Benefits / Getting Started

VA Solid Start: Your First Year After the Military

VA says

VA Solid Start (VASS)

We say

In your first year out, VA calls you up to three times to check in and help you use your benefits.

Who qualifies: Recently separated service members, generally in the first year after leaving active duty. Some can also schedule a call.

What it is

Leaving the military is a big change. VA Solid Start is VA's way of checking in. Trained VA staff try to call you three times during your first year out: once in the first 90 days, again between days 91 and 180, and again between days 181 and 365.

They'll ask how you're doing and help you with:

  • Signing up for VA health care, including mental health care
  • Filing a disability claim
  • Using the GI Bill or job programs
  • Housing help, including home loans
  • Connecting with local veteran groups and services

Solid Start staff will never ask for your bank information. If someone does, hang up.

Who qualifies

Recently separated service members, generally in their first year after leaving active duty. If you're eligible, you may get an email with the subject "VA Solid Start (VASS) - Schedule Your Call." It lets you pick a time and the topics you want to cover.

Not every call is the same

Solid Start staff go beyond a script. If you mention trouble with sleep, money, housing or stress, they can connect you to the right VA office or a partner group right away. Veterans who had a mental health appointment in their last year of service get extra outreach. You can also call VA's main benefits line at 800-827-1000 any time during your first year.

Your first-year checklist

Some benefits have deadlines that start the day you leave. Use this as a guide:

  1. Save 800-827-0611 in your phone so you answer Solid Start's call.
  2. Update your contact info on VA.gov.
  3. Enroll in VA health care. If you served in a combat zone, you may get free care for five years for conditions related to that service.
  4. File your disability claim. If you didn't file before you left, file an Intent to File now to protect your start date. Filing within one year of discharge can get you paid back to the day after you separated.
  5. Get VA dental care within 180 days if you qualify for one-time Class II care.
  6. Decide on life insurance. You can switch your SGLI to VGLI without health questions if you apply within 240 days.
  7. Use MilTax to file taxes for free within 365 days of separation.
  8. Look into the GI Bill or VR&E for school or training.
  9. Register on USAJOBS if you're interested in federal jobs, and claim veterans' preference.
  10. Use BeThere peer support (800-342-9647), free for up to a year after you leave.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Ignoring unknown numbers. That call may be VA trying to help.
  • Waiting to file your claim. Filing in the first year can mean months of extra back pay.
  • Letting your life insurance lapse. The 240-day window goes fast.
  • Going it alone. Free VSOs can help with all of this.

If you're struggling

Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. You can get VA mental health care no matter your discharge status or whether you're enrolled.

Related benefits

See our guides on filing your claim and BDD, VA health care, VA dental care, VA life insurance, free tax help, and veterans' preference.

Last reviewed November 2026. WeSpeakVA is not the VA. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on VA.gov or with an accredited representative.

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