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 New York
New York programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Veterans Benefits and Services
The department helps veterans, service members, and their families access state and federal benefits.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
New York State Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary income to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
New York State Department of Health
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible New Yorkers.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Department of Health
New York State of Health Marketplace
In New York, the health insurance marketplace is called NY State of Health.
NY State of Health lets residents compare and enroll in private health plans and public coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
New York State Student Financial Aid
HESC helps students apply for state grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Rental Assistance and Homelessness Prevention
HCR offers housing programs and resources that may help renters facing housing costs or instability.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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
- 211 New York
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