H.R. 6011 — VA Work-Study Improvement Act

This section expands and improves the VA work-study program, which provides eligible veterans, service members, and dependents an additional educational assistance allowance (paid at the applicable minimum hourly wage for up to 25 hours per week times the number of weeks in the enrollment period) for performing qualifying work-study activities at VA facilities, schools, or other approved locations. Specifically, it (1) adds as a qualifying activity any work at a state or local government agency or nonprofit organization that benefits veterans or service members directly or indirectly; (2) redefines the applicable hourly minimum wage as the higher of the federal General Schedule or Federal Wage System minimum rate, the state minimum wage, or the local minimum wage where the work is performed; (3) requires electronic timesheets for recording and supervisor approval of hours worked; and (4) directs the VA to annually publish data on program participants (including numbers, demographics, activities, wages, hours worked, and participating institutions). The amendments apply to work-study allowance payments made on or after January 1, 2028.