What Is Chapter 31 — VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment?
Chapter 31, officially called Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) since 2020, is a VA program that pays your tuition and fees directly to your school and provides a monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses while you train for a new career. It is separate from the GI Bill and designed specifically for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
2026 Monthly Subsistence Allowance Rates
VR&E pays a monthly subsistence allowance (not a housing allowance) while you participate in the program. Rates in 2026 are:
| Enrollment Level | Without Dependents | With One Dependent | Each Additional Dependent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | $749 | $948 | +$75 |
| 3/4-time | $563 | $711 | +$57 |
| 1/2-time | $375 | $474 | +$38 |
Crucially, these subsistence amounts are in addition to the VA paying your tuition directly to the school. That combination is a major financial advantage for programs with high tuition costs.
Who Is Eligible for Chapter 31?
You qualify for VR&E if you meet the following criteria.
- Service-connected disability rating: You have a VA disability rating of 10% or higher — OR — the VA has determined you have a Serious Employment Handicap (SEH), which may allow participation even with a 0% rating.
- Discharge status: You received a discharge other than dishonorable.
- Need for vocational rehabilitation: Your service-connected disability must create a barrier to suitable employment.
- Entitlement period: You apply within 12 years of your date of discharge or within 12 years of the date the VA notified you of a service-connected disability (whichever is later). This 12-year clock can be extended for severe disabilities.
Unlike the GI Bill, there is no minimum service length requirement for VR&E. A veteran discharged after 90 days with a qualifying disability may be eligible immediately.
The Five Tracks Under Chapter 31
VR&E is not just a college benefit — it offers five separate tracks based on your goals and employability.
- Track 1 — Reemployment: You return to your former employer. VR&E provides accommodations, assistive technology, and any necessary training to make that return successful.
- Track 2 — Rapid Access to Employment: You have transferable skills and need only short-term training, a resume upgrade, or job placement assistance to find civilian work.
- Track 3 — Self-Employment: VR&E supports veterans who want to start their own business. Services include business planning, training, and startup resources.
- Track 4 — Employment Through Long-Term Services: This is the college track. VR&E pays tuition, fees, books, and supplies at a VA-approved school while you earn a degree or vocational certificate. This is the track most veterans think of when they hear "Chapter 31."
- Track 5 — Independent Living: If your disability is so severe that employment is not currently feasible, VR&E provides services to help you live independently — including home modifications, assistive technology, and daily living skills training.
Chapter 31 vs. Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Choosing between VR&E and the Post-9/11 GI Bill depends heavily on your school's tuition and your housing costs.
| Feature | Chapter 31 (VR&E) | Chapter 33 (Post-9/11) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition payment | Paid directly to school (no cap for most approved programs) | Paid to school, capped at state max for public in-state |
| Monthly living allowance | $749–$948 (subsistence) | BAH E-5 w/dependents at school ZIP (often $1,500–$3,000+) |
| Books and supplies | Covered directly | Up to $1,000/year stipend |
| Entitlement | 48 months | 36 months |
| Eligibility requirement | 10%+ disability rating | 90+ days of qualifying active duty |
| Can use both? | Yes — in sequence | Yes — in sequence |
Example: A veteran attending a school with $20,000/year tuition in a city where BAH is $2,000/mo:
- Chapter 31 value: $20,000 tuition + $749/mo subsistence = ~$28,988/year
- Chapter 33 value: $20,000 tuition + $2,000/mo housing + $1,000 books = ~$45,000/year
In this scenario, Chapter 33 wins. But in a city with low BAH (below $1,000/mo) or for a vocational program not well-covered by Chapter 33, VR&E may come out ahead — especially since VR&E also covers books and fees separately with no annual cap.
Using Both Benefits in Sequence
You can use VR&E for one program (say, a trade certificate) and then use Chapter 33 for a later degree — or vice versa. They draw from separate entitlement pools. Many veterans maximize total benefit by using Chapter 31's 48 months first for vocational training, then using Chapter 33's 36 months for a degree program where the housing allowance is more valuable.
How to Apply for Chapter 31
Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 28-1900. After submitting, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will contact you to schedule an initial evaluation. That evaluation determines your eligibility and which track best fits your needs. The entire intake process typically takes 4–8 weeks.
For more information on all education and training programs, visit our VA Education Benefits overview or compare programs on our GI Bill hub page.
Key Takeaways
- Chapter 31 pays tuition directly to your school — there is no cap for most approved vocational programs.
- You also receive a monthly subsistence allowance of $749–$948 in 2026, on top of tuition coverage.
- VR&E provides 48 months of entitlement — 12 more months than the standard GI Bill.
- Post-9/11 usually provides more monthly income in high-cost cities, but VR&E wins for books, fees, and vocational training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high disability rating to qualify for Chapter 31?
No. A rating of 10% or higher qualifies you. Veterans with a 0% rating may still qualify if the VA determines they have a Serious Employment Handicap. Contact your regional VA office to request this determination.
Can I use Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 at the same time?
No, you cannot use both at the same time. However, you can use them in sequence — exhaust one program's entitlement, then transition to the other. Your VRC can help you build a plan that maximizes both benefits.
Does Chapter 31 pay for a master's degree?
Yes, if your Individualized Employment Plan (IEP) — the plan your VRC develops with you — requires a master's degree for your target occupation. Not every veteran will be approved for a master's program. Your VRC must determine it is necessary for suitable employment.
What is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)?
A VRC is a VA employee assigned to your case. They conduct your eligibility evaluation, develop your IEP, approve your school and program, and monitor your progress throughout training. You work with your VRC for the duration of your Chapter 31 participation.
Can Chapter 31 pay for tools and equipment for a trade program?
Yes. VR&E can cover tools, equipment, uniforms, and other supplies required for vocational and trade programs. These are covered separately from tuition and are not counted against your subsistence allowance.
How long does Chapter 31 take to approve?
Initial eligibility determinations typically take 4–8 weeks from your application date. Once your IEP is developed with your VRC, program approval and first payments can take an additional 2–4 weeks. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays at the start of your school term.
Ready to compare your education options? Visit the Rank and Pay Education Benefits hub for a full breakdown of every VA education program available to you in 2026.