Vets Checklist: Planning for Civilian Life

Next Steps

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

Get details about TAP from the:

The DoD provides:

Get a Copy of Your Military Service Record

The U.S. Armed Forces keep an Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) for every veteran and service member. This includes your military discharge paperwork (DD214).

  • If you are a veteran or a member of the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force and are serving as active duty, Reserve, or Guard, or if you are retired, then you can use the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIS) page on the milConnect website to ask for and get scanned copies of documents in your OMPF.
  • For OMPF records not available on milConnect and for veteran health records, or if you are a family member of a veteran or a member of the public (and cannot access milConnect), the National Archives explains how to request Military Service Records in a variety of situations.
  • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) explains the type of records available and how to request them.

VA Education Benefits

Learn more about the:

In some cases, a veteran’s dependent or surviving spouse and children can get educational help through a GI Bill program. Learn more about education assistance for survivors or dependents.

To apply for VA education benefits, you have several options:

  • Apply online
  • Go to the VA's Phoenix Regional Office and have a VA employee help you
  • Work with your school’s certifying official (usually in the school’s registrar or financial aid office)
  • Call 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GI-BILL-1) and ask to have an application mailed to you. Fill it out and mail it to the VA Regional Processing Office nearest to the school you want to attend.

Check Your Credit

Get free copies of your credit report from the top three credit reporting agencies — Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax — by ordering them at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only website that is part of the legally mandated free credit report program. Beware of other sites that claim to offer “free credit reports,” “free credit scores,” or “free credit monitoring”.

Finding a Job

Online Job Boards

These online resources can help you look for work.

Get Help

Other Support Services

Major life changes can be stressful for you, your spouse, and your family. Fortunately, help is available:

Find Local Services

You can use 2-1-1 Arizona to find social services near you, from benefits applications to job counseling.

2-1-1 Arizona Logo

Find services for vets on 2-1-1 Arizona's Veterans and Military page.

Benefits and Work Incentives Consulting Services

If you're currently on SSI, SSDI, or CDB benefits, and you're looking for a job, you should qualify for free benefits consulting services. Trained Work Incentive Counsultants at Benefits 2 Work Arizona can help you understand Social Security work incentives, disability benefit programs, and how they are impacted by work. Their goal is to help you avoid complications while developing a sustainable financial plan for your future.

You can contact Benefits 2 Work Arizona at 1-866-304-WORK (9675) toll-free to find a Work Incentive Consultant serving your community.

Learn more