VA work-study program opens to nonprofits and local governments under HR 6011

What does this do?

HR 6011 updates the VA Work-Study program by allowing veterans to work for state or local government agencies and nonprofit organizations, provided the work benefits veterans or military members. The bill raises the pay floor to the highest of the federal minimum, state minimum wage, or local minimum wage. It also requires the VA to replace paper timesheets with an electronic system and to publish yearly program data including participation, demographics, job types, pay, and schools involved.

Who does it affect?

The bill primarily affects veterans and active-duty service members enrolled in school and using VA education benefits, along with their colleges and universities. Nonprofit organizations and state and local governments would also be affected as newly eligible host sites for work-study participants.

Why does it matter?

Expanding eligible job sites and raising the pay floor changes both the pool of veterans who may find suitable placements and the compensation those veterans receive. Annual public reporting would create a documented record of how the program operates and who it reaches.

Where does it stand?