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Leaving the military

VA health care and benefits, school, work and health coverage.

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What to do first

  1. Keep copies of your discharge papers (DD214). VA and employers will ask for them.
  2. Apply for VA health care.
  3. File a VA disability claim. You can start before you leave.
  4. If you need work, apply for unemployment with your state.
  5. Look at the GI Bill for school or training.

Which state are you in?

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Answers are a guide, not a decision. In danger, call 911. In crisis, call or text 988. Your privacy

Dates that matter

These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.

  • 90 to 180 days before

    VA disability claim before you leave

    You can file a VA disability claim 90 to 180 days before you leave active duty, so a decision can come sooner.

    Source: VA.gov

Federal help

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • DOL.gov

    Unemployment for former service members

    Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX) is paid through your state's unemployment office. Apply there.

    Official page

  • VA.gov

    The GI Bill

    The GI Bill can help pay for college, job training and other schooling.

    Official page

  • VeteransCrisisLine.net

    Veterans Crisis Line

    For veterans and service members in crisis, and the people who care about them. Dial 988, then press 1.

    Official page Call 988Text 838255

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA health care

    Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

    Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.

    Apply on VA.gov Official pageCall 1-877-222-8387

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA disability compensation and benefits

    Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

    File a claim online at VA.gov or call VA. A free accredited representative can help you file.

    Apply on VA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-827-1000

  • U.S. Department of Education

    FAFSA, the federal student aid form

    One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.

    Fill out the FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov. It is free; never pay to file it.

    Apply on StudentAid.gov Call 1-800-433-3243

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    HealthCare.gov

    The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

    Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.

    Apply on HealthCare.gov Call 1-800-318-2596

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Checked on October 9, 2026