Benefits Earned as a Retiring Service Member

As a retiring serve member, there are preparations that must be made to take advantage of, or continue the use of, benefits that have been earned. Some of these benefits could be lost if appropriate steps are not taken.

TRICARE

To ensure there is no break in coverage, re-enrollment must be completed within 90 days after the retirement date. The Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE) should be scheduled between 90 and 180 days before retirement or start of terminal leave. The SHPE is used by the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a single separation examination to capture a complete medical history. Visit the TRICARE website for more information at https://tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Retiring.

DENTAL AND VISION

The Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program is available to certain retired uniformed service members. For eligibility, enrollment, and other information, visit the BENEFEDS website at https://www.benefeds.com/learn/learn-pgm-landing/fedvip.

LIFE INSURANCE

Servicemember's Group Life Insurance plans continue 120 days after separation, then there may be an option to convert to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI). VGLI requires that premiums continue to be paid. The VA Life Insurance page at https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/#get-va-life-insurance will provide more information. Additional information specifically about VGLI may be found at https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vgli/.

COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES

After retirement, privileges to the commissary and exchange remain the same. Privileges overseas may be subject to a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

GI BILL AND EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The GI Bill may be good for 10 to 15 years, or indefinitely. This depends on what type of GI Bill and the service member's date of separation. The VA Education and Training Benefits page at https://www.va.gov/education/ will give more information. The GI Bill may also be transferred to dependents once obligations incurred with the transfer has been completed.