Women Veteran and Military Spouse First Year Checklist
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Veterans Resources
- Find out what benefits Georgia offers and get help applying for your earned federal and state benefits. The GDVS has over 50 offices located across the state who can help you apply for veterans benefits or appeal past VA decisions.
- Interested in buying a home? VA direct and VA-backed veterans home loans can help veterans, service members, and their survivors to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home. The first step in the process is requesting a Certificate of Eligibility.
- Make sure you have a complete copy of your medical records. Contact the National Archives and TRICARE to request a copy.
- Check your eligibility for VA healthcare and contact a Veterans Affairs Medical Center near your new home. Veterans already receiving care should contact their care team before moving to transfer their care.
- Leaving military service and want to file a claim for veterans benefits? Remember to submit your Intent to File or complete disability claim before your 300th day of discharge. The GDVS can help you file or develop a claim at no charge.
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Career Resources
- Want to upskill for a new career after leaving military service or moving to a new state? eLearning is available for transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses through the Department of Defense's Transition Online Learning System and Transition Assistance Program.
- Looking for a new job or career? WorkSource Georgia is a secure, web-based system used to connect job seekers with job openings across the state.
- As you join or return to the civilian workforce, you may need help with child care. Assistance is available through organizations, like Child Care Aware® of America, or state agencies like Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning. They can help you find high-quality childcare or connect you with Pre-K programs.
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Belonging & Community
- Establishing relationships in a new location can be hard. Connecting with others online to start finding new friends can be a great way to start. Groups like Georgia Military Women can help introduce you to resources, employers, and veterans or military spouses in your new community.
- Find your local Veteran Service Organizations to find others like you. They can help you forge new connections in your area.
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Health & Well Being
- Are you eligible for TRICARE? Apply for coverage or find your local providers if already enrolled.
- Contact a VA Medical Center near you to establish care near your new home.
- Find mental and behavioral healthcare through the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Mental healthcare is also available for children, young adults, and families.
- Georgia has a robust network of VA Vet Centers with counselors who can help discuss loss, grief, and the transition from military to civilian life.
- The Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic at Aspire Health Partners provides high quality mental health services for individuals, couples, families, and group therapy for the entire military community including Active Duty, Veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their family members.
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Military Spouses
- Need help finding local resources? Unite Georgia connects veterans and families to verified partner organizations who can help you and your family with many needs. Find support with child care, food, education, employment, and more.
- Military OneSource offers tools and support for your career, relationships, and health among many resources.
- Connect with other caregivers through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
- The U.S. Department of Labor offers a guide and workshops to help plan your next career, develop your career plan, or work on searching for jobs.