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 California
California programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Assistance
CalVet helps veterans and their families learn about and access state and federal benefits.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
California Employment Development Department
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance pays temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal
In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Californians.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Health Benefit Exchange
Covered California Health Insurance Marketplace
In California, the health insurance marketplace is called Covered California.
Covered California helps residents compare and enroll in private health plans and financial assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Student Aid Commission
Cal Grant
Cal Grants help eligible California students pay for college or career training.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
California Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing and Rental Assistance Programs
HCD funds housing programs that help eligible residents access affordable housing and rental support.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalFresh
In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.
CalFresh helps eligible households buy food each month.
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 California
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