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 Arizona
Arizona programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
Veterans Benefits Assistance
ADVS helps Arizona veterans and their families connect with benefits and services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary benefits to eligible people who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
AHCCCS Health Insurance
In Arizona, Medicaid is called AHCCCS.
AHCCCS provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Arizona residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
Federal Health Insurance Marketplace
Arizona residents use the federal Marketplace to compare and enroll in ACA health plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Arizona Board of Regents
Arizona Financial Aid Programs
The Board of Regents provides information about state financial aid and college affordability programs.
Ways to apply:Online
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Arizona Rental Assistance Program
The statewide Arizona Rental Assistance Program has ended and is not accepting applications.
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Nutrition Assistance
In Arizona, SNAP is called Arizona Nutrition Assistance.
Nutrition Assistance gives eligible households monthly benefits to buy food.
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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
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
- Arizona 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