Transition Programs

We are here for you

We want you to be successful when you transition from military to civilian life. Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) supports VA’s mission by helping you and your family navigate VA benefits and services, use partner resources, and get the support you need. We are here to help you achieve and sustain your career goals, find economic success, and maintain your physical and mental well-being throughout your military life cycle.

From when you first join the military to when you start your post-military life, OTED is here to help you achieve success anytime, anywhere.

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Programs

Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program

To further ease the transition process, and in response to P.L. 116–315 § 4304, we will issue grants to eligible organizations that provide transition services to former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are separated, retired, or discharged and their spouses.

Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC)

Participants in the course will gain a long-term quality career opportunity with the federal government with endless advancement possibilities and a mission of service to the country and fellow Veterans.

Women’s Health Transition Training

This course provides important information for transitioning servicewomen on women’s health care services available from VA post-separation from the military.

Warriors to Workforce Program

This program offers Veterans an opportunity to transition into a career in the federal government by applying their military skills and experiences to the federal workforce.

VA Solid Start

We are 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 must carry alone. We are your partner, and we’re here to connect you with direct benefits and resources through partner organizations to help you navigate these new challenges.

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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 into any VA medical center — anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility

Call or walk into 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 9:00 p.m. (ET). Take the call and save 1-800-827-0611 as the contact for VA Solid Start!