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Life event

Transitioning out.
Help is here.

Separating, retiring, starting over

Start here

  1. Complete your DD-214 and VA health care enrollment within 5 years of separation.
  2. File your initial disability claim before separation if possible.
  3. Connect with your local Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office.

Benefits that apply here

Category: Healthcare
HEALTHCARE

VA Health Care Enrollment

Comprehensive medical care through VA facilities covering primary care, specialty care, preventive services, inpatient treatment, and prescriptions. Veterans are assigned to one of eight priority groups that determine copay levels.

Available with 24+ months active duty (or full period called), or qualifying discharge
Category: Disability
DISABILITY

Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)

Pre-discharge program allowing servicemembers to file a disability claim 90–180 days before separation so VA can begin processing before the member leaves the military.

Available to servicemembers 90–180 days from separation
Category: Education
EDUCATION

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

Covers tuition and fees (up to the highest in-state public school rate or a national cap for private schools), a monthly housing allowance based on BAH rates, and an annual books and supplies stipend.

Available with 90+ days active duty after 9/10/2001Up to ~$27K/yr tuitionPrivate school cap, plus housing
Category: Education
EDUCATION

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31)

Vocational counseling, job training, education, and placement assistance for veterans whose service-connected disabilities create an employment handicap. Covers tuition, books, supplies, and a monthly subsistence allowance.

Available at 10%+ service-connected disability with qualifying employment handicap~$1,029/mo subsistenceFull-time training, no dependents

Beyond the VA

Add your state in your profile to see state and community programs for this moment. You can also browse the full network.

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