Vocational rehabilitation
State agencies that pay for training when a disability affects your ability to work.
- Who pays
- Your state vocational rehabilitation agency
- What it covers
- Tuition, books, exam, transportation, and sometimes equipment
- How fast
- 1 to 3 months
How it works
Getting vocational rehabilitation, step by step
Apply to your state agency
Every state has one. An intake meeting confirms eligibility and you get a counselor.
Build the employment plan
Training is written into an Individualized Plan for Employment. Once it is in the plan, the agency pays.
Enroll
The agency pays the school directly. Supports like transportation are added to the plan.
Who qualifies
- You have a physical, mental, or learning disability that creates a barrier to employment
- Nurse aide work is consistent with your abilities, as judged with your counselor
Know before you go
- Eligibility is generous but the process is slow. Start early.
- Texas has the smoothest process of your first three states. Georgia and Florida take longer.
Featured
Featured vocational rehabilitation
The sources students use most in this category.
Vocational rehabilitation, answered.
Does ADHD or a learning disability count?
Often yes, if it is documented and affects work. The counselor decides.
Not sure this is your route?
Tell us your county and situation and we text you the best one or two.