Service members separating or retiring from service

As you prepare to separate or retire

• If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your service, learn how to file a disability claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program. This may help speed up your claim so you can get your benefits sooner. You’ll need to file 180 to 90 days before separation.
  Open to active-duty service members (including active-duty Guard members and Reservists)

• Learn about your health care options after separation or retirement and how to apply for VA health care when you receive your separation or retirement orders. If you’re a combat Veteran, apply right away to take advantage of 10 years of enhanced eligibility.
  Open to active-duty service members and Veterans only

• The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the move from military to civilian life.
  Required for transitioning service members, with some online courses open to Veterans and family members

Within the first year after you separate or retire

• You don’t have to wait to get started with mental health support. Find out how to get support for a specific mental health problem or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian life. You can access some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care.
  Open to service members and Veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve)

• If you served on active duty for 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War era, you may be eligible for a one-time free dental exam. You’ll need to apply for VA health care within 180 days of discharge. If you meet other eligibility requirements, you may also qualify for more dental care. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply now.
  Open to active-duty Veterans only

• You can convert your SGLI policy to a Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) or commercial policy. You’ll need to do this within 1 year and 120 days of separation. If you convert to VGLI within 240 days, you don’t need proof of good health. Learn how to convert your policy and find out about other life insurance options if you have a service-connected disability.
  Open to service members and Veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve)

• If you have certain chronic (long-lasting) conditions that started within 1 year after discharge, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Eligible conditions include high blood pressure (hypertension), arthritis, diabetes, or peptic ulcers. Find out if you may be eligible and how to file a claim.
  Open to service members and Veterans who served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

• Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), or VA Chapter 36, offers free educational and career guidance, planning, and resources to Veterans and their dependents who are eligible for VA education benefits. Apply between 6 months before discharge and 1 year after discharge.
  Open to service members and Veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve)

• Be sure to connect with your Solid Start representative. Our representatives will connect with newly separated service members starting at 90 days post-separation to help you build a solid start to your civilian life.
  Automatic for all service members after separation

More benefits you can use during service

Tools and resources to help you apply for and manage your benefits