Programs & services
Listed on the organization's official site (discover.va.gov), checked Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm availability with the organization.
- VA Benefits and ServicesServes transitioning service members, Veterans, family members, and caregivers.
- Women’s Health Transition TrainingServes transitioning Servicewomen and recently separated women Veterans.
- VA Education Benefits for Spouses and Dependent ChildrenServes spouses or dependents of a Service member or Veteran.
- Mental Health for FamiliesServes you and your family during stressful times from active-duty service to civilian life.
- Social and Emotional Health ResourcesServes transitioning Service members and family members to cope with life’s day-to-day challenges.
- Vet CentersServes Veterans, Service members and their families with free confidential support.
Eligibility
About 200,000 Service members transition to civilian life each year. 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.
How to apply
Summarized from the program's official site (discover.va.gov), checked Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm details with the program.
- Begin TAP one year before separation or two years before retiring.
- Take the VA Benefits and Services TAP course in person or online through TAPevents.mil.
- If you need TAP credit for the mandatory requirement, register using your CAC or enter your DOD Identification and provide all required information.
- Select "Core Requirements" under TAP Curriculum to find the VA Benefits and Services course.
- Use the site's VA TAP course catalog, personalized transition timeline, and workbook to prepare for your transition.
- Find your VA TAP Benefits Advisor if you need help with the course or understanding VA benefits and services.
What to bring
- CAC
- DOD Identification
- All required information for TAP credit
What to expect
The VA portion of TAP is a one-day, in-person course called VA Benefits and Services. The online VA Benefits and Services course is 210 minutes long.
Contact
- Serves all of Illinois
Next step
See every Illinois program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
Read the Illinois guideWas this resource helpful?
Source: VA.gov, the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
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