Be Prepared
Prepare yourself well ahead of time by starting your job search at least six months out (preferably one year). There are plenty of resources to help you on your way. Your local Marine Corps Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) provides career/employment assistance, vocational guidance and transition information to separating Marines and their family members. Other military-related websites are available to assist you in your job search such as USAJobs.gov, MilitaryHire.com, VetJobs.com, DOD Job Search, QuintCareers.com and MilitaryJobZone.com, just to name a few.
Decide Where You Want to Live
The military will pay to move you to either your Military Home of Record or another location, whichever is cheaper. For example, if your Home of Record is Idaho but you got a job in North Carolina, they would pay to move your household goods to North Carolina, if you prefer.
Another little known fact is that the military will grant extensions of up to five years if you’re not ready to leave the area when you separate from the service. The extensions must be applied for each year. See your base’s Transportation Office for the requisite forms and more information.
It is important to note that the peak moving season is from May through August so, if possible, schedule your move at another time to avoid delays in your household goods delivery. Be sure to bring six copies of your orders, a Power of Attorney or Letter of Authorization, POV registration and two copies of enlistment contract or officer Home of Record papers as well as two copies of orders to your current duty station.
Keep Your Hold Baggage Separated
Start packing up seasonal items after the season ends to make the move easier. Be sure to have your Hold Baggage separated so it will provide you with necessities before the rest of your household goods arrive. It’s a good idea to store your Hold Baggage in a separate room such as a bathroom so that it won’t be included in the packing up of the rest of your household goods.
Be Sure You Continue Your Medical Coverage
For retiring service members, you will have the opportunity to continue your TriCare coverage. For a small monthly payment (which can be deducted automatically from your retirement pay) you can continue the same coverage you had while on active duty. You should meet with the medical clinic's Health Benefits Advisor to find out what kind of health care is offered in the area to which you are moving. Contact your local TriCare representative’s office for more information.
For separating service members that aren’t retiring, you and your family are not eligible to use military treatment facilities or the TRICARE/Civilian Health and Medical Program through the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) health care plan. However, you may purchase extended transitional health care insurance for up to 18 months coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP). You have 60 days after separation to enroll in CHCBP. Your coverage will start the day after your separation. See your Health Benefits Advisor for more information.
Don’t Forget Dental
Dental insurance for retirees is available through the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP). Administered by Delta Dental of California, it is the first and only dental benefits plan created by Congress especially for Uniformed Services retirees and their family members. More expensive than what you paid for while on active duty (with higher deductibles, co-pays and cost-shares), it is still an option worth exploring until you have other dental insurance offered through your new employer.
More Decisions
Affordable life insurance is offered through the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance program (VGLI). VGLI is a program that allows service members to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance. Members with full-time SGLI coverage are eligible for VGLI upon release from service.
What’s more, you should consider the Uniformed Services Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) that offers primary survivor benefits to survivors of retirees (and, in some situations, active duty members).
More Transition Resources
Check out Military.com for valuable resources such as a skills translator, job search, résumé center and much more. The skills translator is an especially helpful tool because it helps you figure out how your military skills will transfer into applicable civilian qualifications.
Home Financing Options
One of your most important military benefits is the VA Loan. With a VA Loan, you can qualify for a mortgage of up to $417,000 with no down payment. At Military.com you can use their Home Affordability calculator to find out how much home you can afford as well as an Eligibility calculator and forms for applying for a VA Loan.
For more information about your home financing options, give me a call and I’ll provide you with all the information you need to get the appropriate financing for your new home.
Enjoy your new opportunities and when you’re in the market for real estate in Beaufort, give me a call. I’m here to serve those who serve.
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