State calling on employers to hire veterans as part of training program

Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler is encouraging employers in the state to hire veterans as part of an “experience-based” On-The Job (OTJ) Training and Apprenticeship (APP) program that was established under the GI Bill that pays eligible, newly-hired veterans up to $13,212 in tax-free supplemental income over two years.

Commissioner Wheeler says that National Guardsmen and reservists are also eligible to apply for the program if they are “under a six-year contract” or qualify for the Reserve Educational Assistance Program or the Post-9/11 GI Bill (i.e., have been called to active duty for at least 90 consecutive days since September 11, 2001). He adds that spouses and dependents of veterans with a 100 percent VA disability rating can also apply.

Commissioner Wheeler explains that the payments are made directly to the veteran or applicable family member as a “salary supplement.” He says the beneficiary must work 30 hours or more per week while being supervised in an entry-level job to qualify for the payment, stressing that employers must complete a simple application as a first step (click on the link below for details).

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service’s State Approving Agency is responsible for approving OJT/APP program applications. Go to www.sdvs.georgia.gov or contact Larry  Edwards at 404.656.2306 or saaga@vs.state.ga.us for an application or additional information.