Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) is a program that helps people with disabilities find or keep a job. This program focuses on helping you get a meaningful job or career. Their goal is for you to get a job you want and paid at least a minimum wage. Your needs determine specific services.

Eligibility

You are eligible if:

You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI); or
You have a disability that makes it hard to get ready to work, find a job, and keep it. VRS considers how the disability affects you and if services can help.

After your application is submitted, VRS has 60 calendar days to decide if you are eligible.

Students should apply for VRS at the beginning of 11th grade. If you have an IEP or 504 plan, contact the VRS counselor assigned to your school.

You can also apply if you are an adult who is not in school. You must attend a VRS orientation at your local Minnesota Workforce Center or VRS office. You must fill out an application.

Find your local Workforce Center at careerforcemn.com/locations or call 888-GET-JOBS (888-438-5627).

VRS cannot always help everyone eligible for services. There are limited resources. Federal law requires first helping people with the most severe disabilities. There may be a waitlist.

VRS Counselors

VRS counselors help develop an Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE). The plan helps identify work goals, service needs, and who provides services.

Counselors will make sure your IPE is:

Complete;
Provides services needed to reach your goals; and
Leads to a job.

Meet with you to determine progress on the plan.
Offer a list of community partners that can provide additional services.

Services Provided by VRS

Job Preparation

Informational interviewing and career exploration
Interest and ability testing
Vocational evaluation and planning
Career counseling and guidance

Find a job

Support in searching and applying for jobs
Job counseling
Job placement

Support for keeping a job

Job-site assessment and accommodations
Assistive technology and devices

Additional VRS Services through Community Partners

Medical and psychological testing
Work experience while still in high school
Training and education after high school
Skills training. This may include:

On-the-job training
Formal classroom education

Job coaching
Supported employment

Payment

Your gross income determines how much you pay for certain services. VRS has a specific process for determining how much you may pay for services.

There is no charge for services if you receive SSI, SSDI, General Assistance (GA), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or have limited income.

Free VRS services:

Counseling
Vocational evaluations
On-the-job training
Job coaching

VRS can help pay for:

Tuition
Books and school supplies
Equipment and assistive technology
Fees

After you find a job, VRS services may continue for 90 days. After this time, VRS will close your case. You or your guardian may think you need extended services. You will need to register with a provider that offers extended employment services.

Appeals

You have the right to appeal. Reasons for appeals:

Eligibility decisions
Service denial
Denial of a chosen service provider

Resources

For further information or advocacy services, contact The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494 or visit www.arcminnesota.org. (Please note: This document is not legal advice. No information should replace the advice of an attorney.)