Back-to-School with VA Support: What Chapter 31 (VR&E) Can Help You Pay For

If you’re a Veteran with a service-connected disability and heading back to school, we’ve got good news: the VA’s Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program may cover more than just tuition. Think school supplies, tech, or uniforms. That means less out-of-pocket spending and more opportunities to save your own money for what really matters, whether that’s building your emergency fund, paying down debt, or covering everyday essentials. 

What Is Chapter 31 VR&E? 

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, often called Chapter 31, is a benefit for Veterans with service-connected disabilities that helps prepare them for employment or independent living. It provides support like job training, higher education, and career counseling. 

If your approved VR&E plan includes school or technical training, it can also help cover the essential (and expensive) supplies that come with being a student again without putting a dent in your savings goals. 

Learn more directly from the VA: 👉 VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Overview 

Who Is Eligible? 

To access these benefits, you must: 

• Have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, and 

• Be working with a VA-assigned VR&E Counselor on an approved education or employment plan 

These benefits are not automatically available to all student Veterans. For example, if you’re using only the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 35, these VR&E-specific supports likely don’t apply. 

Eligibility Details: 👉 VR&E Eligibility Requirements 

What VR&E May Cover (With Counselor Approval) 

If your training plan includes school or job certification, here are the back-to-school costs VR&E may help cover: 

School Supplies

• Notebooks, pens, planners, calculators, and more 

• Usually provided via a purchase order (PO) from your counselor 

💻 Educational Equipment

• Laptops, printers, scanners, external hard drives, and specialized tech 

• Must be approved in advance and tied directly to your coursework 

👕 Specialized Clothing

• Lab coats, chef’s uniforms, steel-toe boots, protective gear 

• Covered when required for training; general clothing is not covered 

📚 Books and Course Materials

• All required textbooks and materials listed on your syllabus 

• Counselors often send POs to the bookstore or order materials directly 

Parking and Transportation

• Some schools work with the VA to cover parking passes 
• Transportation support may be available if needed to attend training 

How to Access These Benefits 

1. Connect with your VR&E counselor  They’ll work with you to understand your school’s requirements and what’s needed. 

1. Get pre-approval before making any purchases  Never buy anything out-of-pocket expecting reimbursement without official permission or a purchase order. 

1. Provide documentation  Supply lists, syllabi, and course descriptions can help justify your requests. 

1. Follow your counselor’s instructions  Whether the VA orders items directly or reimburses you, following their process is essential. 

Apply for VR&E Benefits:

 Apply for VR&E 

Real Talk from the Veteran Community 

Across forums, school veteran offices, and online communities, we consistently see this advice echoed by Veterans using VR&E: the process works best when you stay proactive. Whether you're requesting school supplies or asking about transportation support, it’s important to ask early and follow up often. Every request requires counselor approval, and timelines can vary based on location, vendor availability, and the type of item. Keeping in regular contact with your counselor, having documentation ready, and knowing what your school requires can make a big difference in getting what you need, when you need it. 

🔗 Helpful Links 

• VR&E Program Overview: VA.gov – VR&E Program 

• Apply for VR&E: VA Application Portal 

• Find a VA Regional Office: VA Facility Locator 

• Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for VR&E 

Quick Checklist 

Before you shop for back-to-school supplies, ask yourself: 

• Do I have a VA service-connected disability rating? 

• Am I working with a VR&E counselor? 

• Is my educational program part of an approved training plan? 

• Have I requested approval and/or a purchase order? 

• Do I know which items the VA will order directly and which I might need to pay for first? 

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Take the Veteran Saves Pledge to commit to a savings goal that’s right for you and let us support you every step of the way.