Vocational Rehabilitation Spotlight: How is Eligibility determined?

December 15, 2025

There are so many different programs at the community, state and federal level to assist people with getting support for various aspects of their lives, and each one has an eligibility process that can cause confusion due to the similarity and overlap throughout. Knowing what goes into each program before applying can help to ease the anxiety that goes along with seeking assistance. It is important to remember that everyone living in Texas has the right to apply for services through Vocational Rehabilitation, but Eligibility is based on the following factors and is handled on a case-by-case basis.


First and foremost, there is no financial component to being eligible for services through Vocational Rehabilitation. Many individuals may require assistance in advancing in their career or maintaining their current job based off a new disability or medical condition, or through new understanding of what accommodations may be available for them. There are also many misconceptions regarding receiving Social Security Benefits based upon Disability Status, and VR has counselors with additional training to help those individuals in understanding how work could (or may not) impact their benefits.


The primary factor in Eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation is whether or nor the individual has a medical condition, mental health condition, or history of such that would qualify as a disability or barrier to their ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. Providing your counselor with any existing doctors evaluations or medical records (or at the very least their contact information and signed consent to request those records) makes the process go more smoothly. This information is used to determine where VR can best support the individual, and what services they may need based on the overall employment goal.


These records, along with the customer’s report of what their experience living with these conditions provide the counselor with a fuller picture regarding what supports the customer already has in place, what they have tried that hasn’t worked in the past, and a better idea of how VR can help in the long run.


If you or someone you know has a disability, medical or mental health diagnosis that is impacting their ability to go to work or advance in their careers, please reach out to Vocational Rehabilitation Services today!

Texas Adds Jobs as Labor Force Grows by 21,700

December 15, 2025
Texas had a total of 14,343,800 nonfarm jobs after adding 4,600 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 168,000 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,879,000 after adding 21,700 people over the month and reaching a new record high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 164,000 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas was stable at 4.1 percent. “Texas’ job market and labor force continue to grow because we have a dynamic workforce system that fosters opportunity for businesses and workers alike,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC will continue to provide the resources and support needed to keep this momentum and ensure that Texas remains a national leader in economic opportunity.” The Construction industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,300 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 2,000 jobs over the month while Other Services added 1,500. In addition, Leisure and Hospitality posted an annual growth rate of 2.2 percent in September, which was the highest of any major industry. “TWC's investments are key to the success of Texas' resilient workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III. “Training programs, apprenticeships, and child care will enable Texans to prosper in our economy.” Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Texas, the Amarillo and Midland MSAs had the lowest unemployment rates with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent, followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.4 percent. “TWC is upholding Texas’ reputation as the best state to live and work by ensuring job seekers and businesses alike have the support and resources they need to find success in our robust Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC will continue to facilitate economic growth across the state by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com .

Honoring Our Heroes: Workforce Solutions East Texas Supports Veterans at Homeless Veterans Stand Down

November 20, 2025
In Tyler, Texas, veterans are never forgotten—and on November 13, 2025, the Homeless Veterans Stand Down hosted by CampV proved that in a powerful way. The event brought together community organizations, service providers, and volunteers to honor those who have served our country, offering a day of hope, resources, and connection for veterans experiencing homelessness. Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was proud to be in attendance, providing veterans with guidance on employment opportunities, programs, and services, as well as explaining the priority of service available to every veteran we serve. Our staff met veterans where they are, listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and helping them take steps toward stability, self-sufficiency, and renewed purpose. The atmosphere was one of respect and gratitude. Each handshake, conversation, and shared smile reflected the deep appreciation our community has for those who have dedicated their lives to service. Veterans were able to connect with potential employers, learn about training programs, and explore the array of support services designed to help them rebuild their lives. Events like the Homeless Veterans Stand Down are more than outreach, they are a reminder that no veteran stands alone. They highlight the resilience, courage, and determination of those who have served, and the profound impact of a community willing to step up and support them. Workforce Solutions East Texas remains committed to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they deserve. By meeting veterans with empathy, respect, and actionable solutions, we help transform uncertainty into hope, and challenges into possibilities.  Through events like this, we are reminded that honoring our heroes is not just about words, it is about action, care, and unwavering support for those who have given so much for our nation.

Vocational Rehabilitation Spotlight: What does “Individualized Services” mean?

November 20, 2025
One key factor and benefit for individuals with disabilities in the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services when seeking employment assistance. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? One of the key factors and benefits for individuals with disabilities in going through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program when seeking assistance with employment is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? Every person who comes to VR has a different goal, a different disability, and a different life experience. This means that two people with the same diagnosis (for instance, hearing loss) may receive vastly different services. If the first person to come in with hearing loss is in their 50s, has worked in a highly physical and loud environment their entire life, and is looking to get assistance so that they can keep their current job but hear over the radio or during safety meetings, they may receive counseling related to hearing aids, as well as how to protect their existing hearing and ensure that the hearing aids they do get are able to withstand high temperatures, won’t move around when they are sweating, and ensure that they are able to dry thoroughly at the end of each day. The second person may be attending school with the goal of going into the medical field. The challenges they face would be ensuring that they can hear their instructors and may require assistance from another student as a Note Taker, different styles of hearing aids that connect directly with medical equipment such as a specialized stethoscope, or even a microphone that can be clipped to the instructor or clinician to ensure the customer can hear them properly while learning. Even when looking into who is going to provide these services, whether it be Job Placement, Medical Assistance, Assistive Devices, or Education Assistance, each customer has the right to make an Informed Choice. Your counselor will review the recommended services, go over any pros and cons, and discuss the availability of providers that have existing contracts with the agency so that the person receiving the service or item is able to make the choice that suits them best with as much information as possible, rather than having no say in how their case will go. If you or someone you know has a disability, medical or mental health diagnosis that is impacting their ability to go to work or advance in their careers, please reach out to Vocational Rehabilitation Services today!
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