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Waitlist for VR Services

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has a waitlist for services. We will serve people with the most significant disabilities first, according to their application date. This page explains how to apply for VR services and how the waitlist works.

  • If you are currently getting services, you will continue to receive those services without interruption.
  • If we determined you are eligible but are not getting services, you are added to the waitlist.

We know waiting to receive services can be stressful. If you need food, cash, medical care or other help, visit our homepage or 211info.

Frequently asked questions

First, you need to contact us about getting VR services. Learn about the app​lication and eligibility process.

If you are eligible for services, we will assign you a priority category. Your priority category and the date of your application will determine when we can serve you. You can check this page to find out if we have started serving your category.

  • Priority category 1: People whose disability creates a substantial barrier to employment in three or more areas (listed in the Application and Eligibility section).
    • ​​​We will serve people in this list in order of who applied first when space opens up.
  • Priority category 2: People whose disability creates a substantial barrier to employment in at least one area.
    • We will begin serving people in this list only after everyone in Priority 1 has been served.
  • Priority category 3: People who are eligible for VR, but whose disability does not present any substantial barriers to employment.
    • We will begin serving people in this list only after everyone in Priority 1 and 2 has been served.

When we remove you from the waitlist, we will send you a letter with the date and time of your appointment with a VR counselor. You will have five business days to confirm or ​change your appointment.

We’ll use the information you shared with us in your intake meeting to determine you​r eligibility. Within 60 days of that meeting, we will notify you of your priority category.

We don’t have a way to predict your wait time. When funds are available, we will releas​e you from the waitlist based on your priority category, and then on your date of application. If you are in Priority category 2 or 3, your wait time could be longer.

If your disability changes, or if you would like to share more information about your disability, please call your local VR office​. You can also find contact information in your Notice of Eligibility letter.


You should share this information during your intake meeting. If you have concerns about your job after the intake meeting, contact us. You can find our contact information in your Notice of Eligibility letter, or call your local VR office​.


If you disagree with your priority category assignment, you should contact us to share why you think we should change it. You can find our contact information in your Notice of Eligibility letter, or call your local VR office.

If you still disagree with the decision, you have options. Visit the Complaints or Problems page​ to learn more.

We are using a waitlist because:

  • More people are seeking VR services.
  • Our program has a limited budget.
  • Our funding has not increased to meet these needs.

Federal law requires us to follow a specific process to determine who will receive services when there isn’t enough money to serve everyone who is eligible. It's called "Order of Selection." The law requires us to prioritize people who most need ​our services.

Learn more about Order of Selection​.​

We will work with state and federal lawmakers a​nd community partners to explore options to get more funding. That may allow us to open the waitlist and serve more people.

  • The Oregon Department of Human Services has programs to help older adults and people who receive food or cash benefits find a job. See our Get Help Finding a Job page.
  • WorkSource Oregon has one-stop career centers around the state.
  • The Oregon Employment​ Department​ is also a resource​ for job seekers.
  • 211info​ may have more employment resources near you.​
  • People receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a disability or blindness automatically qualify for the federal Ticket to Work program. You can receive employment services through ​a designated Employment Network Provider.

Students with disabilities between ages 14 and 21 may qualify t​o receive pre-employment transition services while they are enrolled in high school or post-secondary education, even while on the waitlist for VR services.