The military-retirement timeline below applies if you are actively separating from service — useful as a historical reference or to pass along to a younger veteran. If you are retiring (or recently retired) from a civilian career, skip to the Civilian Retirement Transition section on the next page.
12+ MONTHS OUT
Early Planning
- Attend Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshop — mandatory for all separating service members
- Review service records for accuracy — correct errors in personnel and medical files now
- Start financial planning: estimate retirement income vs. expenses
- Research BRS options if eligible — Blended Retirement System lump-sum vs. annuity
- Begin documenting all service-connected medical conditions
- Attend VA Benefits briefings and meet with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
6 MONTHS OUT
Claims & Medical
- File BDD claim with the VA — Benefits Delivery at Discharge; must file 90–180 days before separation
- Request retirement physical examinations from military medical
- Submit Household Goods (HHG) move request through Transportation Office
- Decide on Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage level
- Review SGLI-to-VGLI conversion timeline — 240 days to convert after separation
- Update beneficiary designations on TSP, SGLI, and retirement accounts
3 MONTHS OUT
Decisions & Paperwork
- Make BRS lump-sum decision if applicable — irrevocable; consult a financial advisor
- Verify DD-214 details with unit personnel office — service dates, decorations, discharge characterization
- Send VA Waiver election if choosing CRSC or CRDP — submit 60–90 days before retirement
- Apply for a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if planning to buy a home
- Confirm TRICARE enrollment plan for post-retirement coverage
- Set up a civilian budget using projected retired pay and disability compensation
1 MONTH OUT
Final Outprocessing
- Complete final outprocessing checklist with installation
- Confirm first retired pay date with DFAS — typically the 1st of the month after retirement
- Set up myPay access for retired pay account — mypay.dfas.mil
- Obtain multiple certified copies of DD-214
- Register with VA healthcare at your local VA Medical Center
AFTER SEPARATION
Verify & Enroll
- Verify VA disability rating and monthly compensation amount
- Confirm TSP access and review withdrawal/rollover options — TSP-70 for age-based, TSP-77 for separation
- Enroll in VA healthcare (Priority Group assignment based on disability rating)
- Apply for state veteran benefits — property tax exemptions, state bonuses, license plates
- File for concurrent receipt if eligible — CRDP or CRSC; do not leave money on the table
- Confirm FEHB or TRICARE enrollment is active and claims are processing
CIVILIAN RETIREMENT
Transition checklist
- 12+ months out — estimate retirement income vs. expenses; model Social Security at 62, 67, 70 on ssa.gov
- 6 months out — meet with HR about pension election options (single-life vs. joint-and-survivor) — this election is usually irrevocable
- 6 months out — review beneficiary designations on every 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and life insurance policy
- 3 months out — request your Summary Plan Description and any pension or 401(k) distribution paperwork from HR
- 3 months out — plan healthcare bridge: COBRA (up to 18 months), spouse's plan, marketplace coverage, or retiree health if offered — gap coverage matters if you retire before Medicare eligibility at 65
- Final month — confirm final paycheck, unused PTO payout, stock option/RSU timelines
- Final month — set up pension plan administrator portal access (Fidelity NetBenefits, Empower, or your former employer's HR portal)
- After retirement — decide: leave 401(k) with former employer, or roll to IRA for more investment choice and simpler management
- After retirement — register with VA healthcare (every eligible veteran qualifies, regardless of retirement pathway)
- 3 months before 65 — enroll in Medicare Part A & B — late enrollment triggers lifetime Part B premium penalty
- Any time — if you have a service-connected condition and haven't filed a VA disability claim, it's never too late. Module 2 covers how