The short answer
Veterans and certain spouses get priority of service in all Department of Labor funded training programs, including WIOA, but must still meet each program's rules. Separating service members can qualify as dislocated workers, and military pay and VA disability payments are not counted as income for WIOA income tests.
Priority of service
Federal rules say veterans "receive priority of service in all Department of Labor-funded training programs" and that "a veteran still must meet each program's eligibility criteria" (20 CFR 680.650). Priority means that when you qualify, you get access to services and training before people who are not covered.
Who counts as a covered person
The law covers veterans, plus the spouse of (38 U.S.C. 4215):
- a veteran who died of a service-connected disability;
- a veteran with a total disability resulting from a service-connected disability, or who died while that disability was in place;
- a service member on active duty who has been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured, or forcibly detained.
Your income, counted fairly
When a program checks income, pay received while on active duty and payments from the VA for vocational rehabilitation, disability or related programs are not counted as income (20 CFR 680.650). That can make it easier to meet the low-income priority in the adult program.
Separating service members
If you are leaving the military with any discharge other than dishonorable, you can qualify for the dislocated worker program. Your notice of separation or DD-214 counts as the layoff, and you are generally treated as unlikely to return to your previous occupation (20 CFR 680.660).
Military spouses
A spouse who lost a job because the family moved for a permanent change of station can qualify as a dislocated worker, and some dependent spouses qualify as displaced homemakers (29 U.S.C. 3102(15) and (16)).
WIOA and the GI Bill
WIOA and VA education benefits are separate programs. Job centers are required to look at other funding when deciding what WIOA should pay, so a career planner may ask about your GI Bill or other VA benefits and help you decide which to use for which program. Some veterans use WIOA for a short certificate, such as a CDL, and save GI Bill months for a degree. Ask before you choose.
Where to start
- Tell the job center at check-in that you are a veteran or covered spouse, and bring your DD-214.
- Ask whether the center has a veterans' employment representative.
- Use the CareerOneStop Veteran and Military Transition Center to translate military experience into civilian occupations.
Common questions
Is there a WIOA program just for veterans?
Not within WIOA title I. Veterans use the same adult and dislocated worker programs, with priority of service. Separately, many job centers have veterans' employment staff funded by other Department of Labor grants.
Do veterans automatically qualify for WIOA training?
No. Priority of service puts you first in line, but you still need to meet the rules of the program and be found in need of training.
Does my VA disability count as income for WIOA?
No. Federal rules say VA disability payments, VA vocational rehabilitation payments and pay received on active duty are not counted as income for WIOA income tests.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. WIOA details are set by states and local workforce boards and can change; confirm with your local American Job Center before you enroll anywhere.