainful employment through personal adjustment and vocational counselling, training assistance, a monthly subsistence allowance and employment assistance after the initial training. There may also be independent living services provided for those who perhaps need more help, physical and/or emotional, to get up to the point where they are suitable for gainful employment.

What is rehabilitation?

However, rehabilitation services can apply to those who do not have a military affiliation. In such cases, it is done on a case-by-case basis under federal guidelines of the state and government. For example, this might apply to former convicts whom the authorities believe have a sincere commitment to turn their lives around. Support in such circumstances includes provision of technology, vocational training, college education, support to encourage them back into work and get them ready for it, on the job support and counselling and guidance.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

The Veterans Educational Assistance Program is a pot of money available for those who first entered duty between 1977 and 1985 and who also elected for contributions from their wages to be made to this education benefit program. The benefit may be used for a variety of different education and training courses such as tuition assistance, on the job training, flight training and apprenticeships.

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance act of 2008

Originally proposed by Senator James Webb, expansions to veteran’s rights (outlined in the GI bill) were passed in the summer of2008 in the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010. The expansions included new eligibility for members of the National Guard and/or the full time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR). It also included several additions to training and certification options available, a new (reduced) housing stipend for distance learners and a removal of state-by-state tuition caps for veterans at public higher education institutions.