As if transitioning out of the military isn’t already challenging enough, transitioning during a global pandemic is even more difficult. You have to jump through even more hurdles, and it’s much harder to meet with someone in person to get assistance.
We want to make the military transition process as stress-free as possible, so we have put together a few resources you might find helpful during your transition to civilian life. Keep reading to learn more.
How do I apply for benefits?
O ne of the first things you might be wondering about is “how do I file a claim for VA benefits without being able to visit a VA facility?” Don’t worry. You can apply for all of your VA benefits right on the VA.gov website. The VA can still process your claim virtually and if they require medical evidence to approve your claim, they can set up a virtual appointment with you to see a doctor from the comfort of your home.
I need to attend TAP
As part of the transition process, you have to attend the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), but classes were canceled in person due to the pandemic. You now can attend these classes online, so you don’t have to worry about your transition process getting delayed. You can take your TAP courses in your own time and even re-watch a class if you need more clarification.
Can I still use my GI Bill?
Did your classes get moved to an online format? That’s ok. The VA plans to honor all current GI Bill students enrolled as attending on-campus, even if you had to make a switch from in-person to online format. If you have any specific questions about how the VA will handle changes to your GI Bill, you can visit their website.
Can I still get help with Personalized Career Planning?
If you are enrolled in the Chapter 36 Personalized Career Planning program, you will still be able to receive guidance from your assigned counselor, even during the pandemic. You can also still enroll in this program if you believe that you will be eligible, and they will assess your needs and eligibility.
Are there services for mental health?
With the combined stress of transitioning out of the military and a global pandemic, it is understandable that more Veterans are seeking assistance with mental health. There are a lot of excellent mental health services available on the VA website. They even offer 24/7 support for Veterans.
Hopefully, these resources will help make the transition process a little easier, even if you cannot meet with a transition counselor in person. There are even more great resources available online at VA.gov. You can also check out some of our other blogs for more tips and tricks on transitioning to civilian life.
Contact Us
Have a question about your Veteran benefits? You can email us today! If you are within one-year pre to post-military separation, you can enroll in our FREE program by setting up a call with one of our transition coaches.