VA launches Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program

For Veterans who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, VA has launched the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP).

Veterans participating in VRRAP will receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates.

A Veteran must meet the following criteria for eligibility:

• 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 your benefits to a family member(s), and
• Not rated as totally disabled because you can’t work, and
• Not enrolled in a federal or state jobs program, and
• Not receiving unemployment benefits (including CARES Act benefits).

VRRAP covers education and training programs approved under the GI Bill and Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) that lead to high-demand jobs. These include associate degrees, non-college degrees, and certificate programs. The Department of Labor determines what’s considered a high-demand job for VRRAP.

The VRRAP webpage provides more information about participating educational institutions and the available programs; the participant cap and duration of the program’s funding; and where and how to apply online.

VRRAP was enacted on March 11 and is part of the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, with aid targeted to assist individuals and businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are aware of any GI Bill beneficiaries who require assistance, please have them contact the Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday to speak with a representative.