Student Veteran Work-Study Pilot

Summary#

This measure creates a five-year pilot program run by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand eligibility for the VA work-study allowance. It would let people pursuing rehabilitation, education, or training count half-time attendance toward work-study eligibility instead of the current higher student-time requirement. The bill says the same rules in 38 U.S.C. 3485 should apply to these individuals except for the three-quarter-time requirement. It also requires the Secretary to send an annual report to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees with specific data about participants. Finally, the bill directs that PAYGO budget effects be determined by a statement from the House Budget Committee chairman if that statement is available before a vote.

What it means for you#

• Student veterans or others in VA-approved rehabilitation, education, or training programs who attend at least half the rate of full-time study could become eligible for the VA work-study allowance during the pilot.
• The pilot would run for five years from its start date.
• The VA must report yearly on how many veterans use work-study, the share who complete four-year degrees, and how many get full-time employment at the VA.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on specific dollar amounts or estimated costs appears in the text. The bill says budgetary effects for PAYGO purposes will be determined by reference to a statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" submitted by the House Budget Committee chairman, if that statement is available before the vote.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.