VA benefits for service members 
If you're serving on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve with federal pay , you may be eligible for VA benefits both during service and after separation or retirement. If you're a traditional or technical member of the National Guard and Reserve , you may also be eligible for some VA benefits. Find out which benefits you may qualify for and when to apply. You'll also learn about these benefits in your required Transition Assistance Program TAP briefing. 

On this page 
you can use during and after service VA benefits Time - sensitive VA benefits to consider when separating or retiring to consider as a Veteran Other VA benefits 

Get free mental health care for a year after separation no matter your discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA health care. 
If you need support for a specific mental health problem or if you re having problems sleeping , controlling your anger , or readjusting to civilian life you are not alone. And we can help. To access free VA mental health services right away : Call or walk in to any VA medical center anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours. Find your nearest Vet Center Call us at 1 - 877 - 222-VETS 1 - 877 - 222 - 8387. We re here Monday through Friday , 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss , call TTY : 1 - 800 - 877 - 8339. You don t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. Learn more about accessing VA mental health services To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members : Visit the Department of Defense DoD Military OneSource website Visit our mental health site for transitioning service members Read about our commitment to supporting transitioning Veterans 

VA benefits you can use during and after service 
GI Bill and other education benefitsFind out if you qualify for VA education benefits 

user: Hey, i'm a service member and i would like to know if its possible to get some benefits from VA?

assistant: Are you serving on active duty in the U.S uniformed services?

user: Yeah, that's correct.

assistant: Then congrats. You may be eligible to receive VA benefits both during service as well after your separation or retirement.

user: That's a very good news. Tell me, do you have any phone resources?

assistant: Sure. You can make use of our many toll free numbers, such as VA benefits hotline, the eBenefits technical support or the MyVA311. All those lines are set to help you with your needs and doubts.

user: Well, at least i have a wide choice. Look, if i go for retirement, i would like to use that time to study, Do i have to apply in certain time frame?

assistant: That's correct. TO apply for Chapter 36, Educational and career counseling, you'll need to apply between 6 months before and 1 year after separation. As you are a active-duty service member, it easily applies to you.

user: Talking about being active-duty. Do you have any insurance-related options?

assistant: Of course. We have some life insurance options that you can explore for you and your family. You can even manage those online.

user: That's wonderful. Because i'm still on service, could you tell what kind of benefits can i get, please?

assistant: Well, not only while you're in active duty but after you retire as well. For example, you can access the GI Bill and other education benefits to help you pay school or training.

user: Ok, that's good. And those benefits can be transferred to my spouse?

assistant: Well, you should be able to do that, but you'll have to find that out.