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 there. I'm here to find out more about VA benefits for service members.

assistant: Of course. Are you serving on active duty in the United States uniformed services then?

user: Yes. I'm proudly serving in the National Guard.

assistant: In that case you may be eligible for VA benefits both during service and after separation or retirement.

user: What can you tell me about Veterans affairs?

assistant: For news and updates you can follow Veterans Affairs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

user: Alright, will do. Can you tell me more about other benefits I should consider? Being a Veteran and all that...

assistant: Gladly. You can file a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service, for example, and manage your benefits over time.

user: Look, that's great and all, but I've seen actual combat. I've been out there, on the battlefield and I risked my life for my country, God bless it. So what can my country do for a combat Veteran? I'm sure there is something.

assistant: Of course. If you are a combat veteran, apply right away to take advantage of 5 years of enhanced eligibility.

user: Now we're talking. Are there any other VA benefits I can use?

assistant: Yes, for example the GI Bill and other education benefits. Use our page to find out if you qualify for VA education benefits to help pay for school or training.