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Providing information, resources, and tools to service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the move from military to civilian life.
About 200,000 Service members transition to civilian life each year. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the move from military to civilian life. Service members begin TAP one year prior to separation, or two years prior to retiring. Watch the video above to see how VA TAP helps Service members transition from military to civilian life.
The VA portion of TAP is a one-day, in-person course called VA Benefits and Services. Led by VA Benefits Advisors, the course helps you understand how to navigate VA and the benefits and services you’ve earned through your military career. The course offers interactive exercises, real examples, and covers topics important to you like family support, disability compensation, education, and health care benefits.
The VA Benefits and Services course is now available online through TAPevents.mil to transitioning service members, Veterans, family members, and caregivers. You do not need to be on a CAC-enabled device to access the course.
If you are taking the VA Benefits and Services course as part of a mandatory TAP requirement, you must register for the course using your CAC or by entering your DOD Identification and providing all required information to receive credit. Select “Core Requirements” under TAP Curriculum to find the course.
This course explains how to navigate your transition journey with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and services, including maintaining your health, applying for disability compensation, getting career ready, finding a place to live and connecting with your community. (210 minutes)
(PDF, 218 pages, 55MB)
This course helps transitioning Servicewomen and recently separated women Veterans understand the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits and services available to them, including available women's health services, how to enroll in VA health care and other transition assistance tools and resources. (240 minutes)
Learn about your resource for VA health care, services and benefits available to Veterans, Service members, families, and survivors. VA is here to support you and your family with the tools necessary to meet your needs. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 4 page, 490KB)
Earn a degree, vocational or technical training, or get a license or certification by learning more about your VA Education Benefits. Learn how you can cover the cost of tuition and fees, housing, books, supplies and testing fees. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 4 pages, 500KB)
Explore how creating networks within your local community that can support your successful transition. VA can help you connect to these resources and your new Veteran community. (1 Module, 60 minutes)
(PDF, 6 pages, 1MB)
Learn how VA can help you get the support you and your family need during stressful times from active-duty service to civilian life. VA is here to support you with the tools necessary to meet your mental health needs. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 4 pages, 993KB)
Discover what VA education and training benefits are available to help spouses or dependents of a Service member or Veteran. Learn how they could pay for tuition, housing, books, supplies and more. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 3 pages, 954KB)
Determine how you can safely access your benefits under the VA eligibility guidelines. Understand how you may securely coordinate your VA disability compensation or pension benefits as an active Guard member or Reservist. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 3 pages, 1MB)
Get the VA benefits, services, tools, and resources available to help transitioning Service members and family members to cope with life’s day-to-day challenges. VA is here to provide you and your family with the tools to meet your needs. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 3 pages, 250KB)
Explore your insurance options, manage your policy, and learn how to file claims. Discover how VA can help you get the insurance benefits you’ve earned! Learn more about your VA Life Insurance eligibilities. (1 Module, 60 minutes)
(PDF, 4 pages, 1,125KB)
Identify for your VA benefits based on your VA rating for health conditions! You may qualify for a range of health care, housing, education, and employment programs. VA is here to support you and your family to meet your needs. (1 Module, 60 minutes)
(PDF, 4 pages, 866KB)
Expand your family’s ability to cope with loss. Learn how this module can provide your family peace of mind. VA is here to support you with the tools necessary to meet the survivor and casualty assistance needs. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 7 pages, 2MB)
Find out how you can buy, build, repair, retain or adapt a home of your own! The VA Home Loan Guaranty program is a lifetime benefit you can use multiple times! In most cases, with better terms, zero down payment, and no private mortgage insurance. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 2 pages, 296KB)
An overview of the benefits and services that may be available to those with an Other Than Honorable character of discharge. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 6 pages, 2MB)
See how Vet Centers can help! Transitioning from military to civilian life or returning from a deployment can be challenging. Your local Vet Center offers free confidential support for Veterans, Service members and their families. (1 Module, 45 minutes)
(PDF, 2 pages, 330KB)
