Don't wait to start your claim: 7 months before ETS

Community Care: Transforming Veteran Support Together (Buddy Check)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Red Cross are hosted the first-ever Veteran Buddy Check Summit on October 22, 2024, from 9:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXPFjoqpaTk&t=540s] – 11:15 a.m. The summit will feature a Buddy Check Townhall with VA leadership and presentations from such organizations as The American Legion, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and American Corporate Partners. Take the Buddy Check Pledge today! #TalktoTen [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/talktoten] Veteran friends—check in, connect, and increase awareness about valuable VA and community resources.

Verify your address or change contact information at VA.gov.: 2 months before ETS

Verify your address or change contact information at VA.gov [http://VA.gov]. Before you transition out of the service, lots of things can change—maybe even your preferred email address. To make sure you don’t miss important VA information about your claims, services, and other benefits, double check that your contact information (email address, mailing address, and phone number) is correct and that you’ll still have access to it after separation. Most likely, you will lose access to your .mil email address.

Your SGLI and FSGLI coverage expires soon. Act now to continue your coverage: 1 month after ETS

For the duration of your service, you most likely have had Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). This coverage will expire 120 days after separation from the military. You can convert the SGLI coverage to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), which provides renewable group term life insurance between $10,000 and $500,000.

Don't wait to start your claim: 7 months before ETS

A Veterans Service Organization can help you every step of the way. As you prepare to file your claim for VA disability compensation, one of the best things you can do is find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to guide you through the process. Many Veterans wish they hadn’t waited to file their claims, as delaying a claim can make a big difference in getting all earned benefits.

Take 15 minutes to unlock a lifetime of VA benefits and services for you and your family: 16 months before ETS

Your service to this country has earned you benefits that you can use now—like the GI Bill and VA Home Loan—and many more you can use after you leave the military. It’s not too early to start preparing for your post-service life today. Create your secure account for VA.gov [http://VA.gov] to access VA and get a jumpstart on the benefits and services you've earned