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 Washington
Washington programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans services
WDVA helps veterans and their families access state and federal benefits and services.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Washington State Employment Security Department
Unemployment benefits
Unemployment benefits provide temporary income to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Washington State Health Care Authority
Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health.
Apple Health provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Washington residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington Student Achievement Council
Washington College Grant
The Washington College Grant helps eligible students pay for college or career training.
Ways to apply:Online
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Washington State Department of Commerce
Housing and Essential Needs Referral
Also: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
The HEN program connects eligible people who cannot work with essential-needs and housing-related services.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Basic Food
In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food.
Basic Food helps eligible households pay for groceries.
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.
Food banks, shelters, clinics and more near you are in Help nearby. Open Help nearby
Talk to a person
- Washington 211
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