Active Duty Pre-Separation Checklist

 
  • Plan Your Military Transition Through www.TurboTAP.org – The DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP), designed by the Department of Defense, offers the tools needed for a smooth transition for military personnel (and family members) leaving active duty. Resources such as Pre-Separation counselors, Department of Labor TAP Workshops, disabled veterans briefings, job searches, individualized transition plans (My DecisionPoint), benefits, compensation and resource guides can be accessed through the www.TurboTAP.org website.
  • Learn About Your VA Benefits – During the transition process, you will be briefed on the various benefits available to veterans. You can also find additional information and details by visiting http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/..
  • Enroll in VA Benefits – The first step to receiving VA benefits is to complete the necessary Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) forms. Visit: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
  • Check Your Qualifications for Unemployment Compensation (UCX) – Service members being released from active duty may qualify for unemployment compensation if they are unable to find a new job. Unemployment compensation is handled by each state individually. To learn more about the unique veteran's benefits and unemployment compensation in your state home of record, visit http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory. 
    NOTE: Receiving separation pay may influence the receipt of unemployment compensation so be sure to contact your Command Financial Officer and Separation Counselor to better understand the conditions of unemployment compensation.
  • Learn About the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Program – VGLI is a program of post-separation insurance, which allows Service members to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance. To learn more visit the VA Life Insurance website at http://www.insurance.va.gov/. To sign-up for VGLI, complete the form found at: http://www.insurance.va.gov/sglisite/forms/8714(10-08).pdf . 
    You mustsubmit the form to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance with the required premium within one year and 120 days from discharge.  To learn more visit: http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/vgli/vgli.htm
  • Get a Copy of Your Military Service Record – Once you leave military service, your Military Record is stored by the National Archives. Visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ to learn how to obtain a copy of your DD-214 (Report of Separation) and your Military Record.
  • Learn About Other Government Benefits – http://www.benefits.gov/
  • Check Your Qualifications for Separation Pay – Service members may qualify for separation pay if they meet certain criteria:
    • Completed their first term of enlistment or period of obligated service, and
    • Have six years of service, and
    • Separating involuntarily (i.e. based on mission directive), and
    • Not eligible for retirement, and
    • Not separating under adverse conditions




Note: This checklist is intended to be a quick reference for planning your transition. It is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for the DD 2648 or DD 2648-1. Additionally, you need to check your eligibility for any benefit with the appropriate agency.