ATTACHMENT B - Sample VA Benefits and Services Instructor Guide.pdf

Benefits and Services

Version 6.1 July 2025

I N S T R U C TO R

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VA Benefits and Services Instructor Guide Instructor Overview iii

Purpose The Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits and Services course is a mandatory part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This course provides training on VA benefits such as health care, education, Veteran readiness and employment, disability compensation, life insurance and home loans.

The course applies instructional systems design best practices and adult learning principles to focus on decisions and actions that transitioning Service members need to consider regarding their available VA benefits and services. The TAP Curriculum includes classroom time for facilitated registration for VA health care.

This Instructor Guide (IG) contains detailed instructions to deliver VA Benefits and Services.

Taking this course is a requirement for all personnel involved in facilitating this course.

Instructor Preparation

■ Ensure that your IG is up to date and includes all revisions. All updates are available for download in your document repository.

■ Download the current version of the PowerPoint presentation. All materials are available for download in your document repository.

■ Test equipment and videos to ensure they are operational. Work with the TAP Manager at your installation to troubleshoot any issues.

■ Post your name, phone number, email address, building location and office hours in the room— either on a flip chart or a whiteboard.

■ Ensure that participants have a copy of the Participant Guide (PG). PG inventories are stored on-site at all hub locations. Site Leads ensure that inventories are available for all events. Contact your Site Lead for access to these materials.

□ In the event that there are no printed PGs available, have participants download the

Interactive Participant Guide (iPG) (Module 1 in the IG).

objectives.

■ Prepare for Practical Exercises throughout the course. For example:

course. Doing so enables you to be prepared to tailor the discussion on state and local benefits.

■ Research and record local VA representatives, Regional Offices, Military Services Coordinator (MSC) or Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO). Display this information.

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Figure 1: Icebreaker Flipchart Examples

SMART Goals

Active Duty 180–90 Days (or more) to Separation

Active Duty Less than 90 Days to Separation

Retiree Reserves/ National Guard

Spouse/ Domestic Partner/ Caregiver/ Dependent

S Specific

M Measurable

A Achievable

R Relevant

T Time-Bound

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VA Benefits and Services Instructor Guide Instructor Overview v

Required Materials

How to Use The IG This guide provides instructions and narration for you to use when facilitating the VA Benefits and Services course. VA requires Benefits Advisors to:

displaying websites as noted in this guide

■ Take note of Instructor Tips, which are internal tips, notes and guidance for you; do not read this information aloud to participants.

to illustrate practical examples of how VA benefits impact the lives of Service members, Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors.

■ Adjust the material and stories as appropriate based on your audience. Refer to Instructor Tips throughout the course for guidance.

NOTE: You can also use this guide for DOD TAP Capstone and ad hoc events, One-On-One Assistance sessions and other benefits questions.

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Icons Several icons appear throughout this guide to facilitate various elements of the course. Refer to Table 1 for a list of icons and their corresponding descriptions:

Table 1: Icons in VA Benefits and Services IG

Icon Description

Screen Display: Display your screen to demonstrate a tool.

Break: Take a 10-minute break roughly every hour. Take a 60-minute break for lunch. The guide provides suggested breaks but use your best judgment to avoid interrupting the flow of an important concept or activity.

Instructor Tip: Review the internal note for you as the instructor.

Instructor Action: Presented as an action or series of steps for you as the instructor to complete.

Participant Guide: Refer participants to specific pages in the PG.

Ask: Ask the participants a question.

Required Statement: Read this statement verbatim.

Materials Preparation: Prepare the requested materials before class or activity.

Video: Show a video embedded in the PowerPoint file.

Activation: Select the activate button to activate the animations on a slide.

Website Demonstration: Ensure you have the correct website open in your web browser on your computer. Then, share your web browser.

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Instructor Commands Table 2 provides descriptions and examples for each instructor command used throughout this guide.

Table 2: Description of Commands in VA Benefits and Services IG

Command What You Should Do Example

SAY Paraphrase or conversationally read the statement or script unless the Required Statement icon is visible.

SAY: Throughout your transition, your relationship with VA will grow. An entire network of support is available to assist you.

SAY: (when referring to PG page numbers)

Point out corresponding pages in the PG that offer more information, supplemental activity worksheets and more.

NOTE: These actions are not optional.

SAY: Please refer to pages 8–9 of the PG for the steps to update your personal information on VA.gov.

REQUIRED

STATEMENT

When the Required Statement icon is present, and the text is bold, read the statement word for word. Do not paraphrase.

REQUIRED STATEMENT: Generally, to receive VA benefits and services, your character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (for example: honorable, under honorable conditions, general).

ASK Ask an engaging question to solicit input from individual participants willing to share.

ASK: Who thinks each factor on the slide is the most important aspect in choosing where to live?

VIDEO When the Video icon is present, select the link on the slide to play a video.

VIDEO: Select the video link on the slide to launch the video.

SCREEN

DISPLAY

When the Screen Display icon is present, select the appropriate link on the slide to navigate to websites for helpful benefits and services screen displays.

SCREEN DISPLAY: Select the Health Care link on the slide to navigate to VA.gov/health-care/ to show participants where they can learn more about VA health care.

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Parking Lot As you progress through the material, you may receive questions from participants that require further research or may be better suited for another part of the discussion. Create a list—a “Parking Lot”—to collect these questions. Encourage participants to add any questions they may have during breaks to the Parking Lot.

Check the Parking Lot at the end of each module to ensure that you answered relevant questions. Collect contact information for participants whose Parking Lot questions remain unanswered and follow up to give them an answer later. If Parking Lot questions are of a personal nature, recommend a One-On-One Assistance session.

Videos The videos in this course are embedded in the PowerPoint file. Slides with embedded video contain a Video icon (refer to Table 1). Select this icon to go directly to the slide with the embedded video. The video should start playing automatically with closed captions. If it does not play automatically, select anywhere within the black box to access the video controls. Let the video play to the end, then select the Return button to return to the presentation slide.

Make sure to turn on the video’s closed caption feature. It may have shut down, either accidentally or intentionally.

If the video does not play, or there are no speakers, explain what the video would have disclosed, then continue delivering content.

Screen Displays and Practical Exercises There are multiple instructor-led Screen Displays and Practical Exercises throughout the course. Refer to Table 3 for an outline of the course, planned Screen Displays and Practical Exercises.

■ During a Screen Display, encourage participants to walk through steps on their devices as they observe you exploring VA websites and tools. A Screen Display requires an internet connection. If there is no internet connectivity, instructors should use the backup (hidden slides) in the PowerPoint file, which are accessible by the Screens link on the main slide.

When you reach the last of the hidden slides in a section, there is a Return link on the slide that will return you to the main PowerPoint presentation.

■ During a Practical Exercise, participants actively engage in hands-on exercises, either through discussion or by going online. Monitor participants’ engagement during these Practical Exercises. Look for visual cues, such as hands raised, heads up or pens down, to gauge when to wrap up the Practical Exercise.

All Screen Displays and Practical Exercises must be completed, but you can evaluate the audience to determine the best way to facilitate each activity (in small groups, in partner pairs or as a class). The goal is to increase the interactivity of the participants. Be sure to answer participants questions during Screen Displays and Practical Exercises. You will find instructions and additional guidance throughout this IG. If you do not know the answer to a question, do not guess. Add the question to the Parking Lot and inform the class that you will contact VA and provide the answer to the TAP Manager for dissemination.

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Service member Stories This guide provides stories of Service members and Veterans who may use VA benefits and services. These stories are examples, scenarios, videos and activities included throughout the course.

Use these stories to help engage participants and provide practical examples to help them visualize how VA can support their transition and life after military service.

To adhere to course time constraints and deliver a consistent experience for all participants, rely on the practical examples and stories provided in this guide to help participants understand the information presented. Do not add your own stories, examples or experiences to the course.

VA Benefits and Services Course Structure

Table 3: Layering Table of Topics and Activities

Module Length Subtopics and Activities

Module 1:

Introduction to VA Benefits and Services

♦ Practical Exercise: Icebreaker

♦ Video: Microlearning Resources

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Module Length Subtopics and Activities

BREAK 10 minutes Display Veteran Fraud Prevention Poster Series PowerPoint presentation

Module 2:

Maintaining Your Health

♦ Video: VA Health Care Overview

♦ Whole Health

♦ VA Whole Health

♦ Practical Exercise: Complete Your Personal Health Inventory

♦ Practical Exercise: Analyze VA Health Care Services

♦ Practical Exercise (Screen Display): Apply for VA Health Care

♦ Video: Vet Centers Services

♦ Module 2 Wrap-Up

BREAK 10 minutes Display Veteran Fraud Prevention Poster Series PowerPoint presentation xiVersion 6.1

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Module Length Subtopics and Activities

Module 3:

Applying for Disability Compensation

♦ Video: Disability Compensation

♦ Practical Exercise: File a Disability Claim

♦ Claims Assistance

♦ Practical Exercise: Find Your Local VSO

♦ Module 3 Wrap-Up

LUNCH

BREAK

60 minutes Display Veteran Fraud Prevention Poster Series PowerPoint xii Version 6.1

VA Benefits and Services Instructor Guide Instructor Overviewxii

Module Length Subtopics and Activities

Module 4:

Getting Career Ready

♦ Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program

(VMSTEP)

♦ Module 4 Wrap-Up

BREAK 15 minutes Display Veteran Fraud Prevention Poster Series PowerPoint xiiiVersion 6.1

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Module Length Subtopics and Activities

Module 5:

Finding a Place to Live and Community Resources

♦ Practical Exercise: Explore the VA Facility Locator

♦ Video: VA Home Loan Guaranty Program (HLGP)

♦ Practical Exercise (Screen Display): Explore Your State Departments of Veterans Affairs Page

♦ Module 5 Wrap-Up

BREAK 10 minutes Display Veteran Fraud Prevention Poster Series PowerPoint xiv Version 6.1

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Module Length Subtopics and Activities

Module 6:

Course Capstone

41 – 71 minutes*

*Pending VSO, State or Local Presenters

Assessment (TAPA)

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Notional Class Schedule Table 4 displays a suggested schedule outline for classroom preparation, instruction and breaks.

NOTE: The notional schedule allows time for questions.

Table 4: Notional Class Schedule

Time Sections Covered Length

7:30–8:00 a.m. Classroom set up 30 minutes

8:00–8:55 a.m. Module 1: Introduction to VA Benefits and Services 55 minutes

8:55–9:05 a.m. BREAK 10 minutes

9:05–10:15 a.m. Module 2: Maintaining Your Health 70 minutes

10:15–10:25 a.m. BREAK 10 minutes

10:25–11:15 a.m. Module 3: Applying for Disability Compensation 50 minutes

11:15–12:15 p.m. LUNCH BREAK 60 minutes

12:15–1:35 p.m. Module 4: Getting Career Ready 80 minutes

1:35–1:50 p.m. BREAK 15 minutes

1:50–2:35 p.m. Module 5: Finding a Place to Live and Community Resources

45 minutes

2:35–2:45 p.m. BREAK 10 minutes

2:45–3:15 p.m. Module 6: Course Capstone 30 minutes

3:15–4:00 p.m. VSO, State or Local Presenters 15-45 minutes

4:00–4:30 p.m. Classroom break down 30 minutes

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VA Benefits and Services Instructor Guide Welcome: Course Introduction 1

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Open the VA Benefits and Services Module 1 PowerPoint (PPT) presentation. Display Slide 1 as participants walk into the room and take their seats.

Welcome participants with passion and energy! Personalize your greeting by including additional information on your background, experience and service connection.

Mention the interactive nature of the course and ensure each participant has access to a computer or other personal device before the start of the course. Encourage participants to see a TAP Manager to sign out a laptop, if needed.

INSTRUCTOR TIP: Computer availability may vary by installation.

SAY: Good morning everyone and welcome to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits and Services course! My name is . I’m a VA Benefits Advisor (BA) and will facilitate today’s course.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and services VA offers.

Our goal today is to ensure you have the information you need to make well-informed decisions about how to use the benefits and services you’ve earned. As we move through the course, keep the following in mind:

Slide 1: Welcome

Introduction to VA Benefits and Services

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SAY: Benefits Advisors (BAs) are your go-to resource for benefits support. Like all BAs, I am:

to apply for benefits and how to connect with VA for future assistance.

Although VA BAs can help explain VA benefits and services, we are not authorized to handle your personally identifiable information (PII) or protected health information (PHI). Please do not email me or any other VA BA your PII or PHI.

For more individualized help, please set up a One-On-One Assistance session with me or another BA to further discuss any benefits you learn about today. My contact information is on the board.

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VA Benefits and Services Instructor Guide Module 1: Introduction to VA Benefits and Services

Module 1

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VA Benefits and Services Instructor Guide Module 1: Introduction to VA Benefits and Services

SAY: To make the most of this course, you’ll need the VA Benefits and Services Participant Guide (PG). This helpful guide provides web links, eligibility requirements and instructions to apply for benefits and services. You can access it online at benefits.

va.gov/transition/VA-TAP-Course-Catalog.asp.

The PG is organized to help you find what you need quickly. Each module includes objectives and a Personal Goals Checklist. The modules include key information about VA benefits and services. QR codes and contact information are embedded within the modules. Infographics, tables and charts display eligibility, processes and other complex information.

SAY: On page A-159 you’ll find Appendix A: Additional Resources. This is a collection of web links, specific resources and benefits beyond what we will discuss in the course today. For example, there are a variety of VA identification cards you may apply for that can be helpful after you transition.

Appendix B: Course Links (by Module) begins on page B-175. It is a collection of web links and other contact information for today’s topics. We will take some time to review them together, so you’re comfortable using it in the future.

Another resource available to you is the TAP Interagency Website Guide (TIWG) located at tapevents.mil/resources.

I have also displayed contact information of representatives who can assist you.

We will refer to specific pages of the PG throughout this course. Page number references appear on each slide in the lower left corner and are meant to be a general guide to help you follow along.

Slide 3: Course Materials

Introduction to VA Benefits and Services https://benefits.va.gov/transition/VA-TAP-Course-Catalog.asp https://benefits.va.gov/transition/VA-TAP-Course-Catalog.asp https://tapevents.mil/resources

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REQUIRED STATEMENT: The VA Benefits and Services course informs and educates transitioning Service members about VA resources, such as health care, education, housing, disability compensation and insurance and community resources, empowering them in their transition from active duty to Veteran status.

SAY: Today, we will dive into VA benefits and services that can help support you and your family during your transition. Before lunch, we will review tools like the VA Welcome Kit and Login.gov to help you prepare for your separation. We will explore VA health care benefits and help you begin an application. We will discuss the PACT Act and disability compensation. After lunch, you will learn how to use the GI Bill for your and your family’s educational needs, utilize job resources for your next career and discover how VA can help you finance a home by providing loan programs. Lastly, we will put it all together and provide you the opportunity to map your personal goals to make them achievable.

This information pertains to all members of the uniformed services, including all branches of the armed forces and their Reserves or National Guard, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps.

NOTE: The National Guard website offers information specific to the National Guard community. We’ll also discuss how VA can support family members, caregivers and survivors.

SAY: To get the most out of today:

with me later.

Slide 4: Course Goal

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INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Gesture to the Parking Lot for questions. Keep the Parking Lot in the same location throughout the course.

SAY: If you have questions I cannot answer quickly, I will add them to the Parking Lot and address them at the end of each module or at a later time.

INSTRUCTOR TIP: You may need to adjust the language for the lunch break depending on the time the course begins.

SAY: During the training day, we will take breaks at the end of each module, with a lunch break after Module 3, typically during the middle of the day.

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SAY: Let’s take a few moments to learn about where each of you are in your transition journey.

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Post statuses (below) on chart paper around the room with enough space between each chart paper for participants to gather. Provide a sticky note to each participant. Class setup may vary. Choose from one of the following options or create your own to accommodate your class needs.

Option 1—full variety:

Option 2—all retiree class or all separatee class:

Slide 5: Practical Exercise:

Icebreaker (Part 1)

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INSTRUCTOR TIP: For smaller classrooms:

Offer fewer options for grouping, such as:

For participants with disabilities:

Ask participants to raise their hands or respond in a manner appropriate for the class makeup. For example, participants call out “yes” as you read the options aloud.

SAY: I have posted some transition statuses around the room and there are sticky notes on your desks. Please write your name on a sticky note and place it under the status that best suits you.

SAY: (IF APPLICABLE) If you are a Reservist who is retiring from the Full-Time Support (FTS) or Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program, feel free to place your name under the “Active Duty” chart.

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Allow participants to place their sticky notes on chart paper and return to their desks. They do not need to stay in their groups. Use the information you gather about your audience to customize the facilitation of this course as noted in

INSTRUCTOR TIPS.

INSTRUCTOR TIP: If class layout and makeup allow, suggest participants re-seat themselves and form groups nearest to the chart paper that represents their transition status. If class layout or makeup do not accommodate the participants sitting by their chart, have participants stand by the chart to conduct the discussion and provide responses. For participants with disabilities, you may call on individual volunteers to share their thoughts from their seats. Upon completion of the Practical Exercise, participants may return to their seats.

You may need to designate spaces in the room for each group—in this Practical Exercise and others throughout the course—to facilitate the move.

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SAY: I’d like to pose a few questions for your group to discuss. These questions are also displayed on the screen.

Please take a few moments to share your responses to each question within your groups.

ASK:

1. Which TAP classes have you taken previously?

Answers may vary.

2. What are you hoping to get out of class today?

Answers may vary.

3. What are your thoughts about this stage of your transition?

Answers may vary.

ASK: Who would like to share your status, interests or feelings about your transition to civilian life?

Answers may vary.

SAY: We’ll use scenarios in this course that include transitioning Service members (TSMs) that are retiring or being separated on a medical discharge, just to name a few.

The goal of these scenarios is to highlight that every transition is different, and there are many ways to maximize your VA benefits and services.

Let’s start talking about how VA can help you in your transition.

Slide 6: Practical Exercise:

Icebreaker (Part 2)

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REQUIRED STATEMENT: Upon completion of Module 1, you will be able to:

your transition.

■ Identify how proof of military service may impact eligibility for VA benefits and services.

■ Establish personal transition goals.

SAY: You will learn how to sign in to VA.gov using your Login.gov, ID.me or DS Logon credentials.

REQUIRED STATEMENT: VA will discontinue the use of DS Logon in late 2025 for gaining access to VA.gov. Login.gov is now the VA’s preferred method of gaining access to VA.gov and is used for access to many other secure, governmental websites.

REQUIRED STATEMENT: When you leave this class, VA.gov will be your “launching point” where you begin searching for information. Whether you want to find eligibility information, apply for specific benefits and services, locate a facility or find the appropriate point of contact, your best bet is to start with VA.gov.

Slide 7: Module 1 Learning Objectives

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Slide 8: A Road Map to Your Transition

Your Transition

SAY: Although each person’s transition journey is unique, certain decisions apply to everyone. This slide displays the areas that TSMs may consider when leaving military service. Our goal today is to help you understand the benefits, services and tools you can use to support you at each step.

You’ve had a relationship with VA since you joined the military. For example, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a VA program. We’ve been with you since the beginning!

REQUIRED STATEMENT: We know that one size does not fit all. We want to help you understand what applies to your life goals. The intent is for YOU to own YOUR transition.

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Point out the stops on the transition journey.

SAY: We will:

REQUIRED STATEMENT: At the end of Module 6 you will be asked to complete the Transition Assistance Participant Assessment (TAPA) survey. We encourage you to provide honest and thorough feedback on the course to help us to improve the experience for future participants.

SAY: Let’s look at your first stop in the transition journey. You can learn more about the road map to your transition journey on page 4 of your PG.

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Slide 9: Introduction to VA BAS

Your Transition

SAY: When considering how VA can assist you in your transition, it’s essential to:

■ Think about your goals. Define them using the SMART goal model, which we will discuss later.

■ Plan for today and tomorrow. Planning will help you identify VA benefits and services that can assist you in achieving your long-term objectives.

■ Establish a source of health care before leaving the military, even if you don’t plan to use it immediately.

Establishing a source of primary health care is vital for all new Veterans regardless of their disability status or current health care needs.

VA offers many benefits that Service members and Veterans can enjoy. You deserve the best. VA is the best at what we do, and we can make a significant difference in your life.

To prepare for your transition while you are still in-service, you can:

What you will learn during this course, and from other TAP courses, may help make your return to civilian life a positive experience. The video we will watch will introduce several resources to help you in your transition.

SAY: Use page 4 of your PG to take notes during the video. We ask you to consider what your education, housing and health care needs may be.

Additional TAP courses are offered as a resource and will be highlighted throughout this course.

NOTE: VA regularly updates our website to provide you with the most current information on your VA benefits and services. Check the website often, as information may have changed since this video was released.

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Your Transition

VIDEO: Select the Video link on the slide to launch the “Microlearning Resources” video, which plays for about two minutes. When the video ends, use the Return link to return to this slide.

(IF APPLICABLE) If the video does not play, share this summary with participants and then move on to Slide 10.

You can find information about the benefits and resources you have earned at tapevents.mil.

TAP courses can be found at tapevents.mil/courses and fall under four tracks:

■ Core Requirements—includes an overview of education, housing and health care benefits.

including education, insurance, and social and emotional health.

SAY: In the video that I just played, you heard mention of the Women’s Health Transition Training (WHTT) program. Please note that we are currently updating this training. It will be available to you soon.

ASK:

1. What were your main takeaways from the video?

Answers may vary.

2. Where can you access information about the benefits and resources you’ve earned?

tapevents.mil

3. What topics are included in the MLCs track on tapevents.mil/courses?

Education, insurance, social and emotional health

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Once participants respond, address what they share and assure them that any questions they have will be answered in various parts of this course or other TAP courses. If the audience shares concerns or questions that you cannot address at this time, add them to the Parking Lot and offer to schedule a One-on-One Assistance session.

SAY: As you go through TAP courses, make sure you are paying attention, taking notes or highlighting important information. If you have questions, ask them today or set up a One-On-One Assistance session with me or another BA.

While you navigate your transition journey, keep in mind:

decisions about your transition.

https://tapevents.mil/ https://tapevents.mil/courses https://tapevents.mil/ https://tapevents.mil/courses

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Slide 10: Online Resources

How VA Supports You

SAY: Throughout today’s course, we will touch on several online resources to help you navigate your transition as you integrate into your community.

You can see several online resources displayed on the slide. These will be key before, during and after your transition.

These websites are always a good place to begin:

■ VA.gov is your launching point to learn about, access and manage your VA benefits and health care.

■ My HealtheVet is an online tool that provides resources and information to manage your health care and relationship with your VA health care team.

■ Military OneSource is a government-owned search tool that provides online information and resources that Department of Defense (DOD) vets.

■ National Resource Directory (NRD) is a government-owned search tool that you can use to research financial planning, education, employment, health care, housing, daycare and more.

■ The Reserve and National Guard page of VA.gov has helpful information about VA benefits and services for Reserve and National Guard members.

■ The Coast Guard Support System website provides helpful information about life and financial coaching, non-medical counseling and other services for active-duty Coast Guard members, employees and families.

SAY: We’ll discuss each of these websites later in the course. You can find more information about the online resources available to you on pages 5–6 in the PG and in Appendix A.

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How VA Supports You

SAY: Next, let’s look at how you can update your personal information using VA.gov. It is important that you update your information using VA.gov because it will automatically update across numerous VA-related websites you may want to access later.

Although you don’t need to update personal information now, it’s good to know how easy it is.

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Read each step (below) aloud as you demonstrate it.

SCREEN DISPLAY:

Step 1: Visit VA.gov.

Step 2: Select VA Benefits and Health Care from the menu, then select Records in the drop-down.

Step 3: Under Manage your records, select Change your address.

Step 4: Follow the directions on the page to change your address and other contact information in your VA.gov profile.

SAY: When you separate, you must change your email address from your .mil address because you won’t have access to that email address anymore. Before you turn in your Common Access Card, make sure you return to VA.gov and update your email address to one you check regularly.

SAY: Page 10 of the PG covers the steps to update your personal information on VA.gov.

SAY: VA.gov provides current, accurate and complete information about your benefits and is more reliable than a simple internet search would be.

The VA Benefits 101 MLC module is also available in the classroom or online. This module presents an overview of VA’s benefits and services. For more information about this module, see page 8 of the PG.

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Slide #: TitleHere

■ Bullets

How VA Supports You

Slide 11: Practical Exercise: Create a Login.gov Account

SAY: Please raise your hand or call out “yes” if you have already created a Login.gov account.

You will use this to access VA.gov when you separate from service. You can also use your ID.me account.

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Determine how many participants will need to complete the next Practical Exercise based on their responses. Participants may or may not already have a Login.gov account.

1. If only a few participants need a Login.gov account, you don’t need to show the video to the class. Direct participants to their PG and have them follow the steps during a break. Skip the rest of this slide and move to the next slide.

2. If most of the class needs a Login.gov account, follow the steps below before moving to the next slide.

SAY: Login.gov is a sign-in service that currently provides secure access to several websites, including VA.gov, using a single username and password.

You can still log in using your ID.me and DS Logon accounts. VA will discontinue the use of DS Logon in late 2025 for gaining access to VA.gov. Login.gov is now VA’s preferred method of gaining access to VA.gov. Contact the help desk at login.gov/help or call 844-875-6446 if you need account assistance.

NOTE: VA regularly updates our website to provide you with the most current information on your VA benefits and services. Check the website often, as information may have changed since this video was released.

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How VA Supports You

VIDEO: Select the Video link on the slide to launch the “How to Create a Login.gov Account” video, which plays for about two minutes. When the video ends, use the Return link to return to the slide. Have participants complete their registration during a break, as needed.

(IF APPLICABLE) If the video does not play, share this summary with participants:

To create a Login.gov account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to VA.gov. Select Sign in from the site header. A sign-in screen will appear.

Step 2: Select the Learn about creating a Login.gov or ID.me account link. Review the page, then select Create a Login.gov account.

Step 3: The Login.gov sign-in page will appear. Select Create an account. This step will ask for your email address.

Step 4: Enter your email address and select your Language preference.

Step 5: Read and accept the Rules of Use and select the Submit button. This step will take you to instructions to confirm your email address.

Step 6: Open a new browser window to check your email inbox. Open the email from Login.gov and click Confirm email address. This step will take you back to Login.gov to create your password.

NOTE: If you enter an email already connected to a Login.gov account, you’ll get an email from Login.gov that tells you how to reset your password.

Step 7: Enter a password that meets all the security requirements listed. Enter the password again to confirm.

Step 8: Set up a multifactor authentication for an extra layer of security.

Step 9: Select Continue. This step will take you back to the Login.gov sign-in screen.

SAY: Please refer to the Practical Exercise: Create a Login.gov Account on pages 9–10 of the PG for steps to create a Login.gov account. If you’re not able to complete your Login.gov registration in class, please call the Login.gov help desk at 844-875-6446 for assistance.

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Slide #: TitleHere

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Slide 12: Immigration and Naturalization

Immigration and Naturalization

SAY: Service members or Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces interested in becoming U.S. citizens may be able to apply for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). If you are currently on active duty, or within six months of separation, you may not have to live or be physically present in the U.S. before you apply for naturalization. You also may not have to pay any fees.

Spouses and children of U.S. Service members may be able to get expedited or overseas naturalization. Family members who are not U.S. citizens and family members of deceased Service members may also be eligible for immigration services on a case-by-case basis.

Members of the National Guard may qualify if they have honorable service in either the U.S. Armed Forces or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve during an authorized period of hostility, or with a National Guard unit that is federally recognized as Reserves of the U.S. Armed Forces.

SAY: Please refer to page 11 in the PG for more information on immigration, naturalization and eligibility requirements.

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Slide 13: Separation Documents

Proof of Military Service

SAY: Now, we’ll take a few minutes to review some important separation documents that you’ll need.

REQUIRED STATEMENT: Your key to most benefits is your DD214, Certificate of Uniformed Service.

SAY: DD214, issued when you exit the military, is proof of active-duty service and shows your:

You should:

affect your access for benefits, and it is difficult to make changes after separation.

4. (Optional): File your DD214 at your local courthouse in the area you choose to live.

DOD has released a new standardized DD214 for all military branches. However, previous versions and branch-specific service records are still valid for determining your eligibility for VA benefits and services.

Let’s discuss a few sections of the form.

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Read the table (below) row by row aloud as you review the content.

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Proof of Military Service

SAY: I’m going to highlight some key sections of the form now.

Table 5: DD214 Key Information

Section Description Purpose

Block 11 Lists Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) in service (coverage continues free for only 120 days after separation).

VA uses it to determine your eligibility for life insurance after separation.

Block 14 Lists all awards received during service. VA uses it to determine your eligibility for programs with specific service requirements.

Block 17 Indicates whether you received all appropriate dental services and treatment within 90 days before your separation.

VA uses it to determine your eligibility for dental care after your separation.

REQUIRED STATEMENT: You should keep all financial records, such as a Leave and Earning Statement (LES) and other documents, like your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) election certification. You may not be able to access them after you leave service.

INSTRUCTOR TIP: If none of the participants are National Guard members, you may omit the following section regarding NGB Form 22 and NGB Form 23. Read the final SAY below and go directly to the Character of Discharge section.

SAY: Members of the National Guard will need:

■ NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, supporting documentation of service issued upon separation.

■ These Service members should check Item 10a and Item 24 for accuracy.

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Proof of Military Service

INSTRUCTOR ACTION: Read the table (below) row by row aloud as you review the content.

Table 6: NGB Form 22 and NGB Form 23 Key Information

Section Description Purpose

Item 10a Provides information on service for the current period.

VA uses it to determine your eligibility for specific benefits.

Item 24 Indicates the character of service. VA uses it to determine your eligibility for specific benefits.

SAY: Now we will talk in more detail about character of discharge.

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SAY: Character of Discharge is an important part of the DD214.

REQUIRED STATEMENT: Generally, to receive VA benefits and services, your Character of Discharge needs to be under other than dishonorable conditions (for example: honorable, general [under honorable conditions]). But individuals receiving bad conduct or other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits and services depending on VA’s determination about eligibility.

SAY: We will review specific eligibility requirements as we discuss VA benefits today.

Eligibility for each benefit or service may differ, but most have requirements for length of service and Character of Discharge.

SAY: Information about discharge upgrades can be found on page 14 of the PG.

It is important to remember that you can go to VA.gov to apply for a discharge upgrade or correction. By answering a series of questions, you get customized, step-by-step instructions on how to do so. DOD determines discharge upgrades.

If your application goes through and your discharge is upgraded, you’ll be eligible for the VA benefits you earned during your period of service.

SAY: The Other Than Honorable (OTH) MLC module is also available in the classroom or online. This module presents an overview of the benefits and services that may be available to those with an Other…