The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) was created in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which was signed into law March 11, 2021.
Over $386 million was set aside to initiate a COVID–19 Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program that provides up to 12 months of training and employment assistance for unemployed Veterans to enter high demand occupations. However, since the inception of the program and the beginning of acceptance of students nearly nine months ago, only approximately 4,000 students have enrolled. Fewer than 700 have graduated from the program, and just over 100 veterans have been employed into the field for which they received training. Unfortunately, the program is set to expire on December 11, 2022 and not many Veterans have been able to take advantage of the program or were even aware the program existed.
To be eligible for VRRAP, you must be at least 22 years old, but not older than 66; unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic; not rated as totally disabled because you can’t work; and not enrolled in a federal or state jobs program. You cannot receive VRRAP benefits at the same time as you’re receiving unemployment benefits (including CARES Act benefits). If you are eligible for other education benefits or VR&E, you cannot get VRRAP. Some of the other education benefits or VR&E include: Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), and Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). However, you can get VRRAP benefits if you were at one time eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill but you’ve transferred all of your benefits to family members.[1]
If you are eligible for VRRAP, you could receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees, and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates. You can apply online at here.
Gardberg and Kemmerly is open for calls and online assistance and will continue to help our Veterans in any way possible, including staying up to date on programs through the VA. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, call the office at 251-343-1111 or 800-332-1529 for a free consultation. Gardberg and Kemmerly is proud to serve Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama.
[1] https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/veteran-rapid-retraining-assistance/