Leaving the military for the civilian world is a very busy time. Within that busy time it very, very important to take the time to focus on “something” that affects you and your family for the rest of your lives.
That “something” is Veterans Benefits.
Long before you ETS (End Time of Service), get-out, punch-out, or eject from the military, you really need to sit down and determine what Veterans Benefits you are owed, what benefits you qualify for, and what benefits you plan to apply for.
Ideally you will start this determination process within one year of your ETS date.
This is important for many reasons:
1. You still have nearly immediate access to all of your records to include personnel records and medical records.
NOTE: Before you leave the military, you are often told to make a copy of your records. I STRONGLY suggest you make 3 copies of all records.
(1) For the VA – Veterans Administration
(1) For your own permanent records
(1) To hand over where appropriate
2. You still carry a military ID that opens “doors” many, many times faster and easier than if you’re a civilian who’s trying to get information. In this case, military ID and status trumps civilian every time.
3. One year gives you adequate time to prepare resumes, see medical professionals, and begin any necessary application processes.
4. It can sometimes take up to one year (or more) to get approved for some programs – think submitting paperwork, submitting additional paperwork, emails and calls back and forth answering questions, VA backlogs, etc.
5. Information overload exists due to the sheer amount of information and types of benefits available. It takes time to find, research, wade through the system, and gain everything you qualify for. You really shouldn’t take the situation lightly.
Obviously starting the process one year out is an ideal situation. For those that are currently deployed and leaving the service after they rotate stateside, only a few months or less might be available for the process.
For service members in this situation, it behooves you to take full advantage of TAP (the Transition Assistance Program) while you’re there.
This is where you’ll find out about many Veterans programs, services, and benefits that are available to you before and after you leave service.
Often these benefits include, but are not limited to…
-Education Benefits
-Medical Benefits
-Vocational Services
-Transition Programs
Having said that, understand that TAP accomplishes many things although it is not the end all be all for complete veterans benefits information that tends to change often. One little pamphlet or book is hard pressed to provide information on everything.
You don’t have to do it alone. Transition coaches specialize in helping service members like you apply for the Veterans Benefits that you deserve, all while smoothing out the transition from military service to civilian status.
This one article cannot do justice to the total number of Veterans Benefits that exist. They change often and your local Veterans Service Representative or Veterans Service Officer should be able to give you an honest update. TAP is a great resource to find these individuals initially.
You may find that the sheer volume of information is a challenge. Know that digging in as early as possible, gathering and copying all of your records, and beginning all application processes will serve you and your family for the rest of your life.
If you find that your time is better spent talking to someone who is an expert at the transition process contact a Transition Coach as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.
Begin early and begin now. Thanks for your service!
