Transitioning out of uniform can be stressful, whether you are separating after a single enlistment or retiring from 20 or more years of honorable service. Feeling uncertain about the future, whether regarding job opportunities, finances, or healthcare, is normal and natural. Fortunately, a wide range of resources is available to assist service members and their families in planning for a successful transition. To make your transition easier, the Real Warriors Campaign partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs to produce this article.
Explore resources listed in our Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (https://benefits.va.gov/transition/) opens in a new window on va.gov portal. These resources introduce you to the VA and related initiatives designed to assist with the transition to civilian life. To get you started we answer a few of the most common questions from veterans and their families.
If you served on active duty for at least 24 months you likely qualify. Veterans with other than honorable discharge are eligible for some benefits like mental health services. The VA’s Veterans EligibilityVA’s Veterans Eligibility opens in a new window on va.gov covers in detail the exceptions to eligibility criteria - as sometimes exist for bad conduct, other than honorable, and dishonorable discharges.The minimum duty requirement of 24 months may not apply in a variety of circumstances, including if you were discharged for a service-related disability, hardship, or "early out," or if you served before Sept. 7, 1980. As a result, the VA encourages all veterans to apply. Visit the VA's Veterans Eligibility (https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/) web page for more detail.
For benefits questions call 877-222-VETS (8387). You can also contact or visit your local VA facility. If you are in a crisis, call the Military & Veterans Crisis Line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line/): **dial 988 and press 1**.
To apply, complete VA Form 10-10EZ Enrollment Application for Health Benefits (https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/VA%20Form%2010-10EZ.pdf) opens in a new window on va.gov online. You can also call 877-222-VETS (8387) or visit your local VA health care facility.
Maybe. If you performed active service with pay from the federal government, you may qualify for some VA benefits. Learn more about the VA's National Guard and Reserve benefits (https://www.benefits.va.gov/guardreserve/).
The VA offers a wide range of benefits for psychological health concerns (https://tapevents.mil/Assets/ResourceContent/TAP/MLC-SEH.pdf). These include:
Learn more about the VA’s mental health resources and support (https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/).
Other VA benefits you or your family may be eligible for include:
More information is available on the VA's Active Duty Service Member Benefits web page (https://www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/).
Yes. You will receive a briefing on the Transition Assistance Program (https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/) before separating from your branch of service. The VA brief delivers information to help you craft a plan consistent with where you are in your life and career. Topics include buying a house, going to school, and starting a business.
Additional VA transition services include:
Yes, Vet Centers and enhanced VA health care services are available for combat Veterans. Combat veterans may be eligible for 10 years of enhanced VA health care, including cost-free care for combat-related conditions and emergency mental health care. These services are available (https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Eligibility.asp) through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other non-profit organizations.
Vet Centers (https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/) offer combat veterans free counseling for issues such as readjustment, PTSD, and military sexual trauma, regardless of VA health care enrollment or disability status. They also provide family and bereavement counseling, substance abuse assessment, and referrals to other VA and community services. Additionally, they offer employment assessments and referrals that can help you find a job, cope with family stress, get treatment for psychological health concerns, and more.
Vet centers are located (https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=vet_center) across the country. They are staffed by counselors who understand your experiences in uniform and can offer support that truly meets your needs.
Even if you haven't deployed to a combat theater, you may still be eligible for Vet Center services if you:
Contacting a Vet Center is easy. Locate one to visit in person or call 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387).
If you served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn, you may be eligible for additional aid and support (https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/active-duty/#enhanced-eligibility-for-returning). This includes free medical care and some dental care for any combat-related condition, for five years after the date of your discharge.
You can apply for disability compensation (https://tapevents.mil/Assets/ResourceContent/TAP/MLC-DC.pdf) 90 to 180 days before you separate (https://veteran.com/intransition-program/). The VA's Benefits Delivery at Discharge program ensures that you begin receiving the help to which you are entitled – whether for physical wounds or invisible wounds like posttraumatic stress disorder — promptly upon separation.
Finally, remember that transitioning can be stressful and take proactive care of your physical and psychological health. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact the Psychological Health Resource Center 24/7 to confidentially speak with trained health resource consultants. Call 866-966-1020 or visit health.mil/PHRC and click “Live Chat.” You can also see below a list of key psychological health resources. .
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For additional resources, visit health.mil/RealWarriors.