PRESEPARATION COUNSELING CHECKLIST

AC, AGR, AR, FTS, RPAAirman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)

Scott AFB

• Please complete the Pre-Assessment. At the end of the briefing you will complete the Post Assessment and the correct responses will be provided. If you do not have one, ask the facilitator for a copy.

• The A&FRC uses this Pre & Post Assessment to ensure you have met the learning objectives we have outlined to be covered during today’s presentations.

• The additional questions at the end of the Post Assessment are used for the

purpose of meeting your needs and customer services demographics.

• All the responses are calculated and results are provided by to the TAP GPS Core Compliance Expert and the A&FRC Chief for review & action as needed.

• Thank You for your assistance in improving our programs and services.

Overview for TAP GPS

• Complete the DD Form 2648• Career Readiness Standards (CRSs)• Optional 2 day tracks

Career Readiness Standards 1. Complete an assessment of personal circumstances - DD

Form 2648, Pre-separation Counseling Checklist2. Complete 12 month post-separation budget 3. MOC crosswalk Gap Analysis 4. Register on eBenefits – Service members must

demonstrate that they have an eBenefits account 5. Complete the ITP6. Assessment Tool 7. Capstone (Oct 13)

Introduction• Purpose of Preseparation Counseling– Mandated by Title 10– Introduce benefits and services – Answer questions – Describe assistance in place to help you

• Checklist serves as reference for planning transition– Referrals provided to agency experts

General Instructions• Do not use pencil, red ink or felt tip pen to complete

form– Use black or blue ink ball point pen

• Fill out form completely– Include name & SSN at top of pages 2 – 5– Enter SSN without dashes

• Begin each entry with the first box• Write within each fields’ boxes• Read/review Section III Instructions

Effects of a Career Change #10

• Explain the effects of a career change• Identify coping techniques• Referral contact information

– Chaplain– Military OneSource– VA Vet Centers/Veteran Service Organizations– Education Office– A&FRC– National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

(PTSD): www.ncptsd.va.gov/index.html Courage to Care: www.usuhs.mil/psy/courage.html

Dept of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW) #11a

• Bi-Monthly • Workshop content information• Post-military employment resources

Mandatory to attend the workshop (some exemptions)Mandatory to attend the workshop (some exemptions)

TAP GPS Workshop DatesJun 3-7

Jun 17-21

Jul 8-12 Jul 22-26

Aug 5-9 Aug 19-23

Sep 9-13 Sep 23-27

Oct 7-11 Oct 21-25

Nov 4-8 Nov 18-22

Dec 9-13

Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) #11b

• Utilization of VMET• Eligible members can print VMET at:

www.dmdc.osd.mil/vmet• Coast Guard does not have VMET

GI-PF-ed_transcripts@uscg.mil• NOT an official transcript• Refer to FAQs on website

Civilian Occupations Corresponding to Military Occupations/ONET #11c

CRITICAL RESOURCE • O*NET resources• Program and features– Career Exploration Tools, etc.

• www.onetcenter.org (open website) – mynextmove.org for potential occupations

Licensing and Certification #11c(1)• Credentialing– Licenses– Certifications

• GI Bill utilization– http://www.careerinfonet.org/certifications_new/

DOL America Job Centers #11c(1)(a)

• Organized around customers (job seeker, business, students, workforce professionals)

• Labor market information• Occupational profiles• Career resource library & research database• Licensing information• Multiple career tools– Careeronestop.com

US Army Credentialing On-line #11c(1)(b)

• Identify credentials related to military occupations• Civilian credentialing requirements• Financial assistance• https://www.cool.army.mil

USMAP #11c(1)(c)

• Apprenticeship programs• Recognized by DOL• https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil

DANTES #11c(1)(d)

• Base Education Offices• Educational opportunities and non-traditional

education• CLEP and SOC• DANTES standardized tests

Scott Education Office, Bldg 1650, 256-3327

Navy Cool Website #11c(1)(e)

• Identify credentials related to military occupations• Civilian credentialing requirements• Financial assistance• https://www.cool.navy.mil

Turbo TAP #11d• Comprehensive separation site• Resources for money management, veteran benefits,

education and training, health care and more• My Decision Points (Individual Transition Plan)• www.TurboTAP.org • http://www.turbotap.org/export/sites/default/transi

tion/resources/PDF/PreSepGuide_AD.pdf

Employment Hub #11d(1)• Designed for separating service members• Translates military skills and experience• Job search tools and databases

www.turboTAP.org/portal/transition/resources/Employment_Hub

Hire Vets First #11d(2)

• Hire Vets First website is obsolete, check “no”

State Job Boards #11d(3)

• Every state has a job board for their state• Employers can search for applicants• Applicants can search for positions• www.careeronestop.org/jobsearch/cos_jobsites.aspx

DOL Realifelines #11d(4)

Hire Vets First website is obsolete, check “no”

Public and Community Service Opportunities #11e

• Non-profit, public, and community organizations• www.nationalservice.gob• www.serve.gov

Teacher and Teacher’s Aide Opportunities/Troops to Teachers #11f

• Eligibility and qualifications• Stipend/Bonus• Employment opportunities• www.proudtoserveagain.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYJfBGrZY9k

Federal Employment Opportunities #11g

• 3 Main ways to acquire federal positions– Merit promotion– Special hiring authority– Competitive appointment

• Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)• Referral contact information– OPM: www.fedshirevets.gov

USAJobs.com #11g(1)

• Official job site of the federal government• OPM website• One-stop source for federal jobs• www.usajobs.gov

Go-Defense.com #11g(2)

• DOD job website• Careers in national defense• Entry level to executive level• http://godefense.cpms.osd.mil

Veterans Preference in Federal Employment # 11g(3)

• Eligibility– Veteran– Disabled Veteran

• Demonstration

• Referral contact information– OPM: www.opm.gov

Veterans Federal Procurement Opportunities #11g(4)

• Maximizing participation• Eligible small businesses• Veteran advantages– www.sba.gov and www.fbo.gov

• Subcontracting Opportunities– www.gsa.gov/subdirectory

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Special Hiring Authorities #11g(5)

• Special Hiring Authority– Veterans Recruitment Appointment– 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans• OPM: www.opm.gov

Hiring Preference in Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Jobs #11h

• Eligibility requirements– One time hiring preference based

on SPD for those separating– Veteran’s Preference

• Define NAF– Career executive force– General work force– Entry level workerswww.nafcareers.com

State Employment Agencies #11i

• Dedicated veterans employment representatives– Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist– Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER)

• Available services – Provide employment, training and placement services

• Locate nearest state office at www.servicelocator.org

American Job Centers 11i(1)• Relation to State Employment Offices• Types of available services • Locations and resources• Service locator– www.servicelocator.org

Workforce Investment Act #11i(2)

• Administered by the DOL• Eligibility• Program and services available

http://www.careeronestop.org/WiaProviderSearch.asp

Increase the occupational skill attainment and thereby increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants

Increase the occupational skill attainment and thereby increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants

Veterans Small Business Ownership and Entrepreneurship Programs #11j

• Small business ownership– Women Owned Small Business

• Franchise opportunities• Resources available at federal, state and local level– Scott A&FRC: bi-monthly classes

– Vetbiz.com – Frannet.com

Small Business Administration and the SBA Patriot Express Loan #11j(1)

• Small Business Administration– Counseling, mentoring, training– Veteran Advantages– SCORE

• Patriot Express Loan– Eligibility– Amountswww.vetbiz.comwww.sba.gov

National Veteran’s Business Development Corporation #11j(2)

• Congressionally mandated• Reinforcement of assistance to veterans– Facilitate collaborations between veteran-

owned small businesses, providing a gateway to access resources, programs, funding

• Referral contact information– www.veteranscorp.org

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

#11k• Eligibility• Timelines• Notification requirements• Veterans Employment and Training Service

(VETS)– www.dol.gov/vets

USERRA

Priority of Service #11l

• Workforce programs funded in whole or in part by DOL

• Eligibility• www.servicelocator.org

NEW ITEM: VOLUNTEER SERVICE

• Benefits of volunteer work– Networking opportunities– Ability to learn new skills– “Giving back”

• www.serve.gov • SeniorCorps (over the age of 55)– National program

• www.seniorcorps.gov

NEW ITEM: AMERiCORPS

• Federal and state non-profit stipended national service position

• Members provide a range of services• Made up of several programs• Eligibility• http://www.americorps.gov

Permissive Temporary Duty and Excess Leave #12a

• Time frames• Eligibility• Granting PTDY/TAD• Based on SPD Code

Travel and Transportation Allowances #12b

• Time frames/extensions• Extended housing allowance• Entitlements

www.defensetravel.dod.mil www.militaryonesource.com

Housing Counseling Assistance #13

WHAT CAN HUD DO FOR YOU?

HUD.GOV 888.995-HOPE– HUDVET

Education Benefits #14a• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)• Montgomery GI Bill• Post 9-11 GI Bill (transfer extended to 31 Jul 2013)

– Scott Education Office or VA rep

Member must request transfer of education benefits while still on active duty!

Member must request transfer of education benefits while still on active duty!

US Department of Education Federal Aid Programs #14b

• Eligibility• Availability• Veterans’ Educational Benefits• Upward Boundwww.federalstudentaid.ed.gov

Other Fed/State/Local Education and Training Options #14c

• Scott Education office or the nearest Ed Center for your branch of the military

• http://www.studentveterans.org/index.php/home/chapters/list-alpha/i.htmlhttp://www.finaid.org/otheraid/state.phtml http://www.nelnetsolutions.com/dod/

Physical and Mental Health Well-Being #15a

• DOD Mental Health Assessment Program• Anonymous, self assessments available online, by phone, or

special events at installations or reserve units– PTSD– Depression– Alcohol use– General anxiety disorder

• Veterans Crisis Line– 1-800-273-8255 press 1

Scott Mental Health Clinic 256-

Transitional Healthcare Benefit/TRICARE #15a(1)

• Eligibility and time frames for Transitional Health Care– Transitional Assistance

Management Program (TAMP)• TRICARE– www.tricare.mil/mybenefit

• Delta Dental• TRICARE Office, 2nd floor of

Scott MTF

VA Health Administration #15a(2)

• Timelines for services and benefits• Mandatory VA Veterans’ Benefits Briefing– MUST enroll in eBenefits

• VA disability compensation• Medical care– www.va.gov– 1-800-827-1000

VA Vet Center #15a(3)

• Eligibility • Readjustment counseling• Outreach services• www.vetcenter.va.gov

State and Local Health Care and Mental Health Services #15a(4)

• Research the state• Explore options• www.statelocalgov.net

Healthcare and Other Benefits #15b, VA Health Care #15b(1), VA Dental Care

#15b(2)• TRICARE• Delta Dental• Retirees– Tricare Prime enrollment– Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TDRP)

• www.tricare.osd.mil

VA Health Care #15b(1)

• Broad range of medical, surgical, readjustment counseling and rehabilitative care

• Eligibility– Not just for service connected disabilities;

also non-service connected injuries or medical conditions

• www.va.gov

VA Dental Care #15b(2)

• VA outpatient dental treatment• Eligibility• www.va.gov or 1-877-222-8387

Continued Health Care Benefits Program #16a

• Continued Health Care Benefit Program• Time frames• Explain health system and relation to

family members• Importance of researching medical

coverage options• Separating with military health issues• www.humana-military.com

1-800-444-5445• Referral contact information

Veterans Group Life Insurance #16bVGLI

• Conversion information and time frames• Amounts and restrictions• Personal choice• www.insurance.va.gov

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance #16c

• Coverage• Amounts and restrictions• www.insurance.va.gov

Traumatic Injury Protection under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

(TSGLI) #16d• Coverage and eligibility• Amounts and restrictions• www.insurance.va.gov

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) #16e

• Coverage• Amounts and restrictions• www.insurance.va.gov

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) #16f

• Coverage and eligibility• Amounts and restrictions• www.insurance.va.gov

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) #16g

• Coverage• Amounts and restrictions• Personal choice• www.insurance.va.gov

VA Life Insurance #16h

• Already discussed on previous slides– Veterans Group Life Insurance– Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance– Traumatic Injury Protection– Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance– Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance– Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

• Benefits • www.va.gov

Transitional Health Care Benefit #16i

• Information already covered under checklist item #15a(1)

Financial Management #17a• Spending Plan / Budget• TSP: http://www.tsp.gov• Retirement• SBP• Military vs. civilian pay and benefits• TaxesAirman & Family Readiness 618-256-8668

Separation Pay #17b

• Eligibility – Based on SPD Code Contact your servicing Finance Office

Unemployment Compensation (UCX) #17c

• Eligibility – DD 214 – Honorable Discharge

• Explain Benefit• http://servicelocator.org– www.bls.gov

General Money Management #17d• Budgeting– http://turbotap.org/portal/transition/resources/Financial_

Calculators (can obtain an electronic budget)

• Debt reduction• Referral contact information

Personal Savings and Investment #17e

• Savings• Investments– Bond– Certificate of Deposit (CD)– Stocks– Mutual Funds

Airman & Family Readiness Ctr 618-256-8668

Reserve Affiliation #18

• Obligation• Eligibility qualifications

Air National Guard: http://www.goang.com Air Force Reserves: http://www.afreserve.com Army National Guard: http://www.1800goguard.com Army Reserves: http://www.goarmyreserve.com Coast Guard Reserves: http://www.uscg.mil/reserve/ Marine Corps: www.marines.mil/unit/marforres/Stay/PSR.aspx# Navy Reserve: http://www.navyreserve.com

VA Benefits Briefing #19• Compensation and pension• Education and training• Home loan assistance• Insurance• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)• eBenefits (EVERYONE MUST ENROLL)

EVERYONE MUST ATTEND THE VA BENEFITS BRIEFING!!!EVERYONE MUST ATTEND THE VA BENEFITS BRIEFING!!!

Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) Briefing #20a

• Eligible veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program• Educational / vocational counseling • www.va.gov

VA Disability Benefits #20b

• Disability compensation• Vocational rehabilitation• VA health care• Dental care– Briefing is held the 1st day (Monday) of the TAP GPS

Seminar

General disability benefit information covered in block 15General disability benefit information covered in block 15

Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and Quick Start #20c

• Apply for disability compensation prior to sep/ret• BDD• Quick Start• Timelines• www.va.gov

State Veterans Benefits #21

• State benefits vary state to state• Eligibility and examples• http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera

n-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory

Two-Year Commissary and Exchange Privileges #22

• Eligibility / qualifications• BenefitBased on SPD Code

Legal Assistance #23

• Available assistanceContact the Scott Legal Office

Post Government Employment #24

• Mandatory briefing requirementContact the Scott Legal Office

Individual Transition Plan #25

• What• Why• WhoContact the Airman & Family

Readiness Center, ACAP or the Navy Career Advisor

Language Skills/Regional Expertise #26a and #26b

• Defense Language Volunteer Program• Opportunities for military members who speak a

foreign language• Outreach program being developed– Military personnel– Civilian personnel

• Privacy Act requirements

Final Remarks

• If counseling received within 89 days or less before separation, place an X to designate the appropriate reason

• Provide brief statement / explanation• Sign and date form

DD Form 214• What is it?– Review for accuracy before finalized

• Why you need it?• Importance of safeguarding the document• Where to get copies– Automated Records Management

System (ARMS) at AFPC 1-800-565-2450

Electronic Access to DD Form 214• Access electronic DD Form 214 on date of sep/ret– AFPC will also mail to forwarding address provided

by member • Must contact TFSC PRIOR to separation to request

UserID and password to access system– Must register with current Common Access Card

credentials

• Member may access document from home for up to 60 days after separation•Increase ease for filing unemployment or enrolling in school

Review of Career Readiness Standards (CRSs)

• Common CRSs - everyone must meet and will be verified at the mandatory CAPSTONE event (DD Form 2958)– DD Form 2648

• Complete Section 1, Block 1 of ITP (We will accomplish next)

– 12 month post-separation budget– Counseled on continuum of military service (Documented on the

ITP, Block 1, page 4)– MOC crosswalk Gap Analysis– Register on eBenefits– Complete the ITP

• Must take when attending Transition GPS• Must attach DD Form 2648 to ITP

Employment CRSs

• Specific CRSs to the Employment track – members who choose this track must meet and will be verified at the mandatory CAPSTONE event (DD Form 2958)– Complete assessment tool– Complete job application package

• Resume (private / federal)• References (personal / professional)• Submitted applications (2)

– OR job acceptance letter– DOL gold card certificate

• Exempt members can download certificate at: http://www.dol.gov/vets/goldcard/revisedgoldcard5.pdf

Education & Career Technical Training CRSs

• Specific CRSs to the Education & Career Technical Training tracks– members who choose these tracks must meet and will be verified at the mandatory CAPSTONE event (DD Form 2958)– Complete assessment tool– Complete a comparison of academic or technical

institution choices– Complete college, university or technical training

application(s)– Confirm one-on-one counseling with a college, university

or technical training institution advisor

Optional 2 Day Tracks

• Education Track (Oct 13)– 2 day track (preparation for college life and re-

entering school)• Career Technical Track (Oct 13)– 2 day track (helps with reputable technical school

selection)• Entrepreneurship Track (B2B) – Bi-Monthly at

A&FRC – 2 day track (pursuing your own small business or

franchising)

Individual Transition Plan(ITP)

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Individual Transition Plan

• Everyone must have one– Section 1 completed during Pre-Sep pp 1 – 5 – Remaining sections will be completed during the

T-GPS– Reviewed at end of T-GPS for completion

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ITP Page 1

• Complete the top of the form– List your top 3 Military Occupations Codes & titles• AFSC• MOS

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Career Readiness StandardsAll Career Paths

• Pre-Sep Counseling• Register for VA Benefits• Prepare Post Separation budget• Evaluate continuing service through Reserve

Component• Crosswalk: Military Skill Set to civilian skills• Complete ITP

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Readiness StandardsITP Page 2

• Employment Career

• Education Career

• Technical Training Career Readiness

• Starting a Business

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Identify Post-transition Personal/Family Requirements

A. Taking Care of Individual/Family Member Needs

Identify individual/family needs- Do you have a family member with a special need

-- A&FRC EFMP Coordinator can help?- Do you have a disability that will require additional travel to obtain services?- Will you have co-pay costs on medical services?

Identify extenuating individual/family circumstances- Will you be responsible for assisting with elder care in the next few years?- Do you need to find special schools for your children or yourself?

Assess impact of relocation options - Buying/selling a vehicle- Spouse needs assistance finding job at new location- Obtain info on schools, taxes, etc

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Post-transition Personal/Family Reqs (con’t)

Immediate post-transition housing requirements - Will you be selling/buying/renting?- Are you do a DITY or is AF moving your belongings? - Will temp storage be needed Post-transition transportation requirements

Who is your support networkWhom do you spend leisure time with

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Personal Assessment • Assessing Benefits and Entitlements

– Evaluate benefits – Register for VA Benefits

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Personal Assessment

• Getting Financially Ready– Identify financial obligations– List new required workforce clothing costs – Develop and attach a plan to reduce/eliminate

current debt – Develop 12-month budget of current obligations

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What must I to bring to TAP GPS?

TAP SEMINARPreparation

• Must bring DD 2648• Individual Transition Plan• Financial Forms • DD Form 2586, VMET/Coast

Guard request official transcript with CG 1561: CGI-PF-ed_transcripts@uscg.mil

• Completed rough draft of a resume (template is in your pkg)

• OPR/EPR/ORB/OER/ Personal Qualifications Records/Dev Counseling 4856, NCO ER

• Copy of LES• Laptop (if possible)• Thank You cards• Copy of job announcement

similar to type of job you’re seeking– www.USAJOBS.com – www.Monster.com – www.INDEED.com

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BREAK

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Department of Veteran Affairs

Don GoshaMilitary Service CoordinatorVA Regional Office, St Louis

VA Benefits can affect you now and for the rest of your life. They can

also affect your dependents…even after your death!

VA• Veterans Benefits Administration

– All VA benefits - Compensation, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, etc.

– Administered by VA Regional Offices

• Veterans Health Administration– All VA health care services– Administered by VA Medical Centers, Ambulatory

Care & Community Based Outpatient Clinics, etc.

• National Cemetery Administration– National and State Veterans Cemeteries– Headstones & Markers– Presidential Memorial Certificates

Benefits

• Compensation• Pension• Health Care• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment• Education and Training• Home Loans• Life Insurance• Dependent and Survivor Benefits• Burial Benefits

eBenefits – My Gateway to Benefit Information

• www.ebenefits.va.gov• One-stop shop for benefits-related online

tools and information• You can– Apply for Benefits– See your benefits status and payments online– Download your DD 214

What do I need to know about eBenefits?

• Two types of accounts– Basic (to view benefits information)– Premium (also allows viewing of personal VA and

DOD records)• Ways to get a Premium account (need DOD

Self Service Logon):– Use Common Access Card (CAC)– Retirees with “My Pay” account access– At a VA Regional Office

Compensationfor

Service-ConnectedDisabilities

Compensation

Disability Examples• Knee Condition

• Migraines/Headaches

• Heart Condition

• Back Condition

• Acid Reflux

• Diabetes

• Disabilities are rated from 0% to 100%

• VA rating is independent of any military rating (PEB)

• Payments begin with 10% ratings

• Additional allowance for dependents with 30% or higher rating

Compensation

Compensation – Sample RatesRating Vet Only Vet+S Vet+S+1C Vet+S+2C Vet+1C

10% 129 N/A N/A N/A N/A

20% 255 N/A N/A N/A N/A

30% 395 442 476 499 426

40% 569 631 677 708 611

50% 810 888 946 985 862

60% 1026 1120 1189 1235 1089

70% 1293 1402 1483 1537 1366

80% 1503 1628 1720 1782 1587

90% 1689 1830 1933 2003 1783

100% 2816 2973 3088 3166 2921

Rates Effective: 12/01/2012

Disability Compensation Process

• File VA Form 21-526 – There are a number of versions (526, 526b, 526c,

526ez). Use the right form for your category.– Critical 1 year timeframe for general medical

exam!– I highly recommend obtaining assistance with

filing via a VA Representative or Service Organization.

When Can I File a Compensation Claim?Can I file while still on Active Duty?

• There is no time limit for filling Disability Compensation!• Eligible to file a compensation claim within 180 days of

leaving active duty– Must have a known separation date

• Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)– 60-180 days prior to discharge– Full copy of Service Treatment Records– Be available for exams

• Quick Start/Pre-Discharge Claims– 0-60 days prior to discharge– Full copy of Service Treatment Records

Features of a VA Loan

• No down payment• Special assistance

for veterans w/ difficulty making payments

• Funding Fee waived for Veterans in receipt of VA Compensation

Loan Purposes

• Buy a home• Build a home• Refinance existing loan • Repair, alter, or improve a home• Use only for property located in

the US, its territories or possessions

• Must occupy the property as your home within a reasonable period of time

VA Health Care

Who is eligible and how do you apply?

• Eligibility information is at: www.va.gov/healtheligibility

• Application form is: VA Form 10-10EZ

Veterans of Operations Enduring

& Iraqi FreedomVA provides up to five years of free health care for enrolled Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations and are seeking care for an injury or illness that was caused or aggravated from this active duty service.

www.va.gov/rcs/

Vet Centers provide quality readjustment counseling in a caring manner. Vet Centers understand and appreciate veterans’ military experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-military adjustment in or near their community.

ReadjustmentCounseling Service

Global War on Terrorism Priority Processing

• Recipients of:• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal• Iraq Campaign Medal• Afghanistan Campaign Medal• On DOD Listing

– And meet the following:• OEF/OIF claim received within 6 months of leaving

active duty • All claims for PTSD from OEF/OIF Veterans (except

increases)

Other benefits to consider:

• Education (GI Bill)– Transferability only while on Active Duty

• Vocational Rehabilitation• Veterans Group Life Insurance• Pension

Primary VA Contacts

• 1-800-827-1000 (general VA line)• www.va.gov• www.gibill.va.gov• 1-888-442-4551 (education line) or 1-888-

GIBILL1• http://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits• http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits

Thank You For Your Service to our Country!

All those separating vs retiring and other branches of the military may now leave.

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Survivor Benefit

Plan (SBP)

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What is SBP?

• Retired pay stops when you die!• Many widows were being left destitute• 21 Sep 72 Congress implemented the SBP• Government subsidized annuity program• Patterned after the Civil Service annuity plan• SBP is only way your survivors may continue to

receive a portion of retired pay

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Who can be a beneficiary and receive the payments?

• Spouse only – Receives payments for life

• Remarriage after 55 does not suspend payments

• Child(ren) only – Under 18 or until 22 if unmarried, full time student– Permanently disabled child receives for life– All eligible children receive the annuity in equal shares

• Spouse and Child– Spouse is primary beneficiary– All eligible children receive the annuity in equal shares only if

spouse becomes ineligible due to death or remarriage before age 55

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Who can be a beneficiary and receive the payments? (cont)

• Insurable Interest Person– Only when no spouse or children at retirement– Can be a relative• If related closer than a cousin, no financial justification

required

– Can be non-related person with financial interest in retiree

– Proof must be provided: life insurance beneficiary, joint property owners

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What is a Base Amount?• Base amount is the amount that

determines:– The monthly cost to the member – The annuity paid to the eligible survivor

• Retiree selects the base amount:– Highest --full gross retired pay– Lowest --$300

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How much does SBP cost?• Monthly spouse costs are usually 6.5 percent of

base amount• Child only cost is based on age of member and

youngest child– Less expensive than spouse coverage

• Spouse and child coverage: – Spouse cost plus additional amount for the children– Additional child cost is based on age of member, spouse

and youngest child (less than the cost of child only coverage)

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Cost Examples

• Assume base amount is $1700 and ages are– Retiring member: 43; Spouse: 41; Youngest child: 7

• Assume full coverage is elected – Spouse only coverage costs $110.50 per month– Child only coverage costs $5.78 per month– Spouse and child coverage costs $110.99– Additional cost for child’s portion is only 49 cents

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How much does a spouse receive?

• Example of annuity payable upon member’s death:– If base amount selected is:$1700– 55% of base amount: X .55– Monthly annuity: $935

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How much does a child receive?• Example of annuity payable upon member’s

death:– If base amount selected is:$1700– 55% of base amount: X .55– Monthly annuity: $935

• Benefit split equally among all eligible children– 2 eligible children receive $467.50 each

• Caution: Child coverage, is less expensive, but it can’t replace spouse coverage

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Different than Insurance

• SBP premiums are non-taxable• SBP coverage can’t be canceled due to ill health or

advanced age • Government pays portion of SBP premiums• Insurance provides lump sum payments, however-

– Pay-out usually decreases with age or premiums rise– When lump sum is gone, that’s it!

• SBP provides life-time payments to spouse• SBP annuity increases with COLAs

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Mandatory Retirement Processing Actions

• Attend one-on-one SBP briefing for you and spouse– Spouse must be informed of the options and effects

of the SBP– Come prepared to make SBP election– Spouse must concur in any election of less than full

spouse coverage– Bring all birthdates, marriage date, SSNs for all family

members– Election may be changed up to last day of active duty

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Mandatory Retirement Processing Actions (cont.)

• DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel– EVERY retiring member MUST complete this form PRIOR

to their date of retirement– Properly establishes their retired pay account

• SBP election / Tax status / Correspondence address / Arrears of pay beneficiary information

– Spouse must concur in any election of less than full spouse coverage

– Failure to complete DD 2656 prior to retirement establishes automatic full SBP coverage

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Questions?

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THANK YOU!