Leaving the military
What to do first
- Keep copies of your discharge papers (DD214). VA and employers will ask for them.
- Apply for VA health care.
- File a VA disability claim. You can start before you leave.
- If you need work, apply for unemployment with your state.
- Look at the GI Bill for school or training.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
90 to 180 days before
VA disability claim before you leave
You can file a VA disability claim 90 to 180 days before you leave active duty, so a decision can come sooner.
Source: VA.gov
Help from Colorado
Colorado programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Veterans Services
Colorado's veterans services connect veterans and their families with county service officers who help with benefit claims and applications.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance pays benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Health First Colorado
In Colorado, Medicaid is called Health First Colorado.
Health First Colorado provides health coverage to eligible Colorado residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado
In Colorado, the health insurance marketplace is called Connect for Health Colorado.
Connect for Health Colorado lets residents compare and enroll in individual health insurance plans and apply for financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Colorado Department of Higher Education
Colorado Student Grant
The Colorado Student Grant provides need-based aid to eligible students at participating colleges.
Ways to apply:Online
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Rental Assistance Resources
The Division of Housing lists rental assistance resources and housing programs available in Colorado.
Ways to apply:Phone
Colorado Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Colorado, SNAP is called Food Assistance.
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
DOL.gov
Unemployment for former service members
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX) is paid through your state's unemployment office. Apply there.
VA.gov
The GI Bill
The GI Bill can help pay for college, job training and other schooling.
VeteransCrisisLine.net
Veterans Crisis Line
For veterans and service members in crisis, and the people who care about them. Dial 988, then press 1.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA health care
Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA disability compensation and benefits
Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
File a claim online at VA.gov or call VA. A free accredited representative can help you file.
U.S. Department of Education
FAFSA, the federal student aid form
One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Fill out the FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov. It is free; never pay to file it.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Colorado
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988