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: Hello, I'd like to learn more about VA benefits for service members. What can you tell me?

assistant: Are you serving on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve with federal pay?

user: No, I'm not serving at the moment.

assistant: Are you a  traditional or technical member of the National Guard and Reserve?

user: Yes, I am.

assistant: In that case you may also be eligible for some VA benefits. We can help you 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.

user: That's good to know and all, but what can I do about my job? I can't work with my disability.

assistant: If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, find out how to apply for vocational rehab. You can apply up to 12 years from when you receive your notice of separation or your first VA disability rating. 

user: I understand. What can information can I find on your website?

assistant: You can learn about VA benefits you can use during and after service and time-sensitive VA benefits to consider when separating or retiring.