What is Chapter 31?
If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation) can help. This program—also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E—helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs.
Eligibility at a glance
Basic eligibility requirements for VR&E (Chapter 31)
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Service-Connected Disability | You generally need a 10% or higher VA disability rating and an employment handicap, or 20% or higher with an employment handicap. |
| Employment handicap | Your service-connected disability must affect your ability to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment. |
| VA Evaluation | You must complete an evaluation with a VR&E counselor to determine eligibility and your rehabilitation needs. |
| Vocational goal | You must work with your counselor to establish a suitable career or employment goal. |
| Rehabilitation plan | You and your counselor create a plan describing the education, training, and services needed to reach your goal. |
What VR&E Covers
Your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works with you to choose one of several employment-focused tracks:
Re-training / Degree Program
Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance while you complete a degree tied to your career plan.
Employment Services
Resume building, interview coaching, and job-placement assistance if you’re ready to enter the workforce now.
Self-Employment
Support for veterans pursuing an approved business plan instead of traditional employment.
Independent Living
For veterans whose disability is severe enough that immediate employment isn’t the first step services focus on independence first.
HOW TO APPLY
You apply for VR&E directly with the VA — UCF does not process the initial application. You can apply one of four ways:
Using your VR&E at UCF
Once the VA approves your VR&E benefits and assigns you a counselor, here’s how to get certified at UCF
Purchase Order Number
Each term, your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor issues a Purchase Order — officially VA Form 28-1905, “Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation” — directly to UCF’s certifying office. This document is what authorizes UCF to bill the VA on your behalf, so nothing can be certified or paid without it.
$50 campus voucher
Provides a $50 voucher for eligible campus-related purchases
Books
The VA can cover the cost of required books and supplies for approved courses.
Parking Services
The PO can be used to cover an eligible UCF parking authorization, subject to program and university requirements.
Tuition and fees
Under Chapter 31, the VA pays UCF directly — you are not billed for tuition and fees covered under your authorized purchase order, and you should not see a balance due for these charges on your student account.
What’s covered
Tuition and mandatory fees for courses matching your approved plan of study, generally up to full cost, billed directly to VA.
What’s not automatic
Courses outside your approved program, repeated courses not pre-approved, or charges unrelated to your plan of study may not be covered — confirm with your VRC before registering.
If a balance appears
Contact UCF’s certifying officials immediately — a balance usually means the PO hasn’t been received yet or a course fell outside your authorized schedule, not that the benefit was denied.
Technology & Equipment
For Chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), students at UCF, technology may be covered when it is an approved requirement of your program and authorized by your Veteran Readiness Counselor (VRC). UCF specifically lists technology requirements as an allowable use of the Chapter 31 Purchase Order when authorized by the VRC.
| Technology/Equipment | Important Information |
|---|---|
| Laptop / Computer | May be covered when required for your approved program and authorized by your VRC. |
| Required Software | May be covered when the software is necessary for your coursework or approved training program. |
| Adaptive / Assistive Technology | May be authorized when it is needed because of your disability and included in your approved VR&E plan. |
| Program-Specific Equipment | Items such as calculators, lab equipment, or other specialized technology may be considered when required for your approved coursework. |
FAQs
Contact and next steps
VA VR&E National Call Center
(800) 827-1000
Re-training / Degree Program
UCF VR&E Certifying Official
Matt Winstel
Matt.Winstel@ucf.edu
UCF MVSS Center
4127 Pyxis Lane, Ferrell Commons, Building 7E, Room 165