Life change guide

I'm leaving the military

Guide to VA benefits, Medicaid, unemployment, and SNAP for people separating from military service.

Programs that can help

SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.UnemploymentUS Department of Labor / state workforce agenciesUnemployment insurance pays temporary cash benefits to workers who lose their jobs and meet their state's rules.VA BenefitsUS Department of Veterans AffairsThe US Department of Veterans Affairs offers disability pay, pension and health care to eligible veterans, and some benefits to their families.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure

We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

ClearLine Wireless

4.3(5,310 reviews)

Phone plansSponsored

Free unlimited talk and text with Lifeline

Qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI and get a free smartphone plan.

Check Lifeline plans

On ClearLine Wireless's secure site

Cost: $0/month
Best for: SNAP or Medicaid households
Setup: Free SIM, keep your number

Pros and details

Pros

Unlimited talk and text
4.5 GB data included
No contract or credit check

Good to know

Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.

Harbor Prepaid Card

4.2(3,470 reviews)

BankingSponsored

Get benefit payments up to 2 days early

A prepaid debit card for SSI, unemployment and tax refunds, with no overdraft fees.

Open an account

On Harbor Prepaid Card's secure site

Monthly fee: $0 with direct deposit
Best for: No bank account
Early pay: Up to 2 days

Pros and details

Pros

No credit check
No overdraft fees
Free reloads at 50,000+ stores

Good to know

A $5 monthly fee applies without direct deposit. SNAP benefits can't be loaded.