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Military Separation and Retirement

Overview

Transitioning to civilian life is just like everything else in military life. The more preparation you do, the more smoothly everything goes. Whether you’re moving on after one tour of duty or you’ve put in 20 years or more, you have a lot to do as you bring your military career to a close.

Know your separation requirements

Your first step should be connecting with the Transition Assistance Program of your service branch. Here, you’ll find detailed information about what’s included and how to connect with your service branch’s program. Make sure you schedule your pre-separation counseling no fewer than 90 days before separation. Arrange your final medical exam. Attend an employment workshop. Give yourself time when scheduling your final move.

BENEFITS & SUPPORT SERVICES TO KNOW YOUR SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS

Plan your post-retirement budget

Review your military retirement pay, benefits and expenses to plan your budget and calculate what you’ll have each month, including your monthly retirement pay. Remember that federal and state taxes will be withheld from your retirement, and just like your active-duty pay, your retirement pay adjusts annually based on the cost of living to protect your income against inflation.

BENEFITS & SUPPORT SERVICES TO PLAN YOUR POST-RETIREMENT BUDGET

Learn about the benefits you’ve earned

As an active-duty service member, you receive numerous benefits. What happens to them when you retire? It can vary greatly.

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Keep your health care.

Effective Jan. 1, 2018, you must enroll yourself and eligible family members in TRICARE or risk losing your benefit.

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Make your last move count.

You have one calendar year from your retirement date to use your last government-paid move anywhere within the U.S. or to your home of record outside the country.

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Plan for life insurance.

Your Servicemembers Group Life Insurance plan continues uninterrupted for 120 days after separation.

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Use your GI Bill.

You have up to 10 or 15 years after separation to use your GI Bill (depending on the program).

Get customized support

You want your transition out of the military to go smoothly. Take advantage of the professional assistance provided by Military OneSource for service members and military spouses. You can receive personalized support to help you navigate the resources, benefits and programs available to you and your family.

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Call for customized support.

Military OneSource can help you connect the dots from your military service to the next step in life’s journey. Call us at 800-342-9647 to get your questions answered. OCONUS/Overseas? View calling options.

BENEFITS & SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT

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