Vocational Training for Certain Veterans Receiving VA Pension (64.123)
Program
64.123 Vocational Training for Certain Veterans Receiving VA Pension
Federal Agency
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Authorization
Public Laws 98-543, 100-687, 102-83, 102-291, 102- 568, 38 U.S.C. 1524.
Program Number
64.123
Last Known Status
Deleted 04/29/2005 (Provision has expired.)
Objectives
To assist new pension recipients to resume and maintain gainful employment by providing vocational training and other services.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments for Specified Use; Advisory Services and Counseling.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The program provides for direct payment to service providers for the entire cost of tuition, books, fees, supplies, and other services. Counseling services are provided to the individual throughout participation in the program. The training phase of the program usually may not exceed 24 months and may not generally begin after January 1, 1996. The 24-month period may be extended to allow completion of the prescribed program under certain conditions. Following training, or instead of training, the veteran may be provided up to 18 months of employment assistance. Veterans who meet certain eligibility requirements may be provided an initial supply of goods and commodities to start a business. Earnings while in a vocational training program do count as income for pension, and may affect the amount received. However, a pensioner's eligibility for health care is protected for 3 years following loss of pension benefits because of income from work or training.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Veterans who are awarded a VA pension before January 1, 1996, who are in receipt of VA pension at the time they apply for vocational training, and for whom VA determines the achievement of a vocational goal is reasonably feasible. Applications cannot generally be processed if VA received them after January 1,1996.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Veterans who are awarded a VA pension before January 1, 1996, who are in receipt of VA pension at the time they apply for vocational training, and for whom VA determines the achievement of a vocational goal is reasonably feasible. Veterans may request an evaluation to determine reasonable feasibility of achieving a vocational goal. No application can be processed if VA received it on or after December 31, 1995.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
An application (VA Form 28-8966) may be obtained from any VA office and returned to the regional office.
Award Procedure
Awards are authorized at the regional office for direct distribution to the beneficiaries.
Deadlines
Generally, a veteran must have begun a program of vocational training and employment assistance between February 1, 1985, and December 31, 1995, the official period of this temporary program. No veteran may begin training on or after August 1, 1996, unless a rehabilitation plan was prepared and signed prior to that date.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Average is 100 days.
Appeals
Available through special board. In the event of a denial of benefits, claimants are advised of their appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification of the denial. Average time for VA to process an appeal is 630 days.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
The veteran's progress is monitored throughout the training program to assure that goals and objectives of the veteran's rehabilitation plan are carried out. The plan extends throughout the veteran's training program to include, when applicable, the securing of and adjusting to employment.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
Cases: There were five cases in fiscal year 2001 and fiscal year 2002 anticipates three cases.
Financial Information
Account Identification
36-0154-0-1-701.
Obligations
(Direct Payments) FY 02 $20,000; FY 03 est $15,000; and FY 04 est $15,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Actual costs of books, supplies, tuition and fees (does not include pension allowance).
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Not published or final; "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-99-1, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The stock number is: 051-000-00217-2.
Related Programs
27.002, Federal Employment Assistance for Veterans; 53.001, Employment Promotion of People with Disabilities; 64.013, Veterans Prosthetic Appliances; 84.126, Rehabilitation Services_Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of Catalog for Veterans Benefits Administration field offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling Service (28), Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 273-7419.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Direct payment for specified use: payments are made directly to the providers of goods and services for program participants; payments include tuition, fees, books, supplies, tutoring, professional services, and medical care if not available in a VA facility.
