Embedded Files
VA Healthcare
VA Healthcare
VA Getting Started with Healthcare.pdfCan a SM apply for VA health care before they end their service?
Yes. You can apply once you've received your separation or retirement papers. If they determine you're eligible, you'll be enrolled once you've separated or retired.
Get registered and enrolled in VA healthcare:
Click HERE to apply, go to "Sign in to Start Application."
Service Members who remember their DS Logon credentials or have a CAC may sign in to complete the VA registration.
If there are difficulties signing in with a DS Logon, many Service Members find it easier to use the ID.me option and verify their account using an existing Gmail, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Apple ID
If an ID.me account does not already exist, selecting “Create an ID.me account” will start the process.
If you would like more info about completing the VA registration process, you can watch this video.
This process is separate and different from your Service Connected Disability process and does not impact this process.
VA Benefits & Support Services
VA Benefits & Support Services
A complete guide to VA benefits and services for Veterans, Service Members, and their families. Covers healthcare, education, employment, housing, pensions, life insurance, burials, and family support.
Why It’s Good: Serves as a complete guide to VA benefits, covering healthcare, education, employment, housing, and family support.
When to Use: Use when transitioning from active duty or anytime you need a single reference for VA benefits.
Care Coordinators at local VA facilities help Post-9/11 Veterans transition to civilian life by connecting them to VA benefits, healthcare, and community resources, including physical and mental health support.
Why It’s Good: Provides personalized guidance to access the right benefits and care during transition.
When to Use: Use when navigating benefits and healthcare options as a Post-9/11 veteran.
Local VA facilities offer comprehensive care for women Veterans, including general wellness, reproductive health, long-term condition management, mental health support, and treatment for military sexual trauma. Specialty services cover fertility, gender-specific prosthetics, and various medical specialties.
Why It’s Good: Provides tailored healthcare services for women veterans, including reproductive, mental, and specialty care.
When to Use: Use when seeking comprehensive, gender-specific healthcare through the VA.
Local VA facilities provide LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators to help Veterans access affirming healthcare, benefits, and services, and to assist with questions, concerns, or complaints.
Why It’s Good: Ensures LGBTQ+ veterans receive affirming healthcare and benefit navigation support.
When to Use: Use to access LGBTQ+-inclusive healthcare services and benefits through the VA.
Disability
Disability
Service-Connected Disability Claims
Service members and veterans can apply for VA disability compensation for conditions related to their military service. It’s recommended to start the process early—ideally 90–180 days before discharge—to take advantage of faster processing times for active-duty members.
How to Apply:
Check Application Status:
VA Claim or Appeal Status
Why It’s Good:
Accredited service officers provide free, professional assistance for accurate and efficient claims.
When to Use: Start 90–180 days before discharge to take advantage of faster processing times.
Important:
Service members and veterans should never pay anyone to file or process a VA disability claim. Accredited representatives offer these services at no cost.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance
There are several options to maintain healthcare coverage after leaving the military. It is important to review each option carefully to determine what best meets individual or family needs.
Provides 180 days of premium-free transitional health care benefits for eligible service members and their families after losing TRICARE coverage. Available to certain sponsors, family members, and active-duty service members with qualifying service-related conditions.
Why it’s good: Offers a temporary safety net during the transition to civilian life, preventing gaps in health coverage.
When to Use: Immediately after separation when TRICARE coverage ends.
A premium-based temporary healthcare program for individuals no longer eligible for TRICARE. CHCBP provides up to 36 months of continued coverage while transitioning to a civilian or employer-sponsored plan.
Why It’s Good: Acts as a bridge between TRICARE and your next long-term health plan.
When to Use: After TAMP coverage ends or when other TRICARE eligibility expires.
Provides a way to compare and purchase private health insurance plans that meet federal coverage standards. Depending on income and family size, you may qualify for financial assistance or subsidies to reduce premium costs.
Why It’s Good: Offers flexible plan options and potential savings for veterans and families.
When to Use: When you’re no longer eligible for TRICARE or VA healthcare and need private coverage.
Mental Health Support
Mental Health Support
A free, 24/7 confidential support line for all service members, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve—even if not enrolled in VA benefits. Trained counselors provide immediate support, listen without judgment, and connect callers to resources.
Why It’s Good: Provides immediate, confidential support for all veterans, service members, and reservists.
When to Use: Use in crisis situations or when urgent mental health support is needed.
Call: 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
A confidential coaching and mental health navigation program for active-duty service members, National Guard, reservists, veterans, and retirees, especially during relocations, deployment transitions, or leaving military service.
Why It’s Good: Helps connect to mental health care quickly during periods of transition.
When to Use: When moving, transitioning between duty statuses, or seeking a new mental health provider.
Check In is a free, confidential mental and brain health support program for veterans, service members, caregivers, survivors, and their families. It provides personalized guidance to licensed mental health professionals and programs nationwide, including outpatient, telehealth, and intensive in-person care options.
Why It’s Good: Offers individualized support tailored to a person’s unique needs, helping connect to professional care quickly. Care Coordinators guide participants throughout the process, from intake to ongoing support.
When to Use: Ideal for anyone experiencing stress, difficulty focusing, sleep issues, life transitions, or wanting to improve overall mental well-being.
TBI, PTSD, and Substance Use Support
TBI, PTSD, and Substance Use Support
Provides comprehensive support for veterans experiencing Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Substance Use (SA). Programs are designed to address the unique challenges of these conditions and promote overall well-being.
Why It’s Good: Offers veteran-focused, evidence-based care with peer-supported programs, individualized treatment plans, and both inpatient and outpatient options.
When to Use: When veterans need tailored care, guidance, and treatment for TBI, PTSD, substance use, or related mental health challenges.
Report abuse