Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program provides educational and vocational counseling to servicemembers, veterans and certain dependents at no charge. These counseling services are designed to help an individual choose a vocational direction, determine the course needed to achieve the chosen goal, and evaluate the career possibilities open to them.
Services that may be provided include comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment, vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services. Other employment services include:
- Job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance,
- Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations, On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences, post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school,
- Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals, and independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities.
Who qualifies?
Veterans who:
- Receive a discharge that is other than dishonorable;
- The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E Vet Success services may be used is 12 years from the latter of the following: date of separation from active military service, or date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.
- Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a memorandum rating of 20%. Active duty servicemembers can also qualify if they have a memorandum rating of 20% or more
These eligibility requirements are general and there may be additional factors that affect eligibility. Each case is unique and there are exceptions for every rule. Your Texas Veterans Commission counselor is an expert who can review your specific situation and help determine your eligibility.
How to get it?
Meet with your local Texas Veterans Commission representative who will walk you through the process and identify any paperwork required. Completing forms completely and correctly does affect the outcome of your request. Our expert claims counselors will assist you in completing the forms to get the best results possible. Find the office closest to you.
Educational Vocational Counseling
Independent Living Program
Educational Vocational Counseling
What is it?
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program can provide a wide range of educational and vocational counseling services to servicemembers still on active duty, as well as veterans and dependents who are eligible for one of VA's educational benefit programs. These services are designed to help an individual choose a vocational direction and determine the course needed to achieve the chosen goal. Assistance may include interest and aptitude testing; occupational exploration; setting occupational goals; locating the right type of training program and exploring educational or training facilities which might be utilized to achieve an occupational goal. Free counseling services are provided to eligible applicants. However, VA does not pay for transportation to the place of counseling.
Who qualifies?
Individuals who are eligible for educational-vocational counseling include the following:
- Transitioning servicemembers who are within six months prior to discharge from active duty,
- Veterans within one year following discharge from active duty
These eligibility requirements are general and there may be additional factors that affect eligibility. Each case is unique and there are exceptions for every rule. Your Texas Veterans Commission counselor is an expert who can review your specific situation and help determine your eligibility.
How to get it?
Meet with your local Texas Veterans Commission representative who will walk you through the process and identify any paperwork required. Completing forms completely and correctly does affect the outcome of your request. Our expert claims counselors will assist you in completing the forms to get the best results possible. Find the office closest to you.
Independent Living Program
What is it?
The Independent Living program (ILP) is to make sure that each eligible veteran is able, to the maximum extent possible, to live independently and participate in family and community life increasing their potential to return to work. Services may include the following: assistive technology, specialized medical, health, and/or rehabilitation services, services to address any personal and/or family adjustment issues, independent living skills training or connection with community-based support services. When a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines that employment goals are not currently feasible, an evaluation of the veteran's independent living needs will be conducted. The VRC and veteran will work together to identify the veteran's needs.
Who qualifies?
Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are so severe they are currently unable to purse an employment goal. Your Texas Veterans Commission counselor is an expert who can review your specific situation and help determine your eligibility.
How to get it?
ILP participants must:
- Submit an application (VA Form 28-1900), and
- Complete a comprehensive evaluation with a VRC who must determine the applicant is entitled to services and that an ILP program is appropriate.
Meet with your local Texas Veterans Commission representative who will walk you through the process and identify any paperwork required. Completing forms completely and correctly does affect the outcome of your request. Our expert claims counselors will assist you in completing the forms to get the best results possible. Find the office closest to you.