VA Work-Study Improvements

Summary#

This bill changes the VA Work-Study program in several ways.

  • It allows work-study participants to do qualifying activities at State or local agencies or nonprofit organizations that would benefit veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
  • It defines the "applicable hourly minimum wages" as the highest of: the federal rate of basic pay under the General Schedule or Federal Wage System, the State minimum wage where the work is done, or the local minimum wage where the work is done.
  • It requires the Secretary to provide electronic timesheets so participants can record hours and supervisors can approve them electronically.
  • It requires the Secretary to publish, each year, information about work-study activities, including number of participants, participant demographics, descriptions of activities, wages paid, hours worked, and a list of participating educational institutions.
  • The changes apply to work-study allowance payments made on or after January 1, 2028.

What it means for you#

  • Participants may perform work at more kinds of places, including State or local agencies and nonprofits that help veterans or service members.
  • Pay must be at least the highest of the federal basic pay rate, the State minimum wage, or the local minimum wage for the work location.
  • Participants can record hours electronically and supervisors can approve those records electronically.
  • The VA will publish yearly program data that lists participation, pay, hours, and schools involved.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs or budget effects is included in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.