This valuable piece of paper empowers you to buy a house with no money down. VA interest rates are typically 1% or so higher than a conventional loan, but that’s a small price to pay for not having to provide a large amount of cash up front.

Complete VA Form 26-1880 “Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits”. If you have received a certificate in the past, it’s a good idea to have a current one in your files, as the amount of benefits change regularly. Even if you don’t plan to purchase a home in the foreseeable future, it’ll be easier to complete the form while you’re transitioning and have all your military data readily available.

This is a huge benefit to you for having served. Please take advantage of it!

Your Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) will expire 120 days after your military separation/ retirement date. Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) will be offered to you during your transition. It’s a bit more expensive than other insurance because it provides benefits for veterans and servicemembers who may not be able to get insurance from private companies due to the high risks involved in military service. You can read more about it at The Veteran’s Affairs Life Insurance .

It’s easier to get new insurance when you’re already covered, so you may want to purchase a policy before you leave the service. You can get price quotes from a variety of companies at Insurance.com.