This bill has advanced since we wrote our summary.
Current stage on Congress.gov: Introduced in House.
The VA runs a work-study program for veterans using education benefits, but the types of jobs allowed and the pay structure haven't kept up with the times. This bill would expand the kinds of work-study activities veterans can do to include any work at a state, local government, or nonprofit that benefits veterans or service members. It would also raise the minimum pay so veterans earn at least the higher of the federal minimum, their state minimum, or their local minimum wage. On top of that, the VA would be required to let participants log their hours electronically and publish annual data on the program, including demographics, wages, and hours worked. These changes would take effect starting January 1, 2028.
Congressional Summary
VA Work-Study Improvement Act This bill modifies certain pay and eligibility requirements under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study program, including minimum wage and timesheet requirements. The bill expands the list of qualifying work-study activities to include state government, local government, or nonprofit organization activities that would benefit veterans or members of the Armed Forces. The bill also modifies minimum wage requirements under the work-study program. Under the bill, the hourly minimum wage paid under the work-study program must be the higher of (1) the minimum rate of basic pay for any federal employee (under the general schedule or federal wage system pursuant to specified regulations), (2) the hourly minimum wage in the state where the services are to be performed, or (3) the hourly minimum wage of the local government with jurisdiction over the area in which the services are to be performed. Additionally, the VA must ensure that (1) an individual participating in a qualifying work-study activity may electronically record such hours, and (2) the supervisor may electronically approve such records. Finally, the VA must annually publish specified information regarding qualifying work-study activities carried out during the year, including the demographics of individuals participating in the program.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-11-10
- Date Added
- 2026-04-09
- Source
- Congress.gov →
Like reading a bill in plain English?
We're building an app that does this for every bill in Congress and lets you tell your reps how you want them to vote. We're a small team getting ready to launch, and we're trying to show investors that real people want this. Be one of them. Help us get it built. Leave your email and we'll tell you the moment the app is ready.