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Veteran Readiness and Employment

Careers and Employment

Learn more about employment benefits

Veterans Counseling

One-on-one counseling is a key benefit for Veterans and service members provided by VA’s employment services program. If you are eligible, you will be assigned an advocate who coordinates all services — education, employment, medical care, and more — to keep you on track to meeting your employment and training goals, every step of the way.

Veteran Readiness and Employment Benefits

For transitioning service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities, finding and keeping employment can be a challenge. Through VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program, you may benefit from one-on-one support, counseling, and training to boost your skills and build your career. Dependents may also qualify for vocational counseling services if they meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility and Entitlement

Active Duty service members:

  • Expect to receive an honorable discharge on separation from active duty.
  • Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services.
  • Obtain a memorandum rating or proposed Integrated Disability Evaluation System rating of 20 percent or more from VA.
  • Have an established employment handicap resulting from a service-connected disability or qualify under the National Defense Authorization Act.

Veterans:

  • Have an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge.
  • Obtain a VA service-connected disability rating or memo rating of 10 percent or more (for Veterans rated 10 percent, a serious employment handicap is also needed to establish entitlement).
  • Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services.
  • Have an established employment handicap resulting from a service-connected disability

How to Apply for VA Veteran Readiness and Employment Services

Eligibility

Some benefits may also be used by active service members, reservists, and National Guard members as well as eligible spouses, children, and survivors of Veterans and service members. Consult the VA benefits booklet or visit the nearest VA regional office for character of discharge requirements and more detailed information.

Page last updated on August 7, 2023

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