This page offers a guide to job-search and career resources and programs for disabled Vets.
If you are a disabled American military Vet, regardless of rank, including senior and junior military officers, and looking for assistance or online resources to help you find a job, you’re facing a huge and bewildering maze of services, websites, agencies, tools, etc. spread across the country. The fact is, there are many people eager to help you, many agencies and websites to assist you in finding Vet jobs. You’re not on your own in tackling this problem. However, with so much information, so many resources, where do you start?
Herewith we offer our best attempt to make your research a little easier and less frustrating.
In Part I we provide a quick introduction to the main VA and US Department of Labor programs, in a Q&A format. Part II offers a comprehensive listing of the best online resources, formatted for easy keyword searching or browsing. If you’re an American disabled veteran, including senior or junior military officer, in need of employment assistance or other help you’ll find programs and services across the USA, both government and private, listed here. It’s as close to being a complete listing as we could make it.
Use CTRL-F to search page.
PART I – GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS
You should become familiarized with the following two Veterans Administration agencies and the services they provide –
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) – Operates the VA healthcare system, including the VA hospitals, the Vet Centers (counseling centers), and provides all the healtcare services available to you.
The VHA is required by law to provide eligible veterans hospital care and outpatient health care services that are defined as “needed.” – which means care or service that will promote, preserve, and restore health. This includes treatment, procedures, supplies, or services. The process of qualifying for this treatment is described later in this article.
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) – Manages all the federal benefit programs, such as Disability Compensation and Disability Compensation, as well as vocational rehabilitation services, life insurance, educational assistance, and home loan programs, among others.
The VBA administers the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, which assists veterans who have service-connected disabilities with obtaining and maintaining suitable employment. Independent living services are also available for veterans with severe disabilities who are not currently ready to seek employment. Additional information is available at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre.
For an in-depth discussion of the VHA, VGA, and government benefits available to vets, click here.
Questions & Answers
First, who exactly qualifies as a disabled vet?
Technically you’re a disabled veteran if you’ve applied for disability benefits from the VA and had your application approved. Even if you’re getting VA healthcare you’re not “officially” a disabled vet until the VA says so. To get that to happen you must go through the steps the VA prescribes to have your condition officially recognized. This process is covered later in this article.
What are the main federal government programs for unemployed disabled vets?
1. Veterans Readiness & Employment Service (VA)
2. Veterans Employment Training Service (US Dept of Labor)
What is the VA’s Veterans Readiness & Employment Service?
VR&E, also called the Chapter 31 program, helps disabled vets prepare for and find suitable jobs. Note this program is for all disabled vets, including senior and junior military officers and including those who are so disabled they are unable to work.
Here are some of the services it provides —
— Vocational counseling
— Job training
— Job-search assistance
— Apprenticeships at local companies
— Educational/vocational training
— Rehabilitation services
— Independent living services for severely disabled vets
How do I participate in the VR&E?
To participate you need a non-dishonorable discharge and a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% or a memorandum rating of 20%.
Generally you have 12 years to apply from your date of separation (though there are exceptions).
What happens after I apply to participate in the VR&E?
You’ll be scheduled to meet a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) for an evaluation.
Your VRC will determine if your disability meets minimum requirements for the program, and if it does, he/she will work with you to develop an employment plan. This may involve getting training, writing a resume, taking advantage of vet preference in government hiring, exploring corporate job placement opportunities, and many other possibilities.
What if I’m found to be ineligible?
If you’re found ineligible the VRC will refer you to other services which will help you, such as state vocational rehabilitation programs, US Department of Labor programs, and local, state, and federal agencies providing services for disabled vets seeking employment.
What financial benefits am I owed by the government as a disabled veteran?
If you have a disability (injury or disease) contracted while on active duty, you are due financial benefits from the government tax free – your VA Disability Compensation – which range from somewhat above a hundred dollars a month to several thousand. There is no time limit for applying. And there are other potential benefits you may be eligible for, including —
— Vocational rehabilitation to train for a new career
— Long-term care
— Preference in government hiring
— Help in starting a business
How do I apply for VA Disability Benefits?
Filing for benefits can be quite complicated, as the VA will require documentation of your military service and proof that your disability is attributable to that service. Although you can apply online it’s strongly recommended that you take advantage of the free assistance provided by veteran service officers made available by the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, among others. Most states also have Veteran Service Officer Programs. Since the application can be technical and difficult to complete correctly, this assistance is crucial – don’t pass it up and apply on your own.
What’s involved in filing for VA Disability Benefits?
To be eligible you must be a US military veteran or an active service member about to be discharged in the near future. You must have a disease or disability and there must have been an incident during your active service which caused the disease or disability. To apply, you or your veteran service officer must file VA For 21-526, the Veteran Application for Compensation and/or Pension, obtainable at www.va.gov/vaforms. You’ll also need your DD214, separation or discharge documentation, and copies of your medical records and evidence of your disability (among other records and documentation, depending on the case). Note your disability may have been contracted due to direct military service, or it may have merely been aggravated during your service (e.g., you had a preexisting condition).
How do I make a PTSD Claim?
It’s now easier to make a Post-Traumatic Stress claim than it used to be, thanks to some VA streamlining of the process. You no longer need to provide evidence of the specific traumatic event that caused your PTSD, as long as you have a PTSD diagnosis from a VA psychiatrist or psychologist. During your evaluation you will be assigned a “percentage of disability” by the doctor or psychologist. For example if your symptoms are mild you may receive a 10% disability rating. (Note if you are unable to work you may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.) F
What if the VA denies my Claim?
VA denials are often overturned on appeal. Your next step after a denial is usually to file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with the VA. You have one year to file your appeal. If this is also denied you can file Board of Veterans Appeal – this one can be complicated, and it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of a disability attorney at this point.
What is the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) and how does it help disabled vets?
VETS, which is a US Department of Labor program, provides job-search assistance for vets through its network of One-Stop Job Centers.
At your local One-Stop you’ll work with a VetRep counselor who will help you identify local employment opportunities and training options, as well as workshops on job-hunting skills like interviewing, resume-writing, and using job-search resources.
What laws protect disabled vets seeking employment?
At the federal level there are two such laws, as follows —
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
This law prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants on the basis of their military status or military obligations. It also protects the reemployment rights of individuals who leave their jobs to serve in the military.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA prohibits an employer from treating an applicant unfavorably in hiring because he/she has a disability. So it is illegal, for example, to refuse to hire a vet because he/she has, or has had, PTSD or any other disability.
Who are some of the main private organizations (Veteran Service Organizations, etc.) offering assistance to disabled vets?
1. American Legion
2. Veterans of Foreign Wars
3. Disabled American Veterans
4. AMVETS
5. Paralyzed Veterans Association
6. Blinded Veterans Association
7. Military Order of the Purple Heart
8. Vietnam Veterans of America
9.Non-commissioned Officers Association
10. Military Officers Association of America
PART II —
PORTAL WEBSITES, DIRECTORIES & RESOURCES FOR DISABLED VETS
1. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
2. STATE, COUNTY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
3. PRIVATE SECTOR RESOURCES
For QUICK SEARCH: Just press Control-F on your keyboard*
*Command-F for Apple
1. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
The Veterans Crisis Lines connect Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
Disabled Vets Affirmative Action Program
Explains the Federal Energy Department’s program for hiring vets
VA Disability Compensation
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran, including senior and junior military officers, because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service.
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program
DVOP specialists provide intensive services to meet the employment needs of disabled veterans and other eligible veterans, with the maximum emphasis directed toward serving those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, including homeless veterans, and veterans with barriers to employment.
Employer Assistance & Resource Network (EARN),
U. S. Department of Labor – A nationwide cost-free referral and technical assistance service for employers providing jobs for Veterans. EARN connects employers who have job vacancies to employment service providers who have direct access to job-ready individuals with disabilities. EARN also provides technical assistance to assist employers in locating appropriate organizations and information as they seek to hire qualified candidates with disabilities. 1-866-Earn Now or 1-866-327-6669 (V/TTY)
Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Program
The purpose of the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern Procurement Program is to enable government agencies to set acquisitions aside for exclusive competition among service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Disability Insurance Benefits
Employer, state, federal, workers comp and veterans disability insurance benefits describ
VA Benefits Payment Rates
Displays compensation rates for vets at least 10% disabled
Disability.gov
The federal government’s one-stop Web site for information of interest to people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers, and many others.
Work for the VA
Learn about opportunities working for the Veterans Administration
Center for Women Veterans
New resource from the VA to help women vets locate services and benefits.
Returning Service Members
Learn about the numerous benefits the VA provides to returning service members
Disabled Veterans Application for Readiness & Employment
VA form to apply for vocational rehabilitation to be submitted to the nearest VA office..
El Paso County Veterans Services
Find help applying for government education and employment assistance,disabled Veterans benefits and other local and VA benefits, as well as assistance in applying for jobs for Military Officers and other vets.
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services – Veterans Services
Provides information on educational benefits and employment programs available to Ohio Veterans.
Old Pueblo Community Services – Oasis House
Provides transitional housing, clinical, and supportive services for Veterans. Focuses on employment and future permanent housing needs after graduating from the programs.
King County Veteran Services
Find resources for housing, employment, counseling, case management and benefits in King County.
Veterans Inc.
Veterans can receive case management, housing and employment and training services at several New England facilities.
MAC-V
Serves Minnesota homeless and at-risk Veterans with emergency assistance, transitional housing, independent living homes, and employment services.
Arkansas Department of Career Education – Veteran Services
Offers career training programs that help Veterans living with disabilities to prepare, start and retain employment.
Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania
Provides essential housing, employment and other vital supportive services to eligibleVeterans, Service Members and their families.
Rains County Veteran Services
Contact the County Veteran Service Officer for assistance filing state or federal VA claims. This individual can also provide information and resources for Veterans and their families
Hidalgo County Veterans Service
Provides assistance to Veterans, including senior and junior military officers, their dependents and surviving spouses in any manner related to the VA.
Clinton County Veterans Service Agency
Provides advice and assistance with state and federal benefits for veterans and surviving family members including: disability claims, burial markers, pensions, domiciliary care, real property tax exemption, employment, VA medical, transportation to medical appointments help finding suitable vet jobs, and more.
Assists homeless Veterans and their families with connecting to the Metrocare Efficiency Apartments Supportive Housing Program and Dallas Shelter Plus Care Housing Program.
Cooke County Veterans’ Services Office
Find contact information for the Cooke County Veterans’ Service Officer who can assist with providing information and applying for VA benefits both state and federal.
Texas Veterans Leadership Program
A Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) resource and referral network that works to connect returning Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, including those with service-connected disabilities, with the resources and tools they need to reintegrate into civilian life and employment.
Inyo-Mono Veterans Service Office
Assists Veterans and their dependents in obtaining federal and state benefits.
Franklin County Veterans Service Office
Find information and assistance in applying for federal and state VA benefits as a qualified Veteran or surviving family member.
Contra-Costa County Veterans Services Office
Assists Veterans and family members with applying for state and federal benefits along with referrals to city and county social services and Veteran/military non-profit resources.
Connecticut Veteran Employment Services
Wisconsin Veterans Employment Service
Minnesota Veteran Employment Services
VA Veterans Employment Services in Florida
California Employment Development Department Services for Veterans
Arizona Rehabilitation Employment Services
Nevada Office of Veterans Services
Illinois Veterans Outreach Program
Alaska Job Center Network Veterans Services
Kansas Veterans Benefits – Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
Maryland Veterans Services
Indiana Veterans Service
PART I — PRIVATE SECTOR RESOURCES
Disabled American Veterans
Advocates for disabled vets. “Each year we assist with more than 300,000 claims to obtain needed benefits through 100 offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.” A major, vitally important resource for disabled vets in search of jobs for military.
Helps you figure out how your military experiences and training translate in the civilian sector.
Provides valuable services to homeless Veterans, including transitional housing, health care assistance, and employment counseling.
Hiring Our Heroes
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative works with 1,600 chambers nationwide to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment through hundreds of career fairs in communities –
Resume writing, networking, and entrepreneurship resources are available.
Veterans and military spouses can access guidance and support for job seeking, career development and personal challenges from experienced veterans, spouses, career mentors and military-friendly employers.
Disabled Veterans National Foundation
Offers a wide variety of programs and services to assist disabled vets, including those in search of jobs for veterans.
Veterans.jobs – A Service of the Direct Employers Association
Helps military personnel transitioning from active duty find employment opportunities in the civilian workforce. Use the website or enter your MOC plus dot-jobs (jobs) into your browser to locate civilian occupations requiring the same or similar skills as your previous job in the military.
Homeless Veteran Employment Assistance Guide for Service Providers
Resource to assist government agencies, community-based organizations, social workers, case managers and others who are helping homeless Veterans prepare for and obtain employment.
Aletheia House Veterans Services
Provides comprehensive services for male and female homeless Veterans, including those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and including senior and junior military officers. Services include employment training and placement, transitional housing, meals, transportation, and linkages to VA services.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
An information and referral service that provides information on job accommodations for people with disabilities. It also includes resources for technical assistance, funding, education and services related to the employment of people with disabilities and referrals to companies wishing to hire military. To learn more about JAN, visit the Web site or call: 1-800-526-7234 or 1-800-232-9675(V/TTY).
National Resource Directory
https://www.nrd.gov/
Connects disabled vets and other service members and their families with thousands of resources.
General Services Administration (GSA) program helps service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses work with the federal government.
Cal Vet
Helps connect Veterans and their families to employment, education, housing, health, and other benefits and services through links to federal, state and local government resources, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors.
Veterans’ Business Outreach Center
Helps create, develop, and retain Veteran-owned small business enterprises
Provides services to homeless Veterans through the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program, which offers help with job search, resume development, housing referrals and claims assistance.
Homes for Disabled Veterans is a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization that is dedicated to providing new homes, rebuilt homes, and modifications on existing homes for severely disabled veterans that will allow easier access to common functions that are custom suited to their individual needs and requirements.
Disabled Veterans Rest Camp
A Minnesota campground open to all military, veterans that have been Honorably discharged, their families, and sponsored friends. The campground has a wide variety of recreational activities for the entire family, to include camping (cabins, tents, and RV sites), boating, fishing, tubing, swimming, softball, volleyball, horseshoes, canteen, children’s game room, and a spacious YELLOW RIBBON PAVILION for parties, gatherings, and picnics.
Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Program
The purpose of the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern Procurement Program is to enable government agencies to set acquisitions aside for exclusive competition among service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Blinded Veterans Association
An organization of blinded veterans helping blinded veterans. Through our service programs, regional groups, resources, and advocacy
Homeless Veterans Fellowship
Offers transitional housing, a drop-in center, and employment services to help homeless Veterans.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Advocates for better health care and benefits, aid paralyzed vets in the search for careers, , and provide a path to adventure through adaptive sports.
Employment Laws – Disability & Discrimination
Fact sheet provides information regarding the federal laws that protect individuals with disabilities, including disabled Veterans, from discrimination in employment and the job application process.
Operation: Job Ready Veterans – Crane Learning and Employment Center
Provides disabled Veterans the education and support programs they need to re-enter the workforce and be successful. Connects Vets with companies which seek to hire military and former military.
National Association for Black Veterans
Provides advocacy on behalf of black Veterans to assist active and retired Servicemen and women with benefits, claims, employment and military-related services.
Return to Work (R2W)
Provides disabled Veterans and civilians career counseling, training and job placement services.
Chambers County Veteran Services Office
Provides assistance with understanding and applying for state and federal VA benefits. Contact the local county Veteran service officer for referrals and direct assistance as a Veteran or surviving family member.
St. Leo Campus for Homeless Veterans – Catholic Charities
Serves homeless and disabled Veterans by providing transitional housing, medical care, a garden, a resource center for job placement and benefits screening
Veterans’ Business Outreach Center
Helps create, develop, and retain Veteran-owned small business enterprises. Provides entrepreneurial training through workshops and the internet, counseling, technical assistance, and resource utilization services to Veterans, service-disabled Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members, and Active Duty business owners and start-up entrepreneurs in the Southeast Region.
St Patrick Center
Provides employment and housing services for homeless Veterans in St. Louis
Marine for Life
Provides assistance to transitioning Marines with employment, Veterans benefits, education and community information, links to service organizations and more
Columbus House – Harkness House Transitional Housing
Find information on transitional housing programs. Provides housing, employment skills, meals and mental health services for Veterans
Arizona Coalition for Military Families
Serves all Service Members, Veterans, their families with community and employment resources.
Cal-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association
Provides access to information about education and employment to improve the quality of life for Veterans of the Armed Forces and other branches of services who have a spinal cord injury or disease.
Volunteers of America – Veteran Housing in Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho
Provides Veterans with transitional, single family housing and employment, medical, education, legal and other support services.
American Corporate Partners
Helps Veterans transition from the armed services to civilian employment through mentoring, career counseling and networking with professionals from corporations. Provides referrals to companies with jobs for military veterans.
Hawaii One-Stop Career Centers
Vocational and employment services with priority job opportunities offered to Veterans.
The Veterans Enterprise Training & Services Group (VETS)
Assists, fosters, and promotes enterprises that create entrepreneurial, procurement, and employment opportunities and provides community outreach, business development, technical assistance, training, mentoring, counseling, and other supportive services.
Blinded Veterans Association Field Service Program – Regional Resources
Field representatives counsel blinded Veterans and their families, link them to rehabilitation training and assist in locating employment.