Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded $53.9 million to the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development under the Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States program (CFDA 84.126) on October 1, 2025. This formula grant, obligated through September 30, 2026, supports comprehensive vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for individuals with disabilities across Minnesota. The funding enables the state agency to provide individualized assessment, career planning, and targeted support services designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve employment, develop job skills, and advance their careers toward economic independence.

The award funds the operation of Minnesota's state VR program in accordance with the state's approved Unified State Plan under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The state agency administers these funds to deliver direct rehabilitation services to eligible individuals, maintain required financial and programmatic records, and ensure compliance with federal VR regulations, uniform guidance, and departmental policy directives. As a formula grant distributed through a predetermined allocation methodology, this award represents Minnesota's annual allotment based on established eligibility criteria and population needs, consistent with the standardized approach used across all 50 states and U.S. territories participating in the federal VR program.