Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Your GI Bill is not the only way you can pay for higher education. Fortunately, with Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment), you can now receive benefits to pay for your education. Your eligibility depends on just two things; firstly, if you have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% (“serious” employment handicap). Secondly, if you have a rating of over 20% (with employment handicap) and do not have a dishonorable discharge.
Like a lot of things at the VA, this process can be shrouded in mystery. But I can assure you (based on my own experience) that it is quite painless.
What is the purpose of VA VOC Rehab?
Life in the military can beat you up, both mentally and physically. You may leave service with residual physical and/or mental issues that impede you from acquiring employment opportunities.
The VA Voc rehab is designed to help get you back into the workforce. This includes job training, special employment accommodations, resume help, and job-seeking coaching. It can also help you start your own business or assist independent living services for disabled veterans who cannot find work.
How do you Apply for Benefits?
First, go to Ebenefits and submit that you want the VA to evaluate your eligibility. This was super easy- it took only a couple of minutes.
If eligible, you will be contacted by a counselor to find a time to meet and decide on your benefits.
Unlike most benefits where you apply online through the VA, your determination of eligibility will not be automatic. Rather, a counselor will need to speak with you and review your profile.
What will the VA Look at to Determine Eligibility?
After submitting your application, the VA will notify you if you are eligible to meet with a counselor. You’ll then prepare a number of forms detailing your work history and military experience. You will also complete a career assessment and provide a resume and/or college transcripts.This information will help your counselor get a better picture of your abilities.
Your counselor will look at a number of factors to evaluate which job skills you can transport into the civilian workplace. Some of these factors include your work history and educational experience.Those who entered the military straight from school and had a military based job (ex: infantry, armor, artillery, etc), will be more likely to receive benefits.
They will also look at your specific disabilities to determine how that might constrain you from entering the civilian workforce. If you have any physical impediments, for example, they may advise against manual labor.
Additionally, the counselor will look at what you did in the military. This will help them determine if there is any room for overlap with civilian jobs. Even if you don’t have hard skills, they may factor soft skills like leadership or problem-solving into your plan.
During this conversation, the counselor will likely talk to you about your disabilities and how they affect you. Just be honest with them and tell them how you are feeling.
What Exactly can you get?
This is muddled. Unlike the GI Bill, which is a set number, VA voc rehab benefits are a lot more nuanced.
After meeting with your counselor, you will start working with them on a plan. Let them know what you are thinking of doing and how you want to get there.
Your counselor will work with you on putting this plan into action and figuring out how to pay for it. There’s not an exact figure to provide on how much VA voc rehab can cover. However, know that it can surely be used to cover programs like an MBA or law degree.
Should you use Your GI Bill (Chapter 33) or VA VOC Rehab Benefits to pay for School?
GI Bill for School
This isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
The GI Bill is much more transportable than Chapter 31 benefits. If you’re in a qualified institution and have your certificate of eligibility (COE), then it’s almost guaranteed that your GI Bill will cover the costs.
For sensible reasons, VA voc rehab is a little more constrained,
The GI Bill is an entitlement that you earned for your service. It’s “yours” that you may use for the next chapter of your life or to acquire pristine education.
VA Voc Rehab for School
Voc rehab, on the other hand, recognizes the physical and mental challenges invoked by the military. As opposed to the GI Bill, which is bestowed on you, voc rehab is an assistance program, thereby having different constraints.
Your desired school may not be eligible for the desired benefits. The level of benefits provided may also not be equivalent to your GI Bill. The VA’s website even states that in most cases, the subsistence rate for the GI Bill is higher.
And before you ask, you cannot use your GI Bill and voc rehab benefits simultaneously. You can, however, use both for the same degree. For example, if you pursue a two-year MBA, you may use Chapter 31 Benefits your first year. Then, you may use Chapter 33 benefits again your second year.
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Final Thoughts
The best advice I can give you is (if you are eligible) to first apply for Chapter 31 benefits. It’s better to have both your benefits and GI Bill to decide which is ultimately best. Pursuing a second graduate degree or some other form of education could also work in your favor. Assuming you receive the benefit, talk to the VA and your school to determine your best option for acquiring these resources.
If you think you are eligible for voc rehab, just go ahead and apply for it. Go through the process and give yourself the option of using this resource before deciding against it. You may ultimately decide that using the GI Bill is better for you. However, ultimately it is better to have the option than to take yourself out for no reason.
Related:
Making a VA Claim Does Not Make You Weak
The Yellow Ribbon Program and Top MBA Schools.
Military to MBA: Columbia Business School
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