VA is committed to supporting every service member transitioning from service. As part of your welcome to VA, we want to inform you about what to expect during this critical time and help you build a solid start to your civilian life. New routines, new responsibilities… year one out of the service presents a lot of change, but the stress of change is not a weight you have to carry alone. VA is your partner, and we’re here to connect you with direct benefits, as well as resources through partner organizations, to help you navigate these new challenges. You Have Resources 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. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. 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 » If you have questions about enrolling in VA health care, call our toll-free hotline at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET). If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 1-800-877-8339. Yes, VA Solid Start is Calling Newly separated service members can expect three calls from qualified Solid Start representatives over the first year of separation. VA will attempt to contact you several times around 90, 180 and 365 days post-separation, so make sure your contact information is up to date in eBenefits. VA Solid Start representatives will not ask you for financial information and will only discuss topics you are comfortable with. Remember that phone scammers often target Veterans, so always be vigilant and protect your financial information when talking to someone you don’t know over the phone.
For questions about VA Solid Start, call our toll-free hotline: 1-800-827-0611 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. (ET). Take the call and save 1-800-827-0611 as the contact for VA Solid Start! Stay connected to your benefits and resources by updating your information in eBenefits. In addition to three phone calls, you’ll receive reminder emails about upcoming calls that includes links to resources. (Click on ebenefits to get the link) Log in to eBenefits ❱ Find Veteran resources located near you, such as health facilities, regional offices, or Veteran Service Organizations, using the Resource Locator tool. (Click on resources to get the link) Find Resources Near You ❱ Talk to a Veteran Crisis Line responder now We’re here anytime, day or night – 24/7. If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified respondents for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1 Text 838255 Start a confidential chat Call TTY if you have hearing loss 800-799-48891 Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Quick links to your benefits (Click on each benefit to get the link) Service member benefits Find out what benefits you may be eligible for during service and which time-sensitive benefits to consider when separating or retiring. Family member benefits Learn about the benefits you may qualify for as a spouse, dependent, or survivor. And find out what you're eligible for as a family member caring for a Veteran with disabilities. Burials and memorials Get help planning a burial in a VA national cemetery, order a headstone or other memorial item to honor a Veteran's service, and apply for survivor and dependent benefits. Careers and employment Apply for vocational rehabilitation services, get support for your Veteran-owned small business, and access other career resources. Housing assistance Find out if you're eligible for a VA-backed home loan. If you have a service-connected disability, see if you qualify for a housing grant to help you live more independently. Pension Apply for monthly payments for wartime Veterans and survivors with limited or no income who meet certain age and disability requirements. Life insurance Explore VA life insurance options for Veterans, service members, and families. Manage your policy online, file claims for benefits, and access helpful resources. Education and training Apply for and manage your GI Bill and other education benefits to help pay for college and training programs. Records Apply for a printed Veteran ID card, get your VA benefit letters and medical records, and learn how to apply for a discharge upgrade. Health care Apply for VA health care, find out how to access services, and manage your health and benefits online. Disability File a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service, and manage your benefits over time.