The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the move from military to civilian life. Service members begin TAP one year prior to separation, or two years prior to retiring.

The VA portion of TAP is a one-day, in-person course called VA Benefits and Services. Led by VA Benefits Advisors, the course helps you understand how to navigate VA and the benefits and services you have earned through your military career. The course offers interactive exercises, real examples, and covers topics important to you like Family support, disability compensation, education, and health care benefits.

Service members will also receive an orientation of  VA Health Care.

NOTE: Spouses and Family members are permitted and encouraged to attend any or all of the briefings with the Service member.

Your VA Transition During COVID-19

Transition Resources You Need During COVID-19: https://benefits.va.gov/TRANSITION/coronavirus.asp

Transition During COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://benefits.va.gov/TRANSITION/coronavirus-frequently-asked-questions.asp

National Guard Soldiers on drill status may attend the VA Benefits Briefings on a space-available basis, as they may qualify for some VA benefits. Soldiers who will apply for disability compensation from the VA, or want to know for which benefits they are eligible, need to contact their respective Regional Benefit Office for more information or visit the eBenefits website. Also, your Soldier and Family Readiness Center will help you identify availability of the VA Benefits Briefings.

The VA Benefits and Services consists of six modules:

• Module 1: Navigating Your Journey

  • Transition journey

  • Personal goals and priorities

• Module 2: Supporting Yourself and Your Family

  • Disability compensation and related benefits

  • Life insurance benefits

  • Burial and memorial benefits

  • Monetary benefits for dependents and survivors

• Module 3: Getting Career Ready

  • Personalized Career Planning and Guidance

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill

  • Montgomery GI Bill

  • Dependents' Educational Assistance

  • On campus support programs

  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)

  • Veteran Employment Services Office programs

  • Additional employment resources

• Module 4: Finding a Place to Live

  • VA facility locator tools

  • VA Home Loan Guaranty program

  • Homeless support services

  • State and local benefits

  • National Resource Directory

• Module 5: Maintaining Your Health

  • VA whole health

  • VA health care facilities

  • VA health care services

  • Family support

  • VA mental health care services

  • VA health care tools

  • VA health care access

• Module 6: Connecting with Your Community

  • Your local network

  • Veterans Services Organizations

  • Military Service Organizations

  • Veteran peer groups

  • Personal and online resources

Your  Army TAP Centerwill help you identify availability of the VA Benefits and Services.

The following links are provided for more information about the VA Benefits and Services:

VA Benefits and Services information page: https://www.benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp

VA Health Care web portal: https://www.va.gov/health/

Army TAP Homepage: https://www.armytap.army.mil/

DoD TAP Program: https://www.dodtap.mil/dodtap/app/home

DoD TAP Curriculum: https://www.dodtap.mil/dodtap/app/transition/core_curriculum

VA TAP Curriculum online: https://jkodirect.jten.mil/Atlas2/page/login/Login.jsf

VA Benefits and Services Participant Guide (Active Duty):
https://benefits.va.gov/TRANSITION/docs/VA-Benefits-Participant-Guide.pdf#

VA Benefits and Services Participant Guide (Reserve Components):
https://benefits.va.gov/TRANSITION/docs/VA-Benefits-Participant-Guide-National-Guard-Reserve.pdf#

The following links are provided for further reference:

Department of Labor Transition Assistance: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap

MyArmyBenefits - Army Transition Assistance Program Fact Sheet:
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Army-Transition-Assistance-Program-(TAP)-

Online resource for Americans with disabilities:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/topics

Federal Civil Service job websites:

USAJOBS website:
https://www.usajobs.gov/

Army Civilian Personnel homepage:
https://www.milsuite.mil/book/community/spaces/Civ-HR