First 90 Days Checklist

Apply for VA healthcare at VA.gov or your nearest VA Medical Center. Combat veterans have 5 years of enhanced eligibility. You can enroll even if you have other insurance.

If you did not file a Benefits Delivery at Discharge claim, file now. Gather your service medical records, buddy statements, and any private medical evidence. Consider working with a VSO for free claim assistance.

Join a VSO like the DAV, VFW, or American Legion. They provide free, accredited claims agents who can help you file and appeal VA disability claims. This service is always free.

Request your COE through VA.gov. You will need this if you plan to use your VA home loan benefit. The process is usually quick and can be done online.

Apply for your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill at VA.gov. Submit your Certificate of Eligibility request and apply to schools. Apply early -- processing takes 4-6 weeks.

Ensure your VA.gov account is active with Login.gov or ID.me. This is your portal for managing all VA benefits, claims, healthcare, education, and home loan certificates.

Most states allow you to add a veteran designation to your driver's license. Bring your DD-214 to your state DMV. This serves as proof of veteran status for discounts and services.

If enrolled in VA healthcare, request a VHIC at your local VA Medical Center. This serves as identification for VA appointments and qualifies you for veteran discounts.

Once enrolled in VA healthcare, schedule your initial appointment. This establishes your patient record and allows you to access all VA medical services including prescriptions.

If you have employer-sponsored insurance or need marketplace coverage, enroll during your qualifying life event window (within 60 days of separation). Losing TRICARE is a qualifying event.

If you have ongoing prescriptions, transfer them to the VA pharmacy (free or low-cost for most veterans) or your new civilian pharmacy. Bring your current prescription list to your first VA appointment.

VA dental benefits are limited (only for veterans with service-connected dental conditions or 100% disability). Most veterans need civilian dental coverage. Research dental insurance or discount plans.

Transition stress is real. VA Vet Centers offer free readjustment counseling without needing to enroll in VA healthcare. You can also access the Veterans Crisis Line (988 press 1) anytime.

Your dependents lost TRICARE when you separated (unless you are a retiree). Enroll them in employer insurance, marketplace plans, or CHIP for children. CHCBP provides 18 months of transitional coverage.

Use your translated resume to apply to positions in your target field. Focus on veteran-friendly employers and use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and veteran-specific sites like RecruitMilitary.

If you are not employed, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the UCX program. Apply at your state unemployment office with your DD-214. Benefits vary by state.

Register with your state's workforce agency. Many states have veteran employment representatives who provide priority job placement services and career counseling.

Hire Heroes USA provides free personalized career coaching, resume reviews, and job matching for veterans. American Corporate Partners offers free year-long mentorships.

Federal positions offer veterans preference hiring. Create a detailed federal resume (5-8 pages) and apply to multiple positions. Processing takes 3-6 months.

Ensure your LinkedIn reflects your civilian career goals. Connect with veterans in your target industry. Join veteran LinkedIn groups and engage with posts.

If you used a military bank (USAA, Navy Federal, Armed Forces Bank), you can keep your accounts. Otherwise, set up checking and savings accounts. Set up direct deposit for any VA compensation.

Once your VA claim is approved, set up direct deposit through VA.gov. Compensation is paid on the 1st of each month and is tax-free.

Update your budget to reflect your actual civilian income. Remember: civilian pay is taxed differently than military pay. BAH and BAS no longer apply.

Decide what to do with your TSP. You can leave it in TSP, roll it to an IRA, or roll it to a new employer's 401(k). Consult a financial advisor before making changes. Do NOT cash it out.

You have 240 days after separation to convert your SGLI to VGLI without a health exam. After 240 days, you must submit proof of good health. Compare rates with private life insurance first.

Many states offer property tax exemptions, income tax exclusions on military retirement pay, and other tax benefits for veterans. Check your state VA office for details.

Most states require you to obtain a new driver's license within 30-60 days of establishing residency. Bring your DD-214, military ID, and proof of new address.

Update your voter registration to your new address. You can register at your state DMV, county clerk's office, or online at vote.org.

Register your vehicle in your new state and update your auto insurance. You may no longer qualify for some military discounts but may qualify for veteran discounts.

Apply for a federal Veteran ID Card at VA.gov. This is a free, official form of identification that can be used for veteran discounts and proof of service.

Your DD-214 is the most important document you received. Store the original in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Make multiple copies and store them in different locations. Record it with your county clerk.

Update your address with the VA, DFAS (for tax forms), TSP, SGLI/VGLI, banks, insurance, and the USPS. Set up mail forwarding from your old address.

Vet Centers provide free readjustment counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat veterans and their families. No VA enrollment required. Walk-in visits welcome.

Visit your local VFW post, American Legion hall, or DAV chapter. These organizations provide camaraderie, community service opportunities, and a network of fellow veterans.

Join r/Veterans and r/VeteransBenefits on Reddit, RallyPoint, or Together We Served. Online communities provide 24/7 peer support and advice from veterans who have been through the same process.

Look for local veteran meetups, Team Rubicon service events, or The Mission Continues service platoons. Staying connected with the veteran community helps combat isolation.

Programs like American Corporate Partners, FourBlock, and Hire Heroes USA offer free mentoring. A mentor who has already navigated the transition can save you months of trial and error.