Guides
How to sign up, step by step.
Official portals only. Keep the matching video open if the form gets stubborn. Filter by soldiers, veterans, or getting out.
Getting out
How to sign up for VGLI / SGLI conversion
If your VGLI is current, VA is skipping premiums November 2026 through January 2027. If you are still converting from SGLI, the deadline did not take a holiday.
Open the guideGetting out
How to sign up for DD-214 / DD214-1 records
Guard and Reserve now get a Certificate of Uniformed Service addendum with points. It is not a substitute for a regular DD-214. Get both. Store both.
Open the guideIdentity
Create your VA.gov account
Every VA website and the VA Health and Benefits app now signs in with Login.gov or ID.me. My HealtheVet and DS Logon passwords no longer open the door.
Open the guideIdentity
Install the VA Health and Benefits app
The same verified account that opens VA.gov also opens the official app: claims, appointments, refills, secure messages, letters, and payment history in your pocket.
Open the guideSoldier → Veteran
Start the claim before you take the uniform off
Benefits Delivery at Discharge, TAP, and the VA.gov account are the handoff. Waiting until you are a civilian is how evidence walks away.
Open the guideGetting out · TAMP
TAMP is 180 days of transitional TRICARE. Then a cliff.
If your service documents Transitional Assistance Management Program in DEERS, you get 180 days of TRICARE with no premium. Day 181 needs a next plan: TRS, TRR, VA health, or civilian.
Open the guideGray area
20-year letter, no paycheck yet.
Gray-area retirees have a Notification of Eligibility and have not started non-regular retired pay. No regular retiree TRICARE until 60 (or reduced age). You can still buy TRR and often FEDVIP dental.
Open the guideGray area · TRR
Buy TRICARE Retired Reserve in milConnect
TRR is premium-based coverage for Retired Reserve members under 60 who are not FEHB-eligible. 2026 published rates: $645.90 member / $1,548.30 family. Enroll through Beneficiary Web Enrollment.
Open the guideLife insurance
SGLI while you serve. VGLI on a 240-day clock.
Check SGLI, FSGLI, and the beneficiary in milConnect now. After separation, SGLI runs 120 days free. Apply for VGLI within 240 days with no health questions, or out to 1 year and 120 days with proof of health.
Open the guideDental
TDP, FEDVIP, VA dental — pick one door
Active duty uses the clinic. Selected Reserve buys the TRICARE Dental Program. Gray-area and many retirees buy FEDVIP dental on BENEFEDS. VA outpatient dental is a limited class, not a default.
Open the guideHousing
Get a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility
The COE is the federal housing benefit. Homeowners, wind, and flood insurance are civilian policies you still shop. I do not sell USAA.
Open the guideRetiree · paycheck started
Reenroll retiree TRICARE (Prime or Select)
Retirement disenrolls Prime. You have 90 days to enroll Prime, Select, or US Family Health Plan — recut from TRICARE.mil Retiring. Miss 90 days and you may request retroactive enrollment up to 12 months. This is not TRR. I will not file it.
Open the guideGetting out · after TAMP
Buy CHCBP when TRICARE ends
The Continued Health Care Benefit Program is a premium bridge for 18–36 months after you lose TRICARE or TAMP. You must buy it within 60 days. DD Form 2837 to Humana Military with 90 days paid up front. Recut from TRICARE.mil. I will not file it.
Open the guideRetiree · survivors
Elect the Survivor Benefit Plan
Retired pay stops when you die unless SBP is in force. The election is part of retirement processing — DD 2656 — with spouse concurrence rules. Recut from militarypay.defense.gov. I will not file it.
Open the guideFamily · spouse school money
Apply for the SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA)
Up to $4,000 for a license, certification, or associate degree. Recut 2026: eligible spouses of active duty, Guard, and Reserve on qualifying Title 10 — across ranks. Portal on Military OneSource. I will not file it.
Open the guideGray area · survivors
Elect RC-SBP within 90 days of the 20-year letter
Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan is a 90-day clock from the Notification of Eligibility. If you do nothing and you have a spouse or child, the law enrolls Option C. Army recut 2026: submit DD 2656-5 in IPPS-A. I will not file it.
Open the guideGray area · paycheck
Apply for Reserve retired pay
Retired pay does not start itself. Submit 9 months to 90 days before age 60 or your reduced-age date. Army: DD 108 + DD 2656 to HRC Gray Area Retirements. Work it with an RSO. Recut from Soldier for Life / HRC. I will not file it.
Open the guideHealthcare · Rx
Register TRICARE Pharmacy home delivery
Express Scripts runs the TRICARE pharmacy contract. Home delivery is usually cheaper than retail. Military pharmacy is still $0 for active duty. Recut from TRICARE.mil Rx. I will not file it.
Open the guideFamily · adult kids
Buy TRICARE Young Adult
Premium plan for unmarried adult children after they age off the sponsor plan — usually 21, up to 26. Not automatic. Recut from TRICARE.mil TYA. I will not file it.
Open the guideFamily · caregiver
Apply for the VA family caregiver program
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. VA Form 10-10CG, filed with the veteran. Stipend, training, sometimes CHAMPVA. The veteran must be in VA health first. Recut from VA.gov. I will not file it.
Open the guideFamily · child care
Request Military Child Care / fee assistance
The waitlist is the enrollment. CDC / CYS does not start because you have orders. Recut from Military OneSource. I will not file it.
Open the guide