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Disabled Veteran Education Resources

Disabled veterans in the United States are offered a variety of education benefits at the federal and state levels. They include:

• The Department of Veterans Affairs Readiness And Employment Program (VR&E)
• VA Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
• VA Work-Study Program
• State-level scholarships and grants

Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (VR&E)

This VA program is offered to veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities that affect their ability to find and hold jobs.

According to VA.gov, this program, previously known as the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, offers employment support “to help you live as independently as possible.”

The Veteran Readiness and Employment program offers a series of “tracks” in different specialty areas, including:

• Training
• Education
• Job search
• Maintaining a job

Read next: Education Benefits for Veterans

VR&E Tracks

When you apply for VR&E benefits, you’ll want to consider each of the tracks below.

VR&E Reemployment Track

Qualifying veterans diagnosed with service-connected disabilities can get help returning to civilian jobs using the Reemployment track. Veterans must have an “employment barrier” or a handicap. To qualify for this track, you must enroll in VR&E and plan to return to your civilian career after military service.

Rapid Access to Employment Track

When you need to continue a career using skills you already have, this track may be the right choice. Use this track to get vocational counseling or professional coaching, resume help, tools for your next job search, and learn your eligibility for veteran hiring preference.

Self-Employment Track

The Self-Employment track can help qualifying veterans start a small business. It offers training on small business operations, coordination services, business concept analysis, and how to find small business resources.

Employment Through Long-Term Services Track

This track is for those with a service-connected disability who have what the VA describes as an “employment barrier.” It’s often used by those who want to find a new career.

It offers employment assistance, a job skills assessment, career guidance, but most importantly, “Education and training for a professional or vocational field” new to the applicant.

Independent Living Track

This is offered to qualifying applicants who cannot join the workforce immediately. This track includes referral services, evaluation for other VA disability benefits, and help with VA housing benefits for disabled veterans.

Applying For Benefits

VR&E benefits are not automatic. You can apply online for VR&E benefits or by mail via the VA Application for Vocational Rehabilitation for Claimants with Service-Connected Disabilities (VA Form 28-1900).

Send your completed application to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
VR&E Intake Center
PO Box 5210
Janesville, WI
53547-5210

Read next: Education Benefits for Veterans

VA Work-Study Program

This program does not exclusively serve disabled veterans but provides opportunities to earn while enrolled in an approved college program or training.

Apply for these benefits using the VA Application for Work-Study Allowance (VA Form 22-8691). If you are approved, you will work part-time in a position associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under VA Work-Study, you may work at a:

• Department of Defense, Coast Guard, or National Guard location that oversees MGIB-SR or REAP
• State Veterans agency
• Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success
• Cooperative programs operated by the VA
• Colleges or universities “in any Veteran-related role”
• VA facilities

You may be approved for a VA work-study program if you meet ALL of the following criteria:

• You are enrolled in courses at least three-quarter time.
• You have found an open job at a VA facility or in a VA-related role at your school.
• You can finish the work-study agreement and qualify for VA education benefits.
• You are in an approved VA education benefits program.

The previously mentioned VA Veteran Readiness And Employment (VR&E) program is part of this work-study program, and other VA education programs may be used in conjunction with VA Work Study. They include, but are not limited to:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (see below)
• National Call to Service

VA Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

The VA Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers up to 45 months of education benefits to qualifying school-age children and spouses of totally disabled servicemembers.

VA.gov describes the benefit as “…a monthly payment to help you cover the cost of school or your expenses while participating in on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.”

This military education benefit is typically used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Additional benefits may be available for:

• Licensing and certification tests
• National testing
• College admissions exams
• Prep courses

Some qualifying applicants generally have a time limit to use these benefits (8 years or upon reaching age 26), but there’s no time limit if one of these is true:

• The applicant became eligible for DEA benefits on or after August 1, 2023, or
• The applicant turned 18 years old on or after August 1, 2023, or
• The applicant completed high school or after August 1, 2023

Applicants may be required to choose one type of VA education benefit over another (such as the Fry Scholarship). If you already qualify for one type of disabled veteran education option, you may need to choose between one or the other to prevent so-called “double-dipping” VA benefits.

Apply for DEA by completing a Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-5490) and submitting it to your nearest VA Regional Processing Office.

State-Level Grants and Scholarships

Not all education benefits for disabled veterans are federally administered. You can find state-level benefits at your state-operated Department of Veterans Affairs (not the federal-level VA) or Division of Veterans Affairs.

Some state-level education benefits are aimed at the surviving family members of 100% disabled veterans, and others may be offered to the vets themselves. Not all states provide education benefits or offer minimum assistance compared to other states with more elaborate programs.

State-level veteran education benefits are not standardized nationwide. What is offered through the Wisconsin GI Bill may not be offered via other state programs like the Hazlewood Act, which applies in Texas, or the Illinois Veterans Grant offered to qualify vets in that state.

 You can find education benefits along with many other resources for veterans in our Guide to Veterans Benefits By State. 

Applying For Benefits

When applying for state-level disabled veteran benefits, the applicant may be required to show proof of an official VA disability rating. For some state-level education benefits you may be required to enroll in a specific VA or state-level program.

For most benefit applications, proof of service is required. This is typically via military discharge paperwork such as a DD Form 214 or the Guard/Reserve equivalent.

For spouses and dependents making claims on behalf of 100% disabled service members, be prepared to show your official ID, provide any legal documentation needed if decisions are being made on behalf of an incapacitated veteran, and you may need to show proof of enrollment or application to a specific program or school.

Read more: Veteran Benefits by State

Start a VA Disability Claim

If you need to apply for VA disability benefits, you can do so online, in person, or with the assistance of a Veteran Service Organization. According to VA.gov, you may qualify for VA benefits if the following apply to you:

• You have a current illness or injury and
• You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

When  you apply for VA disability benefits, be sure to submit medical records and other evidence to support your application:

• VA medical records and hospital records related to the specific condition or a related issue
• Any other official records indicating a disability is getting worse
• Private medical records/hospital reports and records showing the disability has gotten worse
• Supporting statements from family, friends, coworkers, clergy, or law enforcement personnel

You can begin a VA claim or learn more at the VA official site.