VA, Service member benefits and the transition from active duty

Service Members Separating Or Retiring From Service | Veterans Affairs Skip to Content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely. Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now Service members separating or retiring from service Some VA benefits and programs are time sensitive. Find out which benefits and programs you should consider as you prepare to separate or retire—and in your first year out of service. Get connected with mental health care—no matter your discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA health care If you need support for a specific mental health problem—or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian life—you aren’t alone. And we can help. You can use some VA services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care. Find out how to access VA mental health services To access free VA mental health services right away: Call or walk in to any VA medical center —anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours. Find your nearest Vet Center Call us at . We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: . You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. Learn more about accessing VA mental health services To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members: Visit the Defense Department (DOD) Military OneSource website Visit our mental health site for transitioning service members 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 More helpful information and resources Answer a few questions about your goals and experiences and we’ll help you find benefits you may want to apply for. The spouse, dependent children, and caregivers of Veterans or service members may qualify for certain benefits and support, including health care, life insurance, or money for school. Vet Centers offer confidential help in a non-medical setting for needs such as depression and PTSD. They can also connect you with more support in VA and your community. Last updated: June 18, 2026 Explore your career options and learn how to access the VA benefits you've earned. Message us Call us VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000 VA.gov technical support: 866-279-3677 MyVA411 main information line: 800-698-2411 Telecommunications Relay Services (using TTY): 711 Get updates Follow us Last updated: June 18, 2026