Frequently Asked Questions About College and Vocational Training

What is the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR)?

The Minnesota VR Program provides services that assist people with significant disabilities to reach their employment goals.

Are vocational training and college part of VR services?

Yes. Because VR is about setting and reaching vocational goals, vocational training or college is sometimes necessary. After qualifying for VR services, a VR consumer talks with a counselor and chooses a job goal. If additional education or skill training is necessary to reach that goal, it can be approved as part of an employment plan.

What choices do I have?

You choose your own employment goal and the services needed to reach it. The choices are yours and making them is an important part of your VR planning. Your VR counselor will work to see that the choices you make are based on the best information available.

Does my plan have to be approved?

Yes. In order for VR to pay the costs of your employment plan, a VR counselor must first determine if:

It is reasonable to believe your plan will lead to a job,
The services in your plan are needed to reach your goal,
The plan is complete.

If you don’t agree with a VR counselor’s decision, ask for information about mediation and your appeal rights.

Does VR pay the costs of training?

If your approved VR employment plan calls for college or vocational training, you must apply for financial aid from the school named in your plan. VR won’t pay tuition or other educational costs until the school has processed your financial aid application. Then, if the combination of grants and payments by you don’t cover all necessary costs, VR can help with the difference.

How does VR decide if my family or I have to pay any costs?

The Minnesota VR Program uses a sliding fee schedule based on family income to determine your part, if any, in paying the costs of education or training. For more detailed information, ask a VR counselor.

What education costs does VR cover?

VR can help pay for tuition, required school fees, books, supplies, tools and other equipment. VR does not usually pay for room and board or other costs of living, although in some circumstances payment of such expenses may be approved. Limits apply to some costs. For example, payments for tuition and fees at a private college are usually limited to those charged by a Minnesota public college. VR will pay only up to that limit.

Do I have to maintain a certain grade point average?

You and your counselor will decide exactly how to measure the progress of your plan. That can include an agreement about grades. In general, in order for VR to continue funding educational services, a student is expected to:

Complete classes on schedule,
Maintain grades that are average or better, and
Maintain regular contact with VR staff.

I need help taking notes in class. Does VR pay for a note taker?

No. The Minnesota Human Rights act makes note takers, sign language interpreters, readers or other “auxiliary aids and services” for instructional communication the responsibility of your school. For more information, contact your school’s office for students with disabilities. VR does pay for or provide these services when they are needed for meetings with your VR counselor.

I am in default on a student loan. Will VR still help me?

VR cannot pay for college or vocational training until you make a reasonable repayment effort. After setting a repayment schedule with the lender, six monthly payments in a row are required before VR will pay any costs of training. Your VR counselor and college financial aid officer are good sources of information about how to get a student loan out of default.

I am a high school student in the Post Secondary Options Program. Can VR pay for those college classes?

Your high school and the Minnesota Department of Education are responsible for paying the costs of those college classes.

For More Information contact
The State of Minnesota
Rehabilitation Services – VR

In the Twin Cities Metro Area
651.259.7366
TTY: 651.296.3900

In Greater Minnesota
800.328.9095
TTY: 800.657.3973

Minnesota Relay Service
800.627.6529.

Speech-to-Speech Telephone Re-Voice
877.672.3848.

Or contact the
Minnesota Workforce Center near you.
888.GET JOBS (888.438.5627)
TTY: 800.657.3973 or 651.282.5909

On request, this information is available in alternate formats.

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