BajaNomad

New Benefit For Veterans That May Be of Interest To Some

Bajatripper - 11-15-2012 at 03:32 PM

Doug, although I know this topic should be in the OT section, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave it here for a bit for maximum exposure

As some know, I have recently moved back to the US to re-enter the workforce. Among government programs I have recently learned about it the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). This program provides around $1,600 a month to qualified Veterans to provide for their retraining.

Qualifying criteria:

Be unemployed.
Be at least 35 years old but not yet 60.
Have other than a dishonorable discharge.
Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program.
Not in receipt of VA compensation due to Individual Unemployability (IU).
Not enrolled in a federal or state training program.

VRAP can be used to cover expenses for the following programs:

Programs offered by a community college or technical school.
Programs leading to an Associates Degree or Certification.
Programs that train veterans for a high demand occupation.

More information on VRAP can be found at:

www.benefits.va.gov/VOW, or call 1-800-827-1000.

Funding is limited, and set to expire in 2014, so if you qualify, get that paperwork moving.

DENNIS - 11-15-2012 at 04:37 PM

I wonder if there are any achievment qualifications attached to that. I would hope so.

QUETZALCOATL - 11-15-2012 at 05:00 PM

That is great -i wasn't aware of this thank you.

Bajatripper - 11-15-2012 at 07:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
I wonder if there are any achievment qualifications attached to that. I would hope so.


Come on Dennis, you forget that Obama won re-election? This is another socialist government give-away:lol:

DENNIS - 11-15-2012 at 07:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajatripper
Come on Dennis, you forget that Obama won re-election? This is another socialist government give-away:lol:


It could be just that, Steve, if the education isn't taken seriously.

Anyway...here's a good one for you. I was internet searching for the Cal. DMV forms to get a disabled placard and plate when I came across a form for vets with a 100% service connected disability and they pay no registration fees. [I've paid a bunch of reg fees for my Jeep. Maybe it's retroactive. :lol: ]
Pretty generous....especially for California. I wonder how long it's been in place?
I'll let you know how it plays out.



.

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by DENNIS]

QUETZALCOATL - 11-16-2012 at 06:59 AM

-I'm all for the government giving back to the proud men and women who served and here I thought I'd just get a wardrobe out of the deal. So cosmetology school here I come.

Bajatripper - 11-16-2012 at 09:25 AM

While I'm tempted to apply for this program (not too many jobs out there for anthropologists with no experience), I need a real job to sponsor my Mexican family into the US, and so, sadly, will have to turn my back on this generous redistribution of wealth.

But I hope this info is useful to others, which I guess it will be for Quetzal. Good.

Bajajorge - 11-16-2012 at 09:33 AM

At least they'll be giving some free government stuff to those that deserve it.:tumble:

DENNIS - 11-16-2012 at 11:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge
At least they'll be giving some free government stuff to those that deserve it.:tumble:


I agree......as long as it's maintained by grades and appreciation. I've seen recipients of Pell Grants use the money soley for alcohol and drugs.

thebajarunner - 11-16-2012 at 05:42 PM

The only "benefit" I got was $150 cash to get back to the West Coast from Norfolk (so I hitch hiked) (that is another story altogether)

Oh, yeah there was one even better benefit,
getting back to rejoin the real world
coeds
girls
young ladies
senoritas
and did I mention co-eds??

Bajajorge - 11-17-2012 at 09:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge
At least they'll be giving some free government stuff to those that deserve it.:tumble:


I agree......as long as it's maintained by grades and appreciation. I've seen recipients of Pell Grants use the money soley for alcohol and drugs.


All government money giveaway programs have to be heavily policed for fraud.( Which to the naive is running rampant). If fraud was curtailed by a large percentage the National Debt and taxes would be greatly reduced.

vgabndo - 11-17-2012 at 03:45 PM

I've always favored re-training our vets. I personally found that my MOS as a scout/sniper got me almost nowhere on my job applications.:no::no::no:

When I maintained 12 college credits my GI Bill paid $75. a month. With that and holding down jobs at a radio station, a liquor store and the County library, I redistributed a HUGE bunch of wealth getting an AA in three years. :lol::lol:

Bajatripper - 11-18-2012 at 09:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
I've always favored re-training our vets. I personally found that my MOS as a scout/sniper got me almost nowhere on my job applications.:no::no::no:



"Almost nowhere"? In what jobs did it make a difference?:lol: