Veterans enrolled in Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) often ask one core question before committing to a rehabilitation plan: How much does VR&E pay each month in 2026?
The answer depends on your training type, training time, and number of dependents, but the good news is that the Chapter 31 subsistence allowance is tax free and paid on top of VA disability compensation.
“VR&E is designed to remove financial barriers while veterans retrain, retool, or transition into suitable employment,” said by a VA vocational rehabilitation official.
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This guide explains the official 2026 VA VR&E pay rates, how payments are calculated, how VR&E compares to the Post-9/11 GI Bill housing allowance, and what veterans need to know to maximize benefits.
What Is VA VR&E (Chapter 31 Voc Rehab)?
Veteran Readiness and Employment, commonly called Voc Rehab, is a VA program under Chapter 31 that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, and keep suitable employment. When employment is not feasible, VR&E may also support independent living.
Depending on your approved plan, VR&E may provide:
Core VR&E Services
- Tuition, fees, books, and required supplies
- On-the-job training, apprenticeships, and work experience
- Career counseling and job placement assistance
- Independent living services for severely disabled veterans
“Chapter 31 is not just an education benefit. It is an employment and independence program,” explained by a VA vocational rehabilitation counselor.
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Alongside these services, most veterans receive a monthly subsistence allowance, which helps cover basic living expenses during training.
2026 VA Chapter 31 Subsistence Allowance
Key Program Details
- Program: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Chapter 31
- Benefit: Monthly subsistence allowance
- Effective dates: October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026
- Adjustment: 2.5 percent CPI increase
- Tax status: Tax free
“The VR&E subsistence allowance is intended to help veterans focus on rehabilitation without financial strain,” said by a VA benefits policy specialist.
2026 VR&E Institutional Training Pay Rates
College, University, Trade School, and Nonpaid Work Experience
| Training Time | No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents | Each Additional Dependent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $812.84 | $1,008.24 | $1,188.15 | $86.58 |
| Three-Quarter Time | $610.76 | $757.28 | $888.32 | $66.60 |
| Half Time | $408.66 | $506.32 | $595.16 | $44.42 |
| Quarter Time | $204.30 | $253.20 | $297.59 | $22.16 |
These rates apply to colleges, universities, vocational schools, and certain unpaid or nominal-pay work experiences in government or tribal agencies.
2026 VR&E Nonpay Government OJT and Home Training Rates
Full Time Only
| Training Time | No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents | Each Additional Dependent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $812.84 | $1,008.24 | $1,188.15 | $86.58 |
This category includes nonpay government on-the-job training, training in the home, rehabilitation facilities, and instruction with independent instructors.
2026 VR&E Paid Apprenticeship and OJT Rates
Farm Co-Op, Apprenticeships, and Other Paid OJT
| Training Time | No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents | Each Additional Dependent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $710.67 | $859.43 | $990.47 | $64.41 |
“VA ensures that a veteran’s training wage plus subsistence allowance does not exceed the normal journeyman wage,” explained by a VA education regulation advisor.
How to Calculate Your 2026 VR&E Payment?
Your monthly VR&E payment depends on:
Key Calculation Factors
- Training time
- Training type
- Number of approved dependents
“Dependents can significantly increase monthly VR&E pay, especially for full-time training,” said by a VA education benefits specialist.
Example 1: Full-Time College With Two Dependents
- Training type: Institutional
- Dependents: Spouse and one child
Monthly VR&E allowance: $1,188.15
Example 2: Full-Time Paid OJT With One Dependent
- Training type: Apprenticeship
- Dependents: Spouse
Monthly VR&E allowance: $859.43, plus wages paid by the employer.
Example 3: Full-Time College With Three Dependents
- Base rate for two dependents: $1,188.15
- Add one additional dependent: $86.58
Total monthly allowance: $1,274.73
VR&E vs Post-9/11 GI Bill Housing Allowance
Some veterans eligible for both Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 may choose to receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill housing allowance instead of the standard VR&E rate.
Key Differences
- VR&E standard rates are nationwide
- GI Bill housing rates vary by ZIP code
“In higher-cost housing areas, the GI Bill housing allowance can exceed standard VR&E payments,” said by a VA education comparison analyst.
Veterans must formally elect the higher option through their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Who Qualifies for VR&E and 2026 Pay Rates?
Basic Eligibility
- Discharge other than dishonorable
- At least a 10 percent service-connected disability rating
- Completion of a VR&E evaluation
“Eligibility depends on how service-connected disabilities affect employability, not just the rating percentage,” explained by a VA vocational counselor.
Final Thought
The 2026 VA Chapter 31 pay chart confirms that VR&E remains one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans with service-connected disabilities. With tuition coverage, career services, and a tax-free monthly allowance, VR&E offers real financial stability during rehabilitation.
“Understanding your VR&E pay options allows you to make smarter decisions and maximize long-term success,” said by a VA veteran employment advisor.
FAQs
Are 2026 VR&E payments tax free?
Yes. The VR&E subsistence allowance is tax free.
How often do VR&E pay rates change?
Rates adjust annually on October 1 based on inflation.
Do dependents increase VR&E pay?
Yes. Each approved dependent increases the allowance.
Is the GI Bill housing rate always higher than VR&E?
No. It depends on location and training type.
When do the 2026 VR&E payments begin?
Payments for October 2025 training usually arrive in early November 2025.
