Quick answer
Vocational rehabilitation (VR) can include vocational and other training, including advanced education, when appropriate to individual rehabilitation needs and the individualized plan for employment (IPE). A degree’s availability under the rules is different from approval of that degree, school, or expense in a particular case.
What to do
Identify the employment outcome and the credential or skills it requires.
Compare relevant programs, costs, accessibility, timing, and other suitable routes.
Ask which costs are proposed for the IPE and which require separate authorization.
Apply for relevant grant assistance with agency help as needed.
Obtain a written funding decision before making a financial commitment you cannot cover yourself.
Limits and deadlines
34 CFR 361.48(b)(6) requires maximum efforts by the agency and individual to obtain grant assistance for higher education. It does not say that every requested degree must be paid for.
State payment rules and individual circumstances matter. This guide does not promise reimbursement for a purchase already made.
Background, examples & sources
Documents to gather
- Program requirements and itemized costs
- Employment or credential requirements
- Financial-aid information
- IPE and purchase authorizations
Fictional example
A person considering a technical certificate compares two accessible programs and asks for written decisions on tuition, required software, and books before enrollment.
Free official help and a next step
Ask your state vocational rehabilitation agency for its Client Assistance Program (CAP). CAP offers independent help; California and Nevada official starting points are linked below.
Use the related worksheet to organize your questions. I can also help you organize documents or prepare for an authorized administrative process; see Consumer Advocacy under Services. This educational guide does not file anything or create a client relationship.
Official information
- 34 CFR 361.48(b)(6): Training services (Federal regulation)
- 34 CFR 361.50: Individualized service and payment policies (Federal regulation)
- California CAP: Disability Rights California (Official assistance)
- Nevada VR and CAP (Official assistance)
Last source review: 2026-10-09 · Primary-source review complete for the stated scope
eCFR Title 34 current through October 8, 2026; primary sources checked October 9, 2026
Your next step
Reconcile tuition and education payments — free worksheet.
Free help with vocational rehabilitation disputes