Getting back to work, for those who are able, can be an important part of building a full life after an injury or disability.
For many of us, having a job provides a sense of purpose and a way to care for ourselves and our families. For Veterans living with disabilities, it’s no different. Getting back to work, for those who are able, can be an important part of building a full life after an injury or disability.
Read this article to learn about some of the important programs and resources available to help you get back to work and find an employment opportunity that meets your needs.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program – VA’s VR&E program offers a wide range of employment services to help you return to your former job, gain education or training for a new job, start a business, or live more independently. Support may include resume development, job skills coaching, additional education, assistance with employment accommodations, and much more. Explore your eligibility for the program and learn how to apply for VR&E benefits and services in person, by mail, online or with help from a trained professional.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Employment Program – DAV’s employment program works to support and empower Veterans with disabilities who are ready to rejoin the workforce. RecruitMilitary partners with DAV to sponsor job fairs (both in-person and virtual events) to connect Veterans with employers who are committed to hiring them. DAV’s website also includes a list of companies seeking Veterans, and a job search feature so you can tailor your search to meet your needs.
DAV’s Patriot Boot Camp provides Veterans who are interested in starting a business with access to mentors, educational programming, and a community of experts and peers to help them innovate, build and grow impactful businesses. Register with DAV’s program for no fee and a representative will call you within seven to 10 business days to begin exploring your employment options.
Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work Program – SSA’s Ticket to Work program offers free training for Social Security Disability recipients ages 18-64 who want to work. You can still receive disability benefits while you explore employment, receive vocational rehabilitation services, and gain work experience. Ticket to Work service providers such as Employment Networks or State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies can help Veterans access meaningful employment through career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, job training and more. Learn more about the program, verify your eligibility or get started by calling the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842, or check out the frequently asked questions on their site.
U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Career OneStop – CareerOneStop has a wealth of resources for workers with disabilities. Explore their website to find job postings, guidance on interviewing, help understanding your workplace rights and much more. CareerOneStop’s Veteran and Military Transition Center has resources and support designed specifically for disabled Veterans, including employment training, financial help and job search matching.
DOL’s American Job Centers found in more than 2,000 locations provide a range of free services to job seekers. Employment services include career counselors who can assess your skills and provide advice on jobs, recruiting events, and workshops on resume′ writing and interview skills. Other services include resource rooms with free internet, available information specific to workers with disabilities, and more. Call 1-877-348-0502 to find an American Job Center near you, or visit their website.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – JAN offers free, confidential guidance on workplace accommodations you may need to ensure you get the most out of your employment experience. If you feel your disability is preventing you from meaningful work, use JAN to explore your workplace rights and the workplace accommodations you may need to help you thrive. JAN has a long list of accommodations for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, limb loss and more, and you can call and chat with an expert about specific questions as well.
State Vocational Rehabilitation Offices – State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Offices can help you tap into several resources related to employment for people with disabilities. Your state’s VR office can help you find and train for employment that matches your needs, conduct local job searches, and more. Each state has its own rules about eligibility for these free services, so you’ll need to contact your state’s vocational rehabilitation office to learn more.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Veterans Career Program – PVA’s Veterans Career Program provides free employment support and vocational counseling assistance to all Veterans, transitioning Service members, spouses and caregivers. The Veterans Career Program offers individual support for a range of employment services including searching for employment, using networking strategies, and crafting an effective resume. Other services include obtaining necessary accommodations at work and much more. Fill out your information on their website to learn how to get started.
Finding meaningful employment isn’t out of reach. These resources can help you gain the support you deserve to return to work when you’re ready.