Veterans Administration and Labor Offer Job Training Aid

By Andy GERO
VA and the Department Of Labor announced that unemployed veterans can apply for financial assistance to help cover the costs of job training. The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) – created as part of the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act of 2011 – hopes to retrain 99,000 vets for “high-demand” jobs.

The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to veterans who:

• Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old

• Are unemployed on the date of application

• Received an other than dishonorable discharge

• Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (i.e.: the Post – 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)

• Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability

• Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program

For more information see www.benefits.va.gov or call VA’s call center at 1-800-827-1000. Qualified vets can apply online at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov.

Due to a potential VRAP scam, it is suggested you investigate all unsolicited calls regarding your application and report them to the Federal Trade Commission, 1-202-326-2021.

Andy Gero is a life member of the VFW and the American Legion. He may be reached at Veterans Corner by mail at 4011 La Crescenta, CA 91214; email crescenta.vets@gmail.com or phone (818) 541-1336.