Other Resources
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Chapter 31)
Eligibility
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, commonly referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The VetSuccess Program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VetSuccess offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible under the Independent Living track of services.
The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E VetSuccess services may be used is 12 years from the latter of the following:
- Date of separation from active military service or;
- Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating
Note: The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines that a veteran has a serious employment handicap.
For more information please click here.
State Education Offerings
Veterans pursuing their educational goals may be eligible for “educational assistance ” in some states. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an online general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. For more information please click here.
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members.
It should be noted that each service has its own eligibility, service obligation, application process, and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. Education costs that are covered by FTA are not loans but rather money earned through a member’s service, similar to base pay.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal Student Aid plays a central and essential role in supporting postsecondary education by providing money for college to eligible students and families. The federal student aid programs are authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended. They include federal grants, loans and work-study programs. Find a brief description of each of these federal financial aid programs here.
Pat Tillman Foundation
Family and friends created the Pat Tillman Foundation in 2004 to honor Pat’s legacy and pay tribute to his commitment to leadership and service.
Upon inception, the Foundation pledged $1.25 million to Arizona State University, Pat’s alma mater, to create and endow the Tillman Scholars-ASU Leadership Through Action™ program at the W. P. Carey School of Business. The program celebrates Pat’s legacy and his extraordinary accomplishments and leadership as a student-athlete at ASU both on and off the field.
In 2008, understanding the challenges experienced by military families and the increased need for educational resources, the board of directors led by Marie Tillman, refocused its mission: to invest in veterans and military spouses through education and community. To date, 171 Tillman Military Scholars representing 32 states and attending 59 academic institutions nationwide have been awarded over $2.2 million in scholarship support.