Did you know a disability could qualify you for help paying for college or career training?
Conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities may qualify when they create a work barrier and vocational rehabilitation services are needed. Explore what support could help you move toward a work goal.
The agency decides eligibility and services individually. No diagnosis alone guarantees eligibility or funding; education support requires authorization and applicable funding requirements. Official sources
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is a government-supported program that helps eligible people prepare for work, find a job, and keep or advance in employment. Services are planned around your work goal and individual needs.
You can ask about help if you are already employed, do not have a diagnosis, or are unsure whether your condition qualifies.
Explore a little further
Different organizations have different roles
The state agency administers VR. A community organization or nonprofit may provide a service, but that is not the same role as the state agency’s eligibility and funding decisions.
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides independent information and advocacy about covered rehabilitation programs. It is separate from the state VR agency and from my service. Availability of a particular service, provider, or start date is not guaranteed.
Background, examples & sources
What the support can look like
- Exploring a realistic work goal and identifying what makes it difficult to reach.
- Assessments, counseling, job-search help, and support for keeping or advancing in work.
- Training or education connected to an approved employment goal.
- Technology, equipment, communication support, or transportation when appropriate to the person’s rehabilitation needs.
Who might find this useful
You might be looking for your first job, returning after a break, struggling to keep a current job, or considering training for a different role. A disability does not have to be visible for it to affect work.
VR is focused on employment. A general wish to attend college or receive equipment does not by itself establish eligibility or payment. The next guide explains what the agency considers.
Take one manageable first step
- Write one sentence about the work or learning goal you want to explore.
- Note one or two barriers, such as reading task instructions, sustaining a work schedule, communicating, moving around, or using required technology.
- Read the eligibility introduction or contact your state agency to ask how its program might fit.
A fictional example
A person who has difficulty hearing in noisy work areas wants to keep their job. VR may explore appropriate work supports with them. The useful starting question is what barrier needs attention, followed by an individualized agency assessment.
You can start with questions
You do not need a polished career plan to make an inquiry. Bring a short description of your goal and barriers. Ask the agency which records it needs and how to share them appropriately.
Official sources
- 34 CFR 361.1: purpose of the state VR program (Federal regulation)
- 34 CFR 361.42: individualized eligibility assessment (Federal regulation)
- 34 CFR 361.48: possible services (Federal regulation)
- California DOR: vocational rehabilitation (Official agency guidance)
- Nevada: VR services and agency role (Official agency guidance)
- California: independent CAP role (Official agency guidance)
Last source review: 2026-10-10. Federal text: eCFR Title 34 displayed current through October 8, 2026. Primary sources substantively reviewed October 10, 2026. State agency information, where used, can change, including application routes and waiting-list status.
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