H.R. 5965 — Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act

This section establishes a five-year pilot program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs expands eligibility for the work-study allowance under 38 U.S.C. 3485—paid to eligible VA education beneficiaries for performing qualifying work-study activities (e.g., at VA facilities or schools)—to individuals pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training specified in subsection (b) of that section on at least a half-time basis (from the current three-quarter-time requirement). All other provisions of section 3485 apply to these individuals in the same manner as to those specified in subsection (b).

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives, not later than 180 days after enactment and annually thereafter, a report on veterans participating in the VA work-study program (i.e., allowing eligible veterans to earn money toward education expenses by working at VA facilities or approved postsecondary institutions). The report must include (1) the number of such veterans, (2) the percentage who obtain a four-year degree, and (3) the number who obtain full-time employment at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This section directs that the budgetary effects of this Act, for purposes of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, be determined by reference to the latest statement titled “Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation” submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee prior to the vote on passage.