VA Vocational Rehab Subsistence Allowance Calculator
What Is the VA VR&E Subsistence Allowance?
The subsistence allowance is a monthly payment for eligible veterans who are enrolled in a full-time VR&E training program.
The program is managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under Chapter 31 benefits. Its goal is simple: help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment.
If your training requires you to live away from home, the allowance helps pay for:
- Food
- Housing
- Utilities
- Other basic living costs
It is important to know that this benefit is non-taxable. You do not report it as income on your federal tax return.
Who Qualifies for the Subsistence Allowance?
Not every VR&E participant receives the same payment. Your eligibility depends on your training type.
You may qualify if:
- You are enrolled in a full-time program
- Your training requires you to live away from home
- You are not hospitalized
You generally do not receive the subsistence allowance if:
- You are in a part-time or home-based program
- You are hospitalized during training (the VA covers room and board directly)
Your VRC makes the final determination.
How the Vocational Rehab Subsistence Allowance Calculator Works
The calculator estimates your payment based on three main factors:
- Your training situation
- Your training location
- Your total household size
Let’s look at each one.
1. Training Situation
The calculator includes three options:
Full-Time Program (Living Away from Home)
This is the standard situation. If you must relocate or live away for school or training, you may qualify for the monthly allowance.
This is the most common scenario where payments apply.
Full-Time Program (Hospitalized)
If you are hospitalized, the VA usually covers your room and board directly. In this case, you typically do not receive the subsistence allowance.
Part-Time or Home-Based Program
If you are studying from home or attending part-time, you usually do not receive the subsistence allowance because you are not required to relocate.
2. Training Location
Location has a big impact on your monthly allowance. Costs vary across the country, so the VA sets different rate tables.
The calculator includes:
- Continental U.S. (Standard Rate)
- Continental U.S. (High-Cost Metro Area)
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- U.S. Territories (such as Puerto Rico or Guam)
High-cost areas and states like Alaska have significantly higher monthly rates.
For example:
- A single-person household in a standard U.S. area might receive around $921 per month.
- The same household in Alaska could receive around $1,476 per month.
These differences reflect higher living costs.
3. Household Size
Household size includes:
- You
- Your spouse
- Any dependent children living with you during training
The larger your household, the higher your estimated allowance.
The calculator supports household sizes from 1 to 7. If your household is larger than 7, the system applies the maximum listed rate and advises you to confirm with your VRC.
Example Calculation
Let’s say:
- You are in a full-time program away from home
- You are training in a high-cost metro area
- Your household size is 3
The calculator would:
- Select the high-cost metro rate table
- Use the rate for a 3-person household
- Display both monthly and annual estimates
If the monthly rate is $1,847, your estimated annual allowance would be:
$1,847 × 12 = $22,164
The tool also provides:
- Tax status (non-taxable benefit)
- A brief analysis of your situation
- A reminder to confirm with your VRC
What the Calculator Does Not Do
It is important to understand the limits of any online calculator.
The Vocational Rehab Subsistence Allowance Calculator:
- Uses standard rate tables
- Provides estimates only
- Does not guarantee payment
- Does not replace official VA approval
The final decision is always made by your VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Rates are updated annually. Local office practices may also affect payment timing or adjustments.
Why This Calculator Is Helpful
Planning your finances during training can feel stressful. Rent, groceries, and childcare add up fast.
This calculator helps you:
- Estimate monthly income during training
- Compare living costs across locations
- Plan a relocation if needed
- Prepare questions for your VRC
It gives you clarity before making major decisions.
Important Next Step
After using the calculator, contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) and confirm:
- Your official rate
- Your approved training status
- Any additional benefits you may qualify for
Never make financial commitments based only on an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VR&E subsistence allowance taxable?
No. It is a non-taxable benefit.
Does household size really affect the payment?
Yes. The allowance increases with each additional dependent, up to the maximum rate.
What if my household is larger than 7 people?
The calculator applies the highest available rate. You must confirm with your VRC for exact figures.
Do part-time students receive this allowance?
Usually no. The benefit generally applies only to full-time programs requiring you to live away from home.