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!

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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026

The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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 . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .