Akaka: Boost job training for disabled vetsBy Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Mar 4, 2009 14:27:11 EST
Concerned that disabled veterans in an independent living program for vocational rehabilitation training may feel left out when new GI Bill benefits take effect Aug. 1, a key lawmaker proposes to increase rehabilitation benefits so veterans with service-connected disabilities will keep using the program, which offers specially tailored counseling and job-placement assistance.
Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, proposes to raise the $520 monthly stipend paid to vocational rehabilitation program participants to equal the military housing allowance for an E-5, which would make the payment similar to the living stipend that will be paid under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
There would be just one difference: The GI Bill living stipend will equal the basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents for the ZIP code of the school a student-veteran attends. Akaka proposes that the living stipend for vocational rehabilitation be equal to the national average of BAH for an E-5 based on the marital status of the participant, which means location would not make a difference and that single veterans would receive less than married veterans.
Akaka’s bill to improve benefits, S 514, also would reimburse some incidental expenses such as fees, equipment and supplies that are not currently covered by the Veterans Affairs Department.
“An example could be that of a single young mother of young children who, in order to attend classes, needs child care,” Akaka said. “Another example might be a veteran who lost both legs in service and needs a new suit in order to make the most favorable impression at the interview with a prospective employer.”
Rest of article at:
http://armytimes.com/news/2009/03/military_gibill_rehabilitation_030409w/%2e
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