Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)

This program is partnered by DOL and DAV to provide training to Veterans unable to find work. The important thing is to be registered for the program through (VONAPP) on May 15, 2012. Eligibility requirements are listed below.

The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 was recently passed by Congress to provide assistance for unemployed Veterans. If you are or know of Veteran between the age of 35 to 60, you may qualify for a new program.
A part of that legislation is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). The program is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Labor (DOL) joint effort to provide training to Veterans unable to find work.

VRAP will provide 12 months of training assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (currently paying $1,473 per month). Participants must be enrolled in a program approved for VA benefits that is offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree or a Certificate.

To qualify, a Veteran must:
• Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
• Be unemployed on the day of application
• Have an other than dishonorable discharge
• Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
• Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
• Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program
• Pursue a program that leads to employment in a high demand occupation
The program is limited to 45,000 participants between July 1, 2012, and September 30, 2012, and an additional 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. DOL will provide employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of their program. Applications will be accepted beginning May 15, 2012.
VA will publish more details on the program as they become available. http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/