The Labor Department has just unveiled a program that’s designed to give unemployed veterans some help finding work — by helping them go back to school.
The Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) will help cover unemployed veterans’ education costs so that they can get the training they need to compete for high-demand jobs. Unemployed veterans who qualify for the VRAP will get 12 months of assistance at a rate equal to their active duty Montgomery GI Bill benefits — which is currently $1,743 per month.
Once veterans in the program complete their training, the Labor Department will spend 30 days helping them find a new job.
According to Labor Department officials, creating the VRAP was the perfect way to say “thank you” for everything that veterans have done for their country.
“Our veterans have made this nation stronger through their service, and they deserve our continued support,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “This new program will help unemployed veterans expand their skills and compete for good jobs.”
Which veterans qualify for the VRAP?
Any unemployed veteran between the ages of 35 and 60 can apply for the program’s benefits. The money can be used to pay for training programs that begin on or after July 1, 2012. All of the money will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Any assistance given through the VRAP will end on March 31, 2014.
Unemployed veterans can apply for VRAP online, by logging onto http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW or https://www.ebenefits.va.gov. They can also apply over the phone through one of the VA’s call centers, by dialing 800-827-1000.