VetConnect All-In-One Portal

Overview

Veteran‐focused organizations (like VetConnect Staffing) emphasize early planning and connecting to resources well before separation. A successful transition covers career, benefits, health, and family domains. Departing the U.S. military is a multi‐step process that ideally begins up to a year in advance. Below is a comprehensive timeline checklist, organized into key milestones:

• 6 Months Before Separation
• 3 Months Before Separation
• 1 Month Before Separation
• 1 Month After Separation

Each section covers critical categories—VA benefits, healthcare, job search, family needs—with clear, actionable steps. Tasks specific to certain groups (e.g., retirees or particular branches) are noted parenthetically.

6 Months Before Separation

• Attend Transition Assistance Program (TAP):
  Complete mandatory TAP counseling and workshops (required for all branches, initial counseling no later than 365 days before separation). These sessions cover benefits, job hunting, and resources. If not yet done, schedule a TAP workshop and begin your Individual Transition Plan (ITP).
• Career Exploration & SkillBridge:
  Translate military skills to civilian roles: draft a résumé (civilian language) and create a LinkedIn profile. Network with veteran mentors and employers. If eligible, apply for DoD SkillBridge (up to 180 days of internship/training with command approval). Sources: DoD TAP , GAO.
• Start Job Search:
  Begin applying and attending military career fairs. Use DoD Skill Translator tools and veteran job boards. Prepare professional attire for civilian interviews. Source: Military.com.
• Education & Training Plan:
  If planning to use the GI Bill or pursue education, research programs now. Complete applications and testing. Obtain your Joint Services Transcript (or CCAF transcript) for credit. Consider certification courses via branch COOL programs.
• VA Benefits & Claims:
  Learn VA benefits and plan usage. For service-related conditions, initiate a VA disability claim via BDD (file 180–90 days before separation). Work with a VSO on claim preparation; begin documenting medical issues. Source: VA.gov.
• Healthcare Transition:
  Research post-military healthcare. If eligible, TAMP provides 180 days of TRICARE after active duty. Understand TAMP eligibility; explore CHCBP for coverage after TAMP. If you have a civilian job lined up, explore that employer’s health plan. Also explore VA healthcare eligibility—apply at VA.gov.
• Financial Planning:
  Review finances and create a post-separation budget. Account for income changes and new expenses. Build an emergency fund for several months. Consult free financial counseling via base family support or Military OneSource. Decide on terminal leave versus leave sell-back (affects final pay). Research separation pay eligibility. Source: Military.com.
• Insurance & Benefits Review:
  Compare SGLI to civilian life insurance. To continue coverage, convert to VGLI (apply within 240 days of separation for guaranteed coverage) or purchase private policies. Learn about VA Home Loan program and state veteran benefits. Sources: Serving Together Project , Military.com.
• Housing & Relocation:
  Formulate post-military housing plans. If moving, research job markets, cost of living, and housing. If in on-base housing, notify housing office 30–60 days before move-out. Contact transportation office to schedule household goods shipment/storage (6 months out). If off-base, plan to sell, rent, or notify landlord per lease terms. Sources: Serving Together Project , Military.com.
• Family Planning & Support:
  Discuss timeline with family. Ensure spouse and children participate in relocation and employment plans. Encourage spouse to use Military OneSource Spouse Transition Program (Spouse Education & Career Opportunities, free LinkedIn Premium). Research new schools and gather medical records for children. Use base support programs (financial classes, stress management).
• Personal Health & Wellness:
  Schedule needed medical and dental appointments. Document conditions in your medical record for VA healthcare and claims. If you have serious injuries/illnesses, contact your branch’s Wounded Warrior Program (AW2, M4L, Safe Harbor, AF Wounded Warrior) for extra support. Source: Serving Together Project.
• Documentation Prep:
  Compile important documents: personnel file, evaluations, awards, training certificates, qualifications, and orders. Save personal copies. Download Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) document to share with civilian employers or educators. Request copies of medical and dental records. Keep a checklist of documents needed upon separation (separation orders, award citations, security clearance proof, etc.). Understand the process to obtain DD Form 214—essential for proving veteran status.

3 Months Before Separation

• TAP & Final Counseling:
  By three months out, wrap up transition requirements. Attend TAP Capstone appointment to verify career readiness with counselor and commander. Review DD Form 2648 (pre-separation checklist) to ensure all items are complete. If offered, meet one-on-one with a VA Benefits Advisor. Source: DoD TAP.
• VA Claims & Benefits:
  If you missed the BDD window, file a standard VA disability claim now or right after separation. Ensure Separation Health Assessment (final medical exam) is complete; assemble supporting medical documentation. Apply for GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility if planning to use education benefits.
• Job Search Intensification:
  Continue applying and interviewing. If not yet hired, use job placement services (state or nonprofit veteran programs). Practice interview skills and refine your résumé. Stay active on LinkedIn and veteran networking groups; announce that you’re transitioning. If aiming for federal employment, prepare USAJOBS federal résumé and gather Veterans’ Preference documentation (request letter from VA using DD 214). Source: DoD TAP.
• Education & Training:
  Finalize education plans. Acceptances for programs applied to should arrive now—choose a program. Register for classes or orientation if they start soon after separation. Coordinate start dates for vocational training or apprenticeships; ensure VA approval for benefits. If you haven’t attended TAP’s career track (Education, Career Technical Training, or Entrepreneurship), sign up now. Source: Military.com.
• Financial Check-up:
  Review budget with updated figures. Calculate expected final military pay (including unused leave sell-back and separation allowances). If unemployed, research state unemployment benefits (use DD 214 to apply). Compare health insurance costs (COBRA/CHCBP versus employer coverage). Decide on TSP rollover to a civilian retirement account or leave it in place; update beneficiaries on accounts/insurance.
• Life Insurance Decision:
  Finalize life insurance. SGLI ends after separation unless converted to VGLI—apply within 240 days for guaranteed coverage. Compare VGLI premiums with private policies to determine best fit. Source: Military.com.
• Healthcare Arrangements:
  Solidify post-service healthcare. If TAMP-eligible, confirm TRICARE coverage for you and family for 180 days post-service (verify DEERS info). After TAMP, enroll in employer health plan (coordinate start date) or purchase CHCBP. Enroll in VA healthcare and schedule first appointment. Arrange dental/vision coverage—military dental ends; explore VADIP or private plans. Sources: AF.mil , VA.gov.
• Housing & Moving:
  Finalize relocation logistics. If using military movers, confirm packing/pick-up dates; keep inventory for claims. If self-moving, complete weigh tickets and reimbursement paperwork. For on-base housing, schedule final inspection ~30 days pre-move-out; note cleaning/repairs required. If renting off-base, finish cleaning, repairs, return keys, and settle any final rent or deposit.
• Family & Personal Transition:
  Help family prepare. Spouse and children should start job/school searches. Connect with support networks in destination (veteran groups online or local). Plan farewell events and provide personal contact info to colleagues and mentors.
• Retirement-Specific Tasks (if applicable):
  If retiring (20+ years), complete additional steps: finalize Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) elections (DD Form 2656), attend branch-specific retirement briefings (retired pay, TRICARE retiree coverage), and schedule mandatory retirement physical.
• Documentation & Records:
  Ensure all paperwork is finalized. Request complete medical records, including separation physical. Confirm personnel office has correct information for DD Form 214 (review drafts for errors). Keep important documents accessible (separation orders, award citations, security clearance proof).

1 Month Before Separation

• Final Out-Processing:
  In your last month, attend all out-processing appointments: return issued gear, turn in vehicle decals, complete supply turn-ins. Attend final out-processing briefings and verify all clearance tasks. Confirm separation and terminal leave dates with your chain of command.
• Verify Personnel Documents:
  Obtain your DD Form 214 on separation day and review for accuracy (name, SSN, character of discharge, dates, awards). Correct any errors before signing. Collect any additional discharge certificates (Certificate of Honorable Discharge).
• Healthcare Transition Actions:
  Schedule final medical appointments while on active duty. Refill prescriptions to cover post-service. If enrolled in TAMP, verify family DEERS info for uninterrupted TRICARE coverage. If transferring to employer insurance, confirm enrollment start date. Apply for VA healthcare enrollment (online or by phone) to access VA services immediately. Arrange dental and vision coverage—military dental ends—explore VADIP or private plans. Sources: AF.mil , VA.gov.
• Housing & Move-Out:
  Execute your move plan. Oversee packing/shipping of household goods; keep inventory for damage claims. Complete final inspection of on-base housing and sign termination paperwork. For off-base rentals, finish cleaning, repairs, return keys, and settle any final rent or deposit. Provide forwarding address to post office and unit.
• Employment Prep:
  If hired, confirm any required documentation with new employer (DD Form 214, proof of discharge) for veteran hiring programs. Schedule your start date allowing time for relocation. If still job hunting, file for unemployment using DD Form 214, consider temporary or freelance work, and contact veteran-focused staffing agencies.
• Finance & Accounts:
  Close or update military-specific financial matters (e.g., repay Relief Society loans). Turn off allotments for on-base services. Verify final paycheck (including unused leave or separation pay) is deposited correctly. Retirees: ensure pension account is established and first retired pay arrives on time. Keep myPay (DFAS) access for final LES and W-2 downloads.
• Family/Dependent Matters:
  Obtain new IDs for dependents (military IDs expire on separation). Explain benefit changes to family (they lose direct VA healthcare eligibility and require private/employer plans). If children are in DoD schools or daycare, transfer them to new schools or childcare. Explore veteran base access for family via Veteran ID or VA health ID where available.
• Personal Transition & Farewells:
  Say farewells and exchange personal contacts with mentors, colleagues, and friends. Return any remaining government property and settle any outstanding debts (travel card balances, missing equipment statements). Prepare emotionally for this life change—use Military OneSource or unit counselors/chaplains for support if feeling stressed. Source: news.va.gov.

1 Month After Separation

• Secure Your DD Form 214 & Records:
  Make multiple certified copies of DD Form 214 and store the original securely (e.g., safe or fireproof container). The DD Form 214 is required for nearly every veteran benefit (VA loans, GI Bill, hiring preference). File a copy with your county clerk or upload to cloud storage. Keep copies of medical records and service documents.
• VA Enrollment & Benefits Usage:
  Enroll in VA benefits immediately. Register for VA healthcare and schedule a primary care appointment. If you filed a disability claim, monitor VA communications and attend any scheduled C&P exams. If you haven’t filed but plan to, submit your claim now.
• Housing & Relocation Wrap-Up:
  Settle into your new home. Check status of shipped household goods and file damage claims if needed. If in temporary lodging, secure long-term housing. Obtain VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility if planning to purchase a home; pre-qualify with a lender. Update your address on all important accounts (banking, VA, insurance) and with USPS.
• Employment & Career:
  Adjust to civilian employment. If still job hunting, continue with veteran career fairs, daily applications, and networking in veteran groups. Refine your résumé and cover letters. Contact Department of Labor veteran representatives or nonprofit organizations for additional placement assistance if needed.
• Education & GI Bill:
  If enrolled in school or training, ensure your VA certifying official processes GI Bill benefits so tuition and housing payments arrive on time. Use campus veteran resources (vet center, tutoring). If not yet enrolled but planning to be, finalize applications. Explore VA’s Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) program for career training if you have a service-connected disability.
• Healthcare & Insurance:
  Confirm new health coverage (employer, VA, or CHCBP). Schedule appointments with new providers or VA clinics. Fill prescriptions through your new plan (VA mail-order pharmacy is available). For mental health support, Military OneSource remains available (365 days post-separation). Vet Centers and the Veterans Crisis Line are resources if needed.
• Financial Management:
  Reevaluate finances after the first civilian month. Adjust your budget to new income patterns. If you received a lump-sum payout, plan its use carefully (taxes, emergencies). If on unemployment, comply with job search requirements. Retirees: verify pension and SBP deductions. Consider rolling TSP into an IRA or employer 401(k); designate beneficiaries.
• Family & Personal Life:
  Help family settle into civilian community. Enroll children in schools; find local healthcare providers. Encourage spouse to use Military OneSource spouse resources (available one year post-separation). Join veteran organizations (American Legion, VFW, Team RWB) or hobby groups to find camaraderie and purpose.
• Official Business & Ongoing Tasks:
  Obtain a Veteran ID card (from VA.gov) or update your driver’s license with veteran status for exchange/MWR access. If you moved to a new state, update your driver’s license and register your vehicle. Apply for state veteran benefits (property tax breaks, free hunting/fishing licenses for disabled veterans). Update voter registration. Continue using Military OneSource for questions on employment, finances, or personal health (available 365 days post-separation). Stay informed on evolving benefits and programs.