It’s almost the end of the road, you’re about to earn your bachelors degree. If someone hasn’t told you already, congratulations! You’ve accomplished a lot over the last few years, and you should be proud of that,

I know… the only thing you can think about is that your GI Bill is running out, your benefits will stop, and now you’re wondering how you’re going to continue your education. Maybe you’re halfway through your degree, nearing the end of it, wanting to pursue your masters degree, or you’re thinking about completely switching career paths and genuinely have no idea how you’re supposed to afford it.

Don’t stress too much because there’s actually a VA program that many veterans either don’t know enough about or never fully look into called Veteran Readiness and Employment, also known as VR&E or Chapter 31.

VR&E is a program designed to help people who are nearing the end of their G.I. Bill benefits, about to obtain their bachelors degree, or veterans who are at least 10% percent disabled. In many situations, the program is also used to help veterans continue their education, attend trade school, obtain certifications, or receive additional training if their service connected conditions make certain types of work difficult long term.

This program can help veterans with:
• College tuition
• Trade schools
• Certifications
• Career counseling
• Resume building
• Interview preparation
• Employment assistance
• Books and school supplies
• Specialized equipment
• Job training
• Self employment support in certain situations

Many people also receive a monthly housing allowance while attending school or training through the program that is nearly as significant as the G.I Bill housing allowance. But first, let’s talk about who is actually eligible because this is where a lot of veterans get confused.

Generally speaking, veterans qualify for VR&E if:
• They have a VA service connected disability rating of at least 10%
• They received a discharge other than dishonorable

As long as that’s you, then let’s get rolling.

We are going to apply together, then the VA will schedule you to meet with a VR&E counselor who evaluates whether you have what’s called an “employment handicap.” Basically, they look at whether your conditions make it difficult for you to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment long term.

That does NOT mean you are incapable of working, it means you are limited in some aspects.

A veteran may still be highly motivated, disciplined, hardworking, and fully capable while also recognizing that certain careers may no longer realistically support their physical or mental health long term because of service connected conditions.

For example, a veteran with severe back pain may need a less physically demanding career path. A veteran with PTSD, anxiety, or migraines may struggle in certain loud work environments but thrive in others. A veteran with knee injuries, nerve damage, hearing loss, spinal injuries, or chronic pain may need additional education or training to transition into a more sustainable career. That is exactly why VR&E exists. 

A lot of veterans believe that once their G.I. Bill starts running low, or they’ve already finished it, they are completely out of options when it comes to continuing their education. In most situations, veterans may even qualify for VR&E after exhausting their G.I. Bill entirely depending on their entitlement and circumstances. Also, If you still have at least ONE DAY remaining on your Post-9/11 G.I. Bill when starting VR&E, you actually may even qualify to receive the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill housing allowance rate instead of the standard VR&E monthly subsistence allowance, which can be extremely beneficial for you with the current financial decline in our country. In many situations, the Post-9/11 housing rate is significantly higher, so make sure you speak to your counselor about that if you struggle financially.

Having at least one day left on your G.I. Bill is NOT what makes you eligible for VR&E itself. Veterans still qualify for VR&E even after G.I. Bill benefits are exhausted. The “one day left” saying specifically relates to the amount of monthly housing compensation you may receive while using the program.

If you’re still reading, that means you’ve heard enough. Let’s go through this process together. I know the second veterans hear “application” or “paperwork” we immediately start getting irritated. The process is much simpler than you would expect and I am going to talk you through the entire thing. Give me three minutes of your time.

First, go to the VA website and search “Veteran Readiness and Employment” or “VR&E.” or just click here.

The first step is checking your eligibility. We need to make sure you meet their eligibility requirements before you apply.

Next, they’re going to gather your information. For that, you’ll need your Social Security number, a mailing address, phone number, and an email address where they can contact you. If you do not have a current address or you are currently homeless please contact valentina@thenextmissionyou.com for private, confidential assistance. We will make sure you get what you need.

Next, enter your highest level of education. Tell them your address, and then submit.

Easy, and now you’re done. You can go play some video games or go enjoy your night.

In a few days they’re going to contact you. They’ll match you with a representative that will be able to assist you the entire time. Then, it’ll get to a point where you need to start telling them about your limitations.

During the process, be honest about:
• Your physical injuries
• Your mental health struggles
• Your career goals
• Your concerns about long term employment
• Your concerns about school

Veterans have a horrible habit of minimizing everything they deal with because the military conditioned us to continue functioning regardless of pain, exhaustion, stress, or discomfort. We normalize things that are not normal.

The purpose of this program is to help you build a stable and realistic future after service.

One of the hardest parts about leaving the military is losing structure and direction. You stood for honor and courage for so long and now you stand alone. In the military there was always an objective attached to your life. Then suddenly you get out and you’re expected to figure everything out on your own overnight. Education gives many of us a purpose again. It gives us structure again, something to work toward, and something to be. 

And know that we are extremely proud of you for taking this step towards your future. What we can’t do, as veterans, is stay down. You need to constantly aim to better yourself, your environment, and your situation. Understand that the only person who can take control of that narrative is you. You are capable of changing your life, if you just believe in yourself.

I have been at rock bottom before. Homeless, clueless, and angry at the cards I was dealt. But do you want to know something I learned while I was down there?

We have the power to change the stack we were given. Sometimes all you have to do is just think outside the box.

And as always, the mission continues, but this time it’s personal.