Pipestone County staff say they will apply for GI Bill on‑the‑job training benefits to recruit veterans

Pipestone County staff told commissioners on July 8 they plan to apply to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program that enables veterans to receive GI Bill benefits while completing employer‑based on‑the‑job training.

A county staff member said the program would allow eligible veterans to receive a Chapter 33 (Post‑9/11) monthly housing allowance during an approved on‑the‑job training period. “This financial support up to $15,000 per veteran is paid directly to the veteran and can significantly ease their transition into civilian employment while enhancing overall job satisfaction and retention,” the staff member said.

Staff and Human Resources representatives said the county would not have a direct financial obligation for the benefits; the VA administers and funds the housing allowance and other GI Bill benefits. The county will still need to develop structured training outlines for eligible positions and secure state approval for those outlines before veterans can enroll.

Staff also noted Minnesota’s GI apprenticeship incentives: a $1,000 payment for hiring an eligible veteran and an additional $1,000 if the veteran remains employed for at least one year. County staff said two‑thirds of recent hires are already using veterans’ benefits or preferences, and that the program could be another recruitment tool.

Board members praised the effort and thanked staff for taking on the extra administrative work needed to apply and implement the program. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about eligibility and documentation; staff said veterans must have remaining entitlement under the GI Bill and that the state approval process can take time.

No formal action or vote was taken; staff said they will keep the board updated as they proceed with the application and implementation process.