Rex says
Money math without the spreadsheet headache. Plug in your numbers and I'll show you exactly where the dollars land.
Try a scenario
Click to load — tweak from there.Inputs
Result
Estimated monthly subsistence allowance
$1,073.11
Estimated annual amount (12 months)
$12,877
Base rate for intensity/dependent tier
$1,073.11
Extra for additional dependents
$0.00
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How to use this
- 1Enter training intensity.
- 2Enter dependents.
- 3Enter additional dependents beyond 2.
- 4Read your estimated monthly subsistence allowance on the right — it updates as you type.
- 5Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone.
About this calculator
VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program (Chapter 31) pays eligible veterans with a service-connected disability a monthly subsistence allowance while they pursue an approved training or education plan, on top of covering tuition, books, and supplies. The subsistence rate depends on training intensity (full-time, three-quarter, half-time) and dependency status (no dependents, one dependent, additional dependents), and it's set on a schedule that's updated periodically, generally tracking somewhat below but structured similarly to Post-9/11 GI Bill housing rates. This calculator applies the standard subsistence allowance rate table by training intensity and dependent count to give you a realistic monthly income estimate while in a VR&E program, useful for budgeting since VR&E students often stack this with other income sources or a part-time work-study role.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Training intensity: Full-time
- Dependents: No dependents
- Additional dependents beyond 2: 0
Results
- Estimated monthly subsistence allowance: $1,073.11
- Estimated annual amount (12 months): $12,877
- Base rate for intensity/dependent tier: $1,073.11
- Extra for additional dependents: $0.00
What each field means
Inputs
- Training intensity
- Pick the option that matches your situation — the maths changes per option. Choices: Full-time, Three-quarter time, Half-time.
- Dependents
- Pick the option that matches your situation — the maths changes per option. Choices: No dependents, 1 dependent, 2+ dependents.
- Additional dependents beyond 2
- The additional dependents beyond 2 used in the calculation. Starts at 0 so you have a working example on load. Accepted range: 0–10.
Results
- Estimated monthly subsistence allowance
- Returned as a money amount in US dollars and shown as the headline result. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
- Estimated annual amount (12 months)
- Returned as a money amount in US dollars. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
- Base rate for intensity/dependent tier
- Returned as a money amount in US dollars. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
- Extra for additional dependents
- Returned as a money amount in US dollars. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
FAQ
Is VR&E subsistence allowance the same as GI Bill BAH?
No, they're separate programs with separate rate tables. VR&E's subsistence allowance is generally lower than Post-9/11 GI Bill's BAH-based housing rate for the same location, though VR&E offers additional wraparound services like counseling, case management, and sometimes assistive technology that the GI Bill alone doesn't provide.
Can I use VR&E and the GI Bill together?
Generally no for the same period of training — you typically choose one program's benefits for a given enrollment, since VR&E already covers tuition and fees directly. Some veterans strategically use GI Bill for a No that isn't covered and VR&E where it offers more support, but you can't double dip on the same course during the same term.
Does the subsistence rate change over time?
Yes, VA updates the subsistence allowance rate table periodically (not always annually on a fixed schedule the way GI Bill BAH is), so the rates used here are representative and should be checked against VA's current published rate chart for your specific enrollment date.
What is training intensity based on?
It's based on your course load relative to a full-time course load at your specific school (credit hours or clock hours), not a fixed national number, so what counts as full-time varies by institution and program type, and your VA counselor certifies your enrollment intensity each term.
Accuracy and limitations
- Results are estimates before tax, fees, and inflation unless an input explicitly covers them.
- Rates are treated as fixed for the whole period — variable-rate products will drift from this projection.
- This is educational maths, not financial advice. Check anything contractual with the lender or your accountant.
Related tools
Cite this calculator
Writing about this topic? Grab a citation — every link helps keep these tools free.
RevenueLab. (2026). VA VR&E Subsistence Allowance Estimator. Retrieved from https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/chapter31-va-vre-stipend
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/chapter31-va-vre-stipend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VA VR&E Subsistence Allowance Estimator — RevenueLab</a> (2026).</p>
Source: [VA VR&E Subsistence Allowance Estimator — RevenueLab](https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/chapter31-va-vre-stipend) (2026).