The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) Still Has Funding!
Are you a Veteran that is eligible for the VRRAP program? There is great news, they still have funding. VRRAP was included by Congress in its coronavirus-related emergency measures last year. The department began accepting applicants in May, and was capped by law at no more than 17,250 participants. However, eight months into the program, only about 3,400 veterans have taken part in the program, and only about 700 have graduated from the training, according to Ricardo Da Silva, program integration officer at VA’s Education Service. Of that group, just 70 have found new jobs through the program.
“This committee worked closely with VA to develop [the program] and set the funding based off of anticipated veteran demand for the program,” said Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif., chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s economic opportunity panel.
VRRAP is only open to veterans who have already exhausted other job-training benefits — such as the GI Bill — but still find themselves without stable employment because of coronavirus closures, layoffs, or health complications. Veterans who qualify can receive education benefits equal to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (including tuition costs and housing stipends) for up to 12 months, with the goal of learning a new skill or completing a certificate program in that time frame.
Am I eligible for this program?
To be eligible for this program, you must meet all the requirements listed here.
All of these must be true. You’re:
- At least 22 years old, but not older than 66, and
- Unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and
- Not eligible for GI Bill or VR&E benefits (or, if you’re eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you’ve transferred all of your benefits to family members), and
- Not rated as totally disabled because you can’t work, and
- Not enrolled in federal or state jobs programs, and
- Not receiving unemployment benefits (including CARES Act benefits)
Don’t wait! Sign up today!
