In his Jan. 25 State of the Union address, President Obama spoke at length about the continuing high unemployment rate in our country and how advances in technology over the years have contributed to job losses. If memory serves, I believe he mentioned a steel plant that once employed 1,000 people; but today, as the result of technological innovations, just 100 individuals work at that same plant.

A few months ago, I wrote on this website about the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation program and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Since that time, I met a young man while I was hospitalized at my local VA Medical Center who is a participant in the VA’s Work-Study Program. I could tell by his cheerfulness and positive demeanor that he was not just involved, but uplifted by his participation in the Work-Study Program.

Veterans and eligible Department of Defense “Transfer of Entitlement” recipients may be eligible for VA’s Work-Study Program if they are training, or in school at the three-quarter rate of pursuit or higher. In simpler terms, this program is pretty much for full-time students/trainees. The DOD Transfer of Entitlement status can be made available to spouses and/or dependents of active duty military personnel on or after August 1, 2009, but DOD and the military services—not VA—must approve all requests for this benefit.

The Work-Study Program means working at a VA facility and receiving hourly wages. Students in this program are supervised by a VA employee, and all duties performed must relate in some way to the VA.

What types of jobs are included? One could be assisting with patient care at a VA hospital or domiciliary care facility. Working at national or state veterans’ cemeteries or holding down a job at a VA Regional Office would also qualify. Processing VA paperwork at schools and other training facilities, and any other VA-approved work activity can qualify you for this Work-Study Program.

So, if you are an eligible veteran or DOD “T.O.E.” recipient, and you are back in school or in an approved training program, the VA Work-Study Program could help you to support yourself and your family while you improve your level of education.

I was back in my local VA Medical Cnter for a few days in mid-January, and I saw that young man who I mentioned above just briefly. Basically, we exchanged “how ya doin’s?” He was as gregarious as when we first met last September, working as a Nursing Assistant and going to school to become a Registered Nurse. Along with his paycheck, I’m pretty sure he receives a good amount of personal fulfillment, too.

Terry Moakley
Chairman
VetsFirst Board of Directors