VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (updated:  11 April 2012)

This is a new benefit for unemployed veterans.    The law includes a Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed veterans. 

This program is very new and information is still being gathered by the VA and DoL.  Below are important facts regarding this new benefit and what HACC has currently. 

1.)  The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DoL) are working together

2.)    Program start date:  July 1, 2012

3.)    Provides 12 months of training assistance to qualified unemployed veterans

a.       Who qualifies?

                                                               i.      At least 35 but no more than 60 years old

                                                             ii.      Be unemployed (as determined by DoL)

                                                            iii.      Have an other than dishonorable discharge

                                                           iv.      Not eligible for any other VA education benefit program (for example: Post 9/11 GI-Bill; Voc Rehab)

                                                             v.      Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability

                                                           vi.      Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program

b.      Limits?

                                                               i.      45,000 participants during 2012 fiscal year

                                                             ii.      Up to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012 – March 31, 2014

                                                            iii.      Up to 12 months of full-time payment under Montgomery GI-Bill – Active Duty

1.       Currently pays:  $1,473/month

                                                           iv.      Applications are submitted through DoL and paid by VA

                                                             v.      Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program offered by:

1.       Community College

2.       Technical school

                                                           vi.      Program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-college Degree, or Certification that trains the Veteran for a high demand occupation

Source:  GI-Bill webpage

For more information and updated information please see:

GI-Bill Facebook page

VOW Fact Sheet

VOW FAQs 

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