WV veterans can qualify for help with job training, education, employment accommodations and more
Are you a West Virginia veteran looking to start a new job or career, but you’re not sure where to begin? West Virginia veterans can take advantage of the Veteran Readiness and Employment Services for Veterans with Disabilities (VR&E) program. This program was designed to help service members and veterans transitioning to civilian life prepare for, get and keep a job. Through VR&E, veterans can access services to help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and coaching for job-seeking skills.
To be eligible for the VR&E program, service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities (a minimum of 10 percent of which were caused or made worse by active-duty service) need to meet the following requirements:
- The disability or disabilities must also limit your ability to work or prevent you from working;
- Had an honorable discharge -OR-
- If a service-connected condition likely caused the poor discharge, the application may be approved through a Character of Discharge Review process. Otherwise, the veteran may need to apply for a discharge upgrade with the Department of Defense.
The program may be used within 12 years of the veteran’s discharge from active duty. It may also be used 12 years after receiving your first VA service-connected disability rating. The VA can extend this eligibility deadline if they find that the veteran has a serious employment handicap — meaning that the service-connected disability significantly limits the ability of the veteran to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment. Suitable employment is a stable job that doesn’t make the veteran’s disability worse and matches the veteran’s abilities, aptitudes and interests.
For a veteran to use these services, they will first meet with a Veteran Rehabilitation Counselor to work with the veteran to determine what VR&E services they are eligible for.
Depending on the veteran’s needs and goals, VR&E benefits may include services such as:
- An evaluation to determine the veteran’s skills, abilities, and interests for employment
- Professional or vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment
- Employment services like job training, resume development, and other work readiness support services
- Help finding and keeping a job, including using special employer incentives and job accommodations.
- On-the-job training, apprenticeships and non-paid work experiences
- Post-secondary education and training at a college, vocational, technical, or business school
- Supportive rehabilitation services that include case management, counseling, and medical referrals
- Independent living services if the veteran cannot work due to the severity of their disabilities.
A veteran or eligible dependent using a federal VA education benefit is also eligible for Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) under VA Chapter 36.
Learn more about the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program here.
Stop by a local office to ensure you’re receiving all benefits you’re entitled to. Find an office.