Post-Separation Housing Options

As you enter or nestle into retirement, maybe you’re thinking about settling down in one place. Thanks to your service, you’ve earned good benefits on the homefront. Check out these loan and assistance programs as you make a place for yourself in the civilian world.  

Many retiring service members have three years to complete their final move at government expense, while those separating before retirement have 180 days.

Plan early and visit your installation’s relocation support offices as you organize your move.

1. Final Move Benefits

Upon retirement or end of active service, you may be eligible for:

• Shipment and storage of household goods
• Travel allowances
• Per diem for you and your dependents
• Transportation of personal property
• A government-funded move to a home of selection (within time limits)

Final move entitlements vary by service branch, so always confirm with your installation’s Transportation Office or Military and Family Support Center.

2. Relocation Assistance for Your Final Move

Your installation’s Relocation Assistance Program can help you prepare for your final relocation. RAP staff can provide guidance, referrals and personalized support as you transition out of military service.

RAP supports your final move by:

• Helping you understand final move entitlements and costs
• Connecting you with offices that handle household goods scheduling, weight allowances and the Defense Personal Property System
• Providing information on housing options at your destination
• Assisting with child care, school transitions and spouse employment resources
• Supporting special circumstances, including foreign-born spouses (language services, immigration/naturalization support), Exceptional Family Member Program continuity of care and emergency financial assistance through military relief organizations and installation personal financial management services.

Find your installation’s Relocation Assistance Program.

3. Transition Assistance Program

Because your final move occurs during your transition out of service, the Transition Assistance Program is an essential part of the process. TAP provides tools and training to prepare for your military-to-civilian transition. Find your local TAP office.

You also have access to a Military OneSource transitioning veterans consultant. Consultants help you understand benefits, set goals and plan your move as well as provide information on employment, education, health care and life after service. Consultants are available from 12 months before separation or within 365 days of your final day.

4. Managing Your Household Goods in the Final Move

You will use the same systems as a regular PCS, but with final move-specific entitlements.

Key tools and contacts are:

• Defense Personal Property System to schedule and manage your household goods shipment.
• Transportation Office for shipment support, privately owned vehicle shipment questions and entitlements.
• Military OneSource’s Moving Your Personal Property page provides step-by-step guidance for final move shipments, weight limits and storage.

5. Planning Your New Life After Your Final Move

While you may no longer be relocating to another installation, you still have access to support during your transition period. This includes:

• Plan My Move to build checklists for your final relocation.
• Benefits & Entitlements for help understanding BAH for transitional situations, allowances and final-move-specific benefits.
• MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to find your current installation resources as you process out.

6. 24/7 Support From Military OneSource

Military OneSource is available for 365 days after you separate and provides expert help with:

• Final move planning
• Benefit navigation
• Transition coaching
• Resource referrals

Connect with Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. See international calling options if you’re overseas, or log in to start a secure chat.

Veterans have access to help with everything from securing a home loan to finding a retirement home and financial counseling and assistance.

Having difficulty making payments? Late payments can happen. Don’t beat yourself up — instead, address it. Your community is here to help.

• Military OneSource offers financial counseling for retirees and service members who were discharged under honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions for up to 365 days after their retirement, end-of-tour or discharge date.
• Visit the VA website for information on what to do when payments can’t be made or financial troubles arise.
• If you or someone you know is at risk of homelessness, contact your local VA medical center, call 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit the VA Homeless Programs website. VA can connect you with resources to get you back on your feet.

RELATED RESOURCES

• Plan My Move
• The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
• The Defense Personal Property System